Sheep & Goat Nutriton

SHEEP & GOAT

NUTRITIONSUSAN SCHOENIAN

SHEEP & GOAT SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

WESTERN MARYLAND RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER, KEEDYSVILLE, MARYLAND

[email protected] – WWW.SHEEPANDGOAT.COM – WWW.WORMX.INFO

Presentation outline

Nutrients

Nutrient requirements

Intake

Synchronizing forage and animal production

Supplementation

Evaluating nutritional program

Suggested resources

Nutrients required by all sheep and goats

Energy

Protein

Minerals

Vitamins

Water

Energy (calories)

Nutrient required in the greatest quantity.

Is usually the most limiting nutrient.

Comes primarily from carbohydrates and

fats in the diet, but also from excess protein.

Excess energy is stored as fat in the body.

Energy is expressed in different ways:

• TDN - total digestible nutrients, %

• DE - digestible energy, kcal

• ME - metabolizable energy, kcal

• NEp - net energy, kcal

• DOM - digestible organic matter, %

Improper feeding of energy to livestock

Not enough energy in diet Reduced fertility

Reduced growth rates

Reduced milk production

Loss of body condition, reserves

Higher critical temperature

Less cold tolerance

Reduced resistance to disease.

Risk of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis)

Reduced nutrient absorption.

Increases protein requirements (%) of ration.

Too much energy in diet

Wasteful economically

Over-conditioned (BCS >4.5) animals

have impaired reproduction.

Fat females are more prone to

pregnancy toxemia and dystocia.

Feed efficiency decreases once an

animal has reached its optimal finish.

Excess finish is undesirable to most to

consumers.

Protein (amino acids)

Required in smaller amounts than energy.

More expensive feed ingredient than energy.

Amount more important than quality.

Excess protein is not stored in the body: excess protein is broken down and used as energy.

Some excess protein may be beneficial if parasites burdens, esp. barber pole worm, are excessive.

Protein is expressed in different ways:

• CP – crude protein• DP – digestible protein• MP – metabolizable protein

• DIP – rumen degraded intake protein• UIP – undegraded intake protein

Crude protein (CP): N x 6.26 True or “natural” protein

1. Rumen degraded intake protein (DIP)

Digested in rumen

N ammonia microbial protein

2. Undegradable intake protein (UIP)

(bypass or escape protein)

Not digested in rumen.

Digested postruminally (in small intestines) or

excreted in feces.

Non-protein nitrogen (NPN), e.g. urea

By-pass protein

A mix of microbial protein and

bypassed dietary protein is

desired for optimal productivity.

In high-producing animals, it is

recommended that 25-35% of

protein be bypass protein.

20-30 % of the protein in fresh,

high quality forage is bypass

protein.

Supplementing with bypass

protein may improve

productivity and/or increase

resistance to internal parasites.

Bypass Protein sources

Low

Soybean meal

Medium

Cottonseed meal

Dehydrated alfalfa

Distiller’s grains

High

Corn gluten meal

Fish meal

Improper feeding of protein to livestock

Not enough protein

Protein deficiency is rare; most effects are sub-clinical

Impaired reproduction

Reduced growth rates

Reduced hoof and horn growth.

Reduced milk production

Decreased fiber production

Reduced resistance to disease, especially parasites.

Reduced rumen function

Reduced nutrition absorption

Too much protein

Expensive and inefficient source of energy.

Risk of pizzle rot in males

Can cause metabolic harmExcess N ammonia UREA (BUN)

Reduces performance, as energy is

required for removal.

Excess protein has been shown to cause

reproductive problems in cattle .

Excess N (in manure) can be an environmental

concern (“a resource out-of-place”)

MicronutrientsRequired in small amounts: ounces, grams, international units (IU), or parts-per-million (PPM).

Minerals

MacromineralsCalcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P)

Salt: sodium and chloride (NaCl)

Potassium (K)

Magnesium (Mg)

Sulfur (S)

Trace or microminerals1. Cobalt (Co)2. Copper (Cu)3. Fluoride (F)4. Iron (Fe)5. Iodine (I)6. Manganese (Mn)7. Molybdenum (Mo)8. Selenium (Se)9. Zinc (Zn)

Vitamins

Fat-soluble - A – D – E – K

Carotene (green forages) vitamin A

Sunlight Vitamin D

Vitamin E sometimes requires supplementation

Vitamin K synthesized in rumen

Water-soluble - B complex – C

B vitamins synthesized in rumen

Vitamin C synthesized in tissues

Possible micronutrient problems

Deficiencies

Calcium and phosphorusrickets

Calcium

Milk fever

Copper

Various, including

swayback, stringy wool,

hair color

IodineGoiter

Magnesium

Grass tetany

Excesses Calcium

milk fever

Copper (esp. sheep)Chronic or acute toxicity

Selenium toxicosis

Sulfur - polio

Imbalances Copper, molybdenum, and sulfur

Copper toxicity or deficiency

Calcium and phosphorus

Urinary calculi

SaltLower feed and water

consumption

Selenium and Vitamin E

White muscle disease

Various other problems

Thiamin (B2)

Polioencephamalacia

ZincWool picking, skin problems,

hoof problems

Important nutrition interactions

Calcium and phosphorusRatio should never go below 1:1

2:1 is ideal for most rations, especially for males and castrates.

Cobalt and vitamin B12

Copper, molybdenum and sulfurMolybdenum forms insoluble complex with copperSulfur binds with molybdenum

Nitrogen and sulfur10:1 to 12:1 ratio is ideal

Energy and proteinExcess protein (N) reduces nutrient absorption and causes intestinal imbalances.

Nutrient requirements of sheep and goats

Vary by

Species

Genetics (type)

Size (weight)

Body condition

Sex

Age

Stage and level of production

Disease

Environment

Nutrient requirements vary by species

and genetics

0.50

0.70

0.90

1.10

1.30

1.50

1.70

1.90

2.10

2.30

Angora Boer Local Dairy Lamb

Energy (TDN) requirements, lb/day

66 lb. intact male kids/lamb

0.33 0.33

0.33

0.66

0.09+

fibergrowth

0.50

0.70

0.90

1.10

1.30

1.50

1.70

1.90

Mature ewe Meat doe Dairy doe Angora doe

Energy (TDN) requirements, lb/day

132 lb. female, maintenance

+fiber

growth

Source: Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, 2007

Nutrient requirements vary by size (weight)

0.80

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

1.60

1.70

110-lb 154-lb 198-lb

Energy requirements, lb. TDN/day

Mature ewe, maintenance

0.60

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.50

88-lb 132-lb 154-lb


Mature non-dairy doe, maintenance


Energy requirements vary by stage

of production

1.00

1.20

1.40

1.60

1.80

2.00

2.20

2.40

Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Lactation


132-lb. mature non-dairy doe (twins)

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50



176-lb. mature ewe (twins)


Protein requirements vary by stage

of production

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

0.80


Protein requirements, lb/day


0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0.45

0.50


Protein requirements, lb/day

132-lb. non-dairy doe (twins)


Mineral requirements vary by stage

and level of production

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Early lactation

Mineral requirements, g/d


1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Early lactation

Mineral requirements, g/d

132-lb non-dairy doe (twins)

Calcium

Phosphorus


Nutrient requirements vary by level of

production

1.60

1.70

1.80

1.90

2.00

2.10

2.20

2.30

2.40

Single Twins Triplets


132-doe, late gestation

1.60

1.80

2.00

2.20

2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

3.20

3.40

Single Twins Triplets

Energy requirements, lb. TDN/d

176-lb. mature ewe, late gestation


Nutrient requirements vary by desired level of

performance, e.g. ADG

0.50

0.70

0.90

1.10

1.30

1.50

1.70

No gain 0.11 0.22 0.33 0.44 0.55


44-lb. intact Boer buckling

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

0.44 0.55 0.66 0.88


66-lb. ram lamb, 4 mos. early maturing


Intake

Intake is important for acquisition of nutrients, especially by grazing livestock

Livestock require amounts of nutrients, not percentages.

Livestock requirements are based on the dry matter (moisture-free) content of the feed source.

Feedstuffs vary considerably in their dry matter content (percentage).

Fresh-growing forages usually have a low dry matter content compared to more mature pastures and most harvested feeds.

Intake can be a limiting factor on pasture-based diets.

Factors affecting intake

PalatabilityFlavor and texture

Foraging behaviorbite size and bite rate

Chemical characteristics of feedalkaloids, endophyte, tannins, and terpenes

Forage quality, density, and availability

Dietary energy and fiber contentFiber Intake

Physiological stage of animal

Temperaturetemperature metabolic rate

Supplementation

How to increase intake

Keep forage in vegetative

stage through grazing

management.

Diversify pasture composition to include several grass species

and around 30% legumes.

Maintain a dense pasture so

animals will take larger bites.

Supplementation

Synchronizing forage and animal

production

Breeding flock/herd Growing/finishing lambs & kids

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

January February March April May June July August September October November December

176-lb ewe 132-lb doe

Energy requirements of ewes/does, lbs. TDN/day

Winter (January) lambing/kidding (twins)

Dry periodLactation Early gestationLate

gestationBreeding

LambingKidding

Wean

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50




Winter (January) lambing/kidding (twins)

DryLactation Early gestationLate

gestationBreeding

LambingKidding

Wean


Growing and finishing

Winter-born lambs and kids

Winter

born

Wean


Winter-born lambs and kids

Winter

born


1. Sell at Easter

2. Market by July 1

3. Hold for Muslim holiday

Wean

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50




spring (APRIL) lambing/kidding (twins)

DryLactationEarly

gestation

Late gestation Breeding

LambingKidding

Wean



Spring-born lambs and kids

Spring

born

Wean




Spring

born

Wean

1. Sell at weaning

2. Hold over summer

3. Put on feed

4. Forage option




Spring

born

Wean

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50




Fall (September) lambing/kidding (twins)

Dry LactationEarly gestationLate

gestationBreeding

Lambing

Kidding

Wean




gestationBreeding

Lambing

Kidding

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50



Wean




gestationBreeding

Lambing

Kidding

Wean

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50



September October November December January February March April May


Fall-born lambs and kids

Fall

born

Wean



Fall

bornWean


1. Sell at Christmas

2. Put on feed

3. Forage options




Fall

bornWean

Supplementation: when is it necessary?The purpose of supplementation is to provide required nutrients that are not being supplied by the forage diet.

Determine which nutrient is limiting and

supplement that one first.

Supplementing energy is helpful on

vegetative, well-managed pastures for

more efficient utilization of forage protein

(especially for high producing animals).

Supplementing with protein is necessary

on low-quality pasture and rangeland or

when continuously grazing temperate

warm-season pastures.

The added production should cover the

cost of supplementation.

Feed + delivery + labor

Who to supplement and why?

Ewes and does

Improve BCS

Flushing

Late gestation

Early lactation

Lambs and kids

To improve growth rates

To improve parasite tolerance

To finish for market

To reach target markets

To develop replacement females

Other reasons for supplemenation

As a carrier for

Minerals

Coccidiostats

Antibiotics

MGA

Natural “dewormers”

Nematode-trapping fungus *

Sericea lespedeza pellets to help control parasites

During drought conditions or inclement weather.

To stretch the pasture resource.

Supplemental feeding

Supplementation

The animal eats the

supplement and

pasture intake is not

reduced.

Substitution

Some of the supplement is substituting for pasture.

Pasture intake drops. Saved pasture may be your goal.

Complementation

• A good supplement increases the animal’s intake of dead pasture or crop residue.

Types of supplements

SaltMinimum recommendation

Mineral mixesGeneral recommendation

Nutritional tubs, blocksCostly, but labor-saving

HayCommon practice

GrainUsually most economical

Sericea lespedeza pelletsHelp control parasites

High fiber feedsIdeal for grazing ruminants

Supplementation with fibrous by-product feedsPermissible under USDA Grass-fed Standards

>18% CF < 70% TDN 5.5% Fat

FeedstuffCF

(fiber, %)

TDN

(energy, %)

CP

(protein, %)

Fat

(EE, %)

Almond hulls 16 59 5.0 3.3

Cottonseed hulls 48 45 5.0 1.9

Oat hulls 32 40 4.0 1.5

Peanut hulls 63 22 7.0 1.5

Soybean hulls 38 77 13.0 2.6

Source: Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants, 2007

Roughage feeds are low in starch and thus do not create the negative associative effects in the

rumen that are often created when the forage diet is supplemented with feed grains.

Mineral supplementation for grazing livestock Free choice supplementation generally recommended

Low-cost “insurance” to provide adequate mineral nutrition.

Because soils differ in mineral content from place to place, it is difficult to recommend a mineral mix that is suitable for all farms.

Can test soil, feed, water, and/or tissues to determine specific mineral needs of livestock.

Use species-specific mineral mixes.

Loose mineral mixes are better than blocks for sheep and goats.

Keep mineral mixes dry.

Don’t let mineral feeder(s) run out.

Make sure all animals get minerals; may need multiple feeders placed around pasture.

Evaluating the nutritional program in a

pasture-based production system

Forage

1. Quality

Forage test to determine likely

quality of animals’ diet.

2. Quantity

Estimate forage yield

1) Clip-and-weight

2) Plant height and density

Animal

1. NIRS fecal profiling

► Have feces analyzed to determine

quality of forage diet consumed

by animals.

2. Evaluate animals

1) Health

2) Performance

3) Body condition scoring (BCS)

Sampling to determine quality of

diet consumed by grazing livestock

Forage

Sample pasture to determine likelyquality of animals’ diet.

Fill gallon-size bag with forage sample.

Take sample when animals first have access to pasture.

Observe animals to see what plants they are consuming.

Tear plant at grazing level.

Sample entire pasture.

Mix sample.

Send to lab (can freeze)

Feces

Sample feces to determine quality of diet (forage component) animals consumed in previous 36-48 hours.

Collect pooled fecal sample after animals have been grazing pasture for at least 48 hours.

Collect samples from ~10% of flock or herd.

Fill quart-size back with feces.

Keep cool (can freeze).

Send to a lab.

Western Maryland Pasture-based

meat goat performance test

Date Forage DM CP NDF ADF TDN RFV

7/14 Sunn Hemp 16.8 20.0 24.4 21.4 75.8 278

7/14Sunn Hemp

Dwarf Pearl Millet15.2 21.8 36.3 26.7 72.6 174

7/14 Orchardgrass 43.9 9.9 69.4 43.8 53.5 73

7/13 Sorghum 26.9 18.4 66.8

8/09 Mixed weeds 14.1 65.8 111

8/09 Chicory 14.3 75.3 184

8/09 Lambsquarter 23.2 89.6 289

Forage Analyses, Cumberland Analytical Services

2014 Western Maryland pasture-

based meat goat performance test

Date Composition CP DOM DOM:CP

June 19 Cool season 16.7 46.9 2.8

June 29 Cool season 19.0 50.0 2.6

July 3 Cool season 21.2 50.1 2.4

August 7 Warm season 21.5 47.4 2.2



NIRS Analysis, Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab

Animal monitoring: Body condition scoring

One the most practical and important tools

available to livestock producers.

Used to monitor nutritional program and

health of flock/herd.

Cannot determine body condition without

handling (touching) animals.

A scoring system of 1 to 5 (with 0.5

increments) is usually used for sheep

and goats.

Extremely thin with no fat reserves, 1

Healthy animals, 2.5 to 4

Very over-conditioned (obese) animal, >4.5

Suggested resources

2015 Winter webinar series: pasture management for small ruminant producershttp://www.sheepandgoat.com/recordings.html#pasture

Ruminant Nutrition for Grazers (NCAT-ATTRA)http://extension.usu.edu/rangelands/files/uploads/Ruminant%20Nutrition/Ruminant%20nutrition%20grazing.pdf

Certified forage testing laboratorieshttp://www.foragetesting.org/files/2013_Certified_Labs.pdf

Grazing Animal Nutrition (GAN) Labhttp://cnrit.tamu.edu/ganlab/

Energy converterhttp://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/java/LivestockSystemMgt/Conversion/energy.htm

This presentationhttp://www.slideshare.net/schoenian/sheep-goat-nutrition

THANK YOU. QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

SUSAN SCHOENIANSheep & Goat SpecialistUniversity of Maryland [email protected]

Sheep & Goat Nutriton

Education

Transcript of Sheep & Goat Nutriton