Using Forages for Feeding Sheep

Joyce E. Meader

Extension Educator

University of Connecticut

The Matching Game

• What is your forage quality?

• What are your animal needs?

• DO THEY MATCH??

• (What supplements do you still need?)

Spring Lambing on Pasture

• When is the highest energy forage?– Vegetative Pasture (2-9”)

• Who has the highest energy needs/ when?– Ewe-lamb mothers nursing triplets

A PERFECT MATCH!

72% TDN and 18% Crude Protein

Pasture Needed

• 1 ewe unit = 1 ewe plus 1.6 lambs Grazing orchardgrass for 7 day grazing period*

• Spring regrowth, ¼ acre per “1 ewe unit”

• Summer regrowth, ¾ acre per “1 ewe nit”

• *assumes 50% utilized, 50% wasted

Last 4 Weeks of Gestation & Early Lactation Ewes, 150 lbs

• Pasture, veg or Haylage, veg + no grain(If over 66%TDN,18% C. Protein)

• Mature Hay need: 3 lbs grain(24%protein)(50% TDN, 8% C.Protein)

• Corn Silage + 1 lbs grain(40%protein) (70% TDN, 8% C. Protein)

Ewes - Maintenance Ration

• Grass, headed (58% TDN, 10% C.Protein)

• No grain mix needed, but feed free choice: 50% TM Salt and 50% Dicalcium Phosphate

Water, most critical feed ingredient.

Lambs - Finishing

Need

Weight Gain/ Day TDN Protein

22-44 lbs 0.55 82% 17%

(Need creep feed)

66-110 lbs 0.55 72% 11%

Pasture, CS w/ protein, Hay w/ grain