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
Top Related