Small Ruminant Nutrition & Systems
Small Ruminant Nutrition & Systems
Part IV: Nutrition Overview
Presenter: Dr. Nancy Irlbeck
Specialization: Comparative Nutritionist
Physiological Status
Growth Stages
Neonate
Early Stage
Late Stage
Flushing: Improved reproductive performance by increasing feed intake before breeding.
Gestation
Divided into three trimesters:
1st two-thirds
Last one-third
Lactation
Early Lactation
Late Lactation
Maintenance
Geriatric Care
Gestation Trimesters
Use of gestational age for dietary management along with Body Condition Score (BCS).
Example: 150-day gestation period divided into trimesters:
First Trimester: Days 1-50
Second Trimester: Days 51-100
Third Trimester: Days 101-150
Impact of Body Condition:
Too thin or too fat sheep can face health issues during gestation.
Metabolic Concerns in Late Gestation
Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever): A condition due to low calcium levels, particularly in late gestation.
Pregnancy Toxemia: A metabolic disorder due to energy deficit typically occurring late in pregnancy, especially in multiple births.
Lambing Considerations
Single Lamb: Importance of ultrasound in determining pregnancy status and health.
Multiple Lambs: Strategies for managing care to ensure optimal health.
Prolapse Scenarios
Types of Prolapse:
Vaginal Prolapse
Rectal Prolapse
Maintainance of normal anatomical structures is vital.
Anatomy of Birthing
Full Term Ewe with Lamb in Normal Presentation
Anatomical landmarks:
Vagina
Tail
Vulva
Pelvic Floor
Rear Leg
Udder
Teat
Cervical Seal
Uterus
Foetal Membranes
Umbilical Cord
Ringwomb
Neonates and Nutritional Needs
Nutrient Acquisition: All essential nutrients from milk sourced from the dam.
Example products: Kam, Kahlua, Toasted Askan Almond, and Amber.
Selenium and Vitamin Treatment
Selenium: Important mineral for preventing deficiency in neonates.
Dosage: 100 mL Sterile, 1 mg/mL, BO-SE (Selenium, Vitamin E) injection.
Regulation: Use restricted by federal law to licensed veterinarians only.
Recommended use within 24 hours of birth.
Feeding Strategies for Young Lambs
Creep Feeding:
Older lambs display solid food to younger lambs.
Timing of weaning varies based on developmental readiness.
Transitioning from Milk to Solid Foods
Introduce leafy alfalfa as a starter.
Rumen Development
Stages of Development:
First week: Formation of esophageal groove and connection to true stomach compartments (Rumen, Omasum, Abomasum).
Three to four months: Significant growth of the rumen leading to maturity.
Dietary Components for Rumen Growth
Feedstuff Types:
Concentrates
Forages
Volatile Fatty Acids:
Butyric Acid: Energy source for rumen wall growth.
Propionic Acid & Acetic Acid: Energy sources for lamb growth.
Weaning and Diet Mix Evaluation
Diet impacts growth rates during critical development stages.
Rations can be adjusted based on flock health and forage availability.
Nutrients Required for Sheep
Vitamin Premix: Helps in feeding sheep diets low in fresh forage.
Example: Shepherd's Choice Gold Formula includes Vitamins A, D, E, and Calcium.
Trace Minerals:
Supplementation critical to prevent deficiencies, particularly in mineral formulations specific for sheep.
Copper Considerations
Caution with Copper:
Sheep require significantly lower levels of copper than other livestock; toxicity risks involved in mismanaged supplementation.
Ethical & Research Implications
Areas of ongoing research:
Variability in copper requirements based on sheep coloration and breed.
Potential cellular-level differences in dietary needs across sheep varieties.
Conclusion
Nutritional management in small ruminants requires a comprehensive understanding of physiological stages, metabolic concerns, and specific dietary needs to support growth and health.