Comprehensive Guide to Sheep Feeds, Feeding, and Nutritional Classification

Ewe Reproductive Cycle and Weight Fluctuations

  • The biological cycle of a ewe is divided into specific nutritional management phases: Breeding, Gestation, Lambing, Lactation, Weaning, and the Dry Ewe period.

  • Weight dynamics throughout the productive cycle:  - A steady increase in weight is observed during Gestation, with a significant rise noted (marked as +10+10 on management scales).  - A sharp weight loss occurs at Lambing, where the ewe's weight is recorded at approximately 160 lbs160\,lbs.  - The cycle reaches key temporal milestones at 1010 months and 1212 months following breeding.

Classification of Sheep Feeds: Roughages

  • General Characteristics: Roughages are defined by having high fiber content (>18%> 18\%) and variable protein levels. The nutritional value is heavily influenced by the stage of maturity.

  • Maturity Stages: The feed quality progresses through three primary stages: Early Vegetative, Mid-bloom, and Mature.

  • Quality Assessment Factors: Factors used to classify roughage include Fiber, Crude Protein (CP), Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), Stem/leaf ratio, and the specific Cutting.

  • 1. Hay:  - Defined as air-dried forages with a dry matter content of >85%> 85\%.  - Energy content is generally moderate.  - Protein levels: Legumes are classified as high protein (>15%> 15\%), while grasses are moderate protein (<15%< 15\%).  - Nutritional Profiles of Specific Hays:   - Alfalfa: 57%57\% TDN, 18%18\% CP, 1.2%1.2\% Ca, 0.23%0.23\% P   - Clover: 58%58\% TDN, 20%20\% CP, 1.3%1.3\% Ca, 0.30%0.30\% P   - Fescue: 61%61\% TDN, 12%12\% CP, 0.51%0.51\% Ca, 0.36%0.36\% P   - Orchard grass: 66%66\% TDN, 11%11\% CP, 0.38%0.38\% Ca, 0.24%0.24\% P

  • 2. Silage:  - Features a dry matter content between 30%−50%30\% - 50\%.  - Energy content is moderate, but protein is highly variable.  - Corn Silage Profile: 68%68\% TDN, 8.3%8.3\% CP, 0.08%0.08\% Ca, 0.09%0.09\% P

Classification of Sheep Feeds: Concentrates

  • 1. Energy Supplements (Grains):  - Composition standards: <20%< 20\% protein, <18%< 18\% crude fiber, and high energy content.  - Nutritional Profiles:   - Oats: 77%77\% TDN, 11%11\% CP, 0.08%0.08\% Ca, 0.34%0.34\% P   - Corn: 88%88\% TDN, 9%9\% CP, 0.02%0.02\% Ca, 0.30%0.30\% P

  • 2. Protein Supplements:  - Composition standards: >20%> 20\% protein, typically with low fiber and high energy content.  - Nutritional Profiles:   - SBM (Soybean Meal): 84%84\% TDN, 44%44\% CP, 0.04%0.04\% Ca, 0.70%0.70\% P   - CSM (Cottonseed Meal): 78%78\% TDN, 41%41\% CP, 0.18%0.18\% Ca, 1.1%1.1\% P

Feed Formulation and Specific Feeding Programs

  • Pearson's Square: A mathematical calculation tool used to balance rations and determine the proportions of two feed ingredients needed to meet a specific nutrient requirement.

  • Targeted Feeding Programs: Specific programs must be developed based on the production stage:  - Gestating Ewe  - Lactating Ewe  - Creep Feed  - Growing Lambs

Detailed Product Study: 34% Prime Lamb Supplement (Medicated)

  • Overview: A premium quality pellet designed as a starting, growing, finishing, and breeding sheep supplement.

  • Nutritional and Health Attributes:  - Utilizes multiple plant protein sources for optimum amino acid absorption.  - Contains Decoquinate for the prevention of coccidiosis.  - Includes ammonium chloride to reduce the incidence of kidney stones (urinary calculi).  - Highly palatable concentrate feed that encourages consistent consumption.  - Balanced and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for growth, development, and reproduction.

  • Medicinal Indications:  - Prevents coccidiosis in young sheep maintained in confinement caused by: Eimeria bakuensis, Eimeria crandallis, Eimeria ovinoidalis (Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae), and Eimeria parva.  - Active Drug Ingredient: Decoquinate at 68.0 grams/ton68.0\,grams/ton.

  • Guaranteed Analysis:  - Crude Protein: Min 34.0%34.0\% (Includes max 3.3%3.3\% equivalent protein from non-protein nitrogen).  - Crude Fat: Min 1.0%1.0\%  - Crude Fiber: Max 8.0%8.0\%  - Calcium: Min 5.0%5.0\%, Max 6.0%6.0\%  - Phosphorus: Min 1.0%1.0\%  - Salt: Min 2.00%2.00\%, Max 2.50%2.50\%  - Selenium: Min 1.2 ppm1.2\,ppm  - Vitamin A: Min 20,000 IU/lb20,000\,IU/lb  - Vitamin D: Min 10,000 IU/lb10,000\,IU/lb  - Vitamin E: Min 100 IU/lb100\,IU/lb

  • Ingredient List: Plant protein products, molasses products, monocalcium/dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, processed grain by-products, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, zinc oxide, vitamin A/D/B12 supplements, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, ethoxyquin (preservative), riboflavin supplement, calcium pantothenate, niacin supplement, menadione sodium bisulfate complex (source of vitamin K activity), and choline chloride.

  • Feeding Directions:  - Provide 22.7 milligrams22.7\,milligrams of Decoquinate per 100 pounds100\,pounds of bodyweight daily.  - Feed for at least 28 days28\,days during periods of exposure or risk.  - Caution: Do not use in feeds containing bentonite.

Economic Calculations at the Agronomy Farm

  • Pricing and Logistics Data:  - Pelleted Supplement: $800/ton\$800/ton (delivered price).  - Corn Cost: $4.10/bu\$4.10/bu  - Standard Bushel Weight (Corn): 56 lbs/bu56\,lbs/bu