animal production - CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University ...

30 750 32 360 3.5 2.5
35 875 35 420 4.0 2.8
40 1000 40 480 4.5 3.0
45 1125 42 500 5.0 3.5
50 1250 45 540 5.5 3.8
55 1375 50 600 6.0 4.0
60 1450 54 640 6.5 4.5
Feeding schedule for stall-fed sheep
For breeding rams, 50 per cent more nutrients should be given than their maintenance, ration. Similarly, pregnant
sheep should be provided 50% more nutrients than the maintenance needs. Sheep also require extra nutrients to bring
them to flush and therefore, should be provided with 25% more nutrients above the maintenance needs before start of
breeding season.
Sheep are mainly raised for lamb and wool and not for milk production. However, high lactation performance is
essential for the nutrient supply of lambs during early stage. This is all the more important if twins are nursed by ewes. It
has been observed that sheep should be fed twice the maintenance requirements to maintain good production status during
first 6 weeks of lactation, while the allowance could be reduced to 50% above maintenance, during the remaining period.
They also need additional leguminous fodder, preferably hay. A concentrate mixture similar to one used for dairy animals
may be prepared to feed them when green fodders are not in plenty.
An adult sheep needs about 0.5 kg concentrate mixture and 5 kg green fodder. For sheep, feed ingredients
should be coarsely ground because they chew their feed thoroughly. Before the start of breeding season, feed additional
0.2 kg concentrate or lush green legume fodder. The same amount of additional feed is to be provided during last two
months of pregnancy.
Managing the ewes during gestation
Exercise should be given to the pregnant sheep if they are stallfed. Exercise will help to reduce lambing paralysis
and ease at the time of parturition. The pregnant ewes should be kept under shade during warm weather and the sheep
should be saved from injury from other animals like cattle, hogs etc. and should not be grazed alongwith other animals.
Care of ewes during lambing seasons
The ewes should be separated at the time of lambing. In the ewes that are about to lamb, there will be sinking on
either side of the rumps in front of the hips, the vulva will enlarge, wax will form at the ends of the teats and they will show
the signs of filling. At the time of lambing it will be better to keep the ewes in a separate lambing enclosure. Protection
against inclement weather should be provided, if necessary. Just prior to lambing, the ewes show characteristic vertical
movements of the tail and usually lag behind from the rest of the flock. Ewe scratches the ground with front legs, constantly
changing her position by standing and sitting. The wool should be cut around the teats and the genital organs. Do not
disturb the ewe during first stage of labour. However, if it is not normal, then help of an experienced veterinarian should be
sought to correct the position of the fetus.
Care of the ewes immediately after lambing
The ewe should be kept under observations for some days after lambing. The shepherd should be sure that the
ewe has expelled the afterbirth and that her udder and bowels are in good condition. If the ewe is constipated, a drench
consisting of 125 ml of linseed oil or 85 g of epsom salt, dissolved in luke warm water should be given.
Care of the new born lambs
When the lamb is born, pinch off the umbilical cord about 10 cm. from the body. The naval should be disinfected
with tincture iodine to prevent infection. Be sure that all mucus is removed from the nose and mouth. The lamb should be
placed near the ewe's head. She may rest and clean the lamb. If the ewe owns the lamb, it will be best to leave her alone.
A strong lamb will be on its legs in a few minutes and will usually suckle unassisted. Provide help to the week lambs in
suckling milk. The first step in assisting a weak lamb is to milk a few drops from the ewe's teats to make sure that the milk
channels are open. Place the teat in the lamb’s mouth and squeeze some milk into it.
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