The wet and cold weather this winter has settled in now, making the job of maintaining ewe condition a challenge.
Although dry feeds and forages are necessary, a molasses-based liquid feed can be the ideal complementary feed in the ewes’diet.
Molasses-based liquid feeds are unique in their high nutrient density and low substitution rate in the rumen, allowing feed intakes to be increased during critical periods.
The addition of a liquid feed can help to make lower-quality forages more palatable, thereby achieving good intakes and helping the ewe to extract more nutrients from forage.
Where an extra boost of protein is required, a molasses-based liquid feed can provide the additional protein necessary in the form of ED&F Man’s Regulated Release protein range.
The ideal synchrony of sugar and protein in the rumen ensures high protein efficiency and overall feed utilisation, which is key to improving ewes’ nutritional status and BCS.
Potblack is a 14 per cent crude protein blend which can help to improve the intake of forages, while Prime 20 is a high sugar, 20 per cent crude protein molasses liquid feed with the addition of trace elements and vitamins.
For ewes in late pregnancy, colder weather and rain can increase susceptibility to ‘twin lamb disease’, a metabolic disease arising from the high nutritional demands placed on the ewe within the last two months of pregnancy when 70 per cent of the lamb growth takes place.
The rule that prevention is better than the cure is particularly true in this situation with only 30 per cent of twin lamb disease cases being treated successfully.
By supplementing the ewe effectively, in terms of both quantity and quality, twin lamb disease can be prevented.
Sheepmol and Sheepmol Plus are high dry matter, high energy, high sugar blends of cane molasses, glycerine and liquid co-products formulated specifically to feed sheep. The unique mix of energy sources is perfect to promote healthy lamb growth and maintain ewe health.
During late pregnancy when rumen space is restricted the addition of a molasses-based liquid feed is ideal with its unique low substitution rate in the rumen allowing feed intakes to be increased or maintained.
Sheepmol Plus has all the benefits of Sheepmol with the added inclusion of a vitamin and mineral pack to further enhance ewe health.
Key benefits include:
- An extra energy boost from feeding sugars and glycerine reduces the risk of twin lamb disease;
- Ad-lib feeding reduces stress for sheep and saves time for the shepherd;
- The products are highly palatable and improve intake and forage digestibility as well as balance variations in grazing/forage quantity and quality;
- Easy and convenient to store, handle and feed.
ED&F Man’s liquid feed range can be fed either top dressed, free access via a feeder or as part of a mix. Typical feed rates are 250g-300g/ewe/day.
For ewes in late pregnancy, colder weather and rain can increase susceptibility to ‘twin lamb disease’, a metabolic disease arising from the high nutritional demands placed on the ewe within the last two months of pregnancy when 70 per cent of the lamb growth takes place.
The rule that prevention is better than the cure is particularly true in this situation with only 30 per cent of twin lamb disease cases being treated successfully.
By supplementing the ewe effectively, in terms of both quantity and quality, twin lamb disease can be prevented.