Weaning is an ideal time to assess ewes’ body condition score (BCS), as well as checking teeth, feet, and udders, as it leaves sufficient time to optimise their nutrition before tupping.
This is the advice of Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager Dr Alison Bond, who says close monitoring at critical times, with the aim of avoiding significant fluctuations in ewe condition, will ultimately increase overall flock productivity.
Supplementary feeding to boost any ewes that are below optimum condition immediately after weaning would be timely and cost effective, she adds, as waiting until closer to tupping could in many cases lead to a negative impact on performance.
“Weaning at 12 weeks is a good target, when lambs should be in the 25 to 30kg bracket and will be taking very little milk from the ewes,” advises Dr Bond. “There will of course be a focus on the lambs’ readiness for market at this stage, but it is equally important to put a hand across the ewes to assess their condition.
“In the case of lowland flocks, any ewes with a BCS below 2.5 at this stage really need to be prioritised or they will struggle to reach the target of 3.5 by tupping.
“These poorer condition ewes should be grouped accordingly and put onto the better available grazing and will need the appropriate supplementary feeding.”
Dr Bond recommends Rumenco’s Supalyx Super Energy Plus Fish Oil as an ideal supplementary feed for ewes post-weaning, where improving condition is a priority. In addition to essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements to balance any deficiencies in forage, the formulation includes energy and all natural protein to help support grazing utilisation and body condition of the breeding ewe.
“Readily available minerals including selenium and zinc will help with key areas such as udder and foot health,” she adds, “whilst vitamin B12 (thiamine) is also included to combat any risks of cobalt deficiency.
“Offered from weaning onwards, this will give the ewes lacking condition the best chance of being at an optimum stage when the tups go in around two to three months later.”
Dr Bond highlights a growing body of evidence to support the importance of achieving optimum body condition scores at critical stages, stressing the need to avoid significant fluctuations.
“Ewes in optimum condition at tupping are known to have more lambs at scanning, healthier lambs at 48 hours after birth, and heavier lambs at 8 weeks of age,” she says. “It affects the whole production cycle, and not just one element, and is ultimately one of the biggest factors affecting flock performance and profitability.
“The aim should be to maintain condition between 2.5 and 3.5 throughout the cycle, avoiding big spikes and dips, and that is best achieved by routine monitoring at key stages, including weaning, and adapting feeding accordingly, supplementing where necessary.”
