unit 6 patr 2 cont.....
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This document provides guidelines for feeding various classes of sheep and goats. It discusses feeding practices for mature non-breeding animals, and recommends ensuring feed quality and quantity and finding alternative feeds if animals are not thriving. For breeding males, it suggests maintaining steady weight without becoming too heavy. Feeding recommendations are provided for pregnant ewes/does, including increased nutrition in late pregnancy. Newborn lambs/kids should receive colostrum, and mothers can be supplemented during lactation. Weaned youngstock should consume mixed, nutritious feeds and have access to water and minerals. Recommended feeds include sweet potato vines, napier grass, and tree leaves.
unit 6 patr 2 cont.....
- 1. • Course : Small ruminant production • Chapter: (6) sheep and goat feeding Cont. • by Dr abdirashid ahmed
- 2. Feeding mature sheep and goats
- 3. Feeding mature sheep and goats • Feeding of mature non-lactating or breeding animals should follow the basic guidelines provided above in Feeding Best Practices section. • If the flock does not appear to be thriving/growing on the current feeding routine, look at the quality and quantity of the feedstuffs being offered. • It is recommended to find alternative feed sources in this situation.
- 4. Cont….. • Feed requirements will change depending on the season. • The farmer needs to be aware of the current weather conditions and adjust the feeding and watering practices accordingly. • The most important practices for feeding mature animals is: 1) Provide clean water throughout the day and night 2) Fresh and clean forage is best 3) Diverse feedstuffs ensure a more nutritious diet.
- 5. Feeding rams and bucks • As with any healthy mature animal, the amount and quality of feed should sufficiently meet the animal's daily requirements. • For breeding males, it is best if they maintain a steady weight but do not become too fat/heavy.
- 6. Below are the recommended best practices for feeding breeding rams and bucks: 1. Give more feed two months before the ram or buck has to serve the does this will improve the bucks sperm and make it more active. 2. When a ram or buck is being used a lot to serve ewe or does respectively, it should be separated from other sheep or goats for about 2-3 hours per day. This will allow it time to eat and rest. 3. Because of their increased activity, breeding males should be offered increased amounts of clean water throughout the day/night. 4. Breeding males should be able to lick a mineral lick or have access to loose minerals at any time. This will help keep balanced electrolyte levels.
- 7. Feeding breeding and lactating ewes and does • Below are feeding best practices specifically for breeding ewes and does. 1. One month before mating the ewe and doe should be fed and watered very well so as she is in the best of health o If she is very well she is more likely to have twins or even triplets 2. Concentrates should be fed to ewes and does just before the ewes and does are served by the ram and buck respectively 3. Increase feed gradually for 2 months up until the ewe and doe gives birth 4. Continue feeding concentrate while she is giving milk 5. Mineral licks hasten coming on heat 6. Always have fresh water for sheep and goats to drink at any time.
- 8. Feeding during pregnancy • The nutritional needs of pregnant females changes throughout the pregnancy. Below are some general guidelines of feeding best practices over length of the pregnancy • First 3 months of pregnancy 1. Newly pregnant females can be fed as normal (Feeding Best Practices discussed above) 2. Shearing, vaccinating, working ewes, pronounced changes in feeding practices should be avoided during the first 30 days of gestation. 3. Ewes need only slightly above maintenance levels of nutrition for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.
- 9. Figure 15: Young sweet potato plants. The vines (shown) are a favored food of goats.
- 10. The last two months of pregnancy • Late gestation (last 4 to 6 weeks) is a critical period for doe/ewe reproduction. • This is when the majority of fetal growth is occurring, placing increasing nutritional demands on the doe/ewe. • Dams/Ewes consuming inadequate diets are prone to pregnancy toxemia and milk fever. • Nutrition in late-pregnancy affects the size and vigor of kids/lambs and the milk producing ability of the doe/ewe.
- 11. During first 2 months after lamb or Kids birth and giving milk • The sheep and goat must be well fed for milk production and maintenance of body weight. • Mothers can be supplemented with at least 200 gm/day of dairy meal. Make this addition gradually so as not to disrupt her gastro- intestinal system. It is recommended to reduce added dairy meal to 100gm/day after the 3rd month
- 12. Feeding lambs and kids • Feeding the newborn up till 3 months Newborn lambs and kids should suck colostrum within 24 hours. In the first 24-48 hours after being born, it is best to leave the newborn with the mother, but with some supervision, to make sure the newborn is able to nurse and receives colostrum.
- 13. Cont…. At one week, lambs and kids should be provided with small quantities of good clean feed e. g. sweet potato vines, tree legumes leaves or natural tree leaves Lambs and kids should continue with milk for the first three weeks Lambs and kids should be allowed milk with fresh mixed fodder up to 3-4 months
- 14. Feeding young stock 1. Should be fed on fresh, highly nutritious mixed fodder 2. Give lots of water at all times 3. Mineral blocks must be given at this stage
- 15. WHAT KIND OF FEED SHOULD THE SHEEP AND GOAT BE GIVEN • The dairy sheep and goat gives as much milk as it is given the right food!! There are many feeds the sheep and goat likes. Here are some good feeds that can be used: • Sweet potato vines Sweet potatoes are good crop to plant because it gives tubers for the family to eat and the leaves can be fed to the sheep and goats • Favorite food of goats • Can be planted beside river beds, steep hillsides and steep areas along roadside edges Useful in feeding orphaned lambs and kids.
- 16. Napier Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an important carbohydrate-rich fodder grass, also known as "elephant grass“ • Napier grass is propagated easily. • It has deep roots, so is fairly drought-resistant. • The tender, young leaves and stems are very palatable for livestock.