Copy of PowerPoint slides for presentation on Nutrition of ewes and does before and after lambing and kidding by Dr. Nelson Escobar, Small Ruminant Specialist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

1. NUTRITION OF EWES or DOES IS TODAY A
BEFORE AND AFTER GOOD LUCK
LAMBING or KIDDING DAY?
Enrique Nelson Escobar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Let’s make a
Small Ruminant Specialist
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853
GREAT DAY!!!
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION Extension Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
2011
We only have 45 minutes to learn about feeding pregnant
and lactating ewes and does…can we do it?
Let’s take the following approach:
1 Introduction and basic ruminant
1.
nutrition concepts
2. The task
3. If not fed adequately…the problems
4. Proposed solutions
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
INTRODUCTION DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS COMPARISONS
Feeding sheep and goats involves combining various
feedstuffs into an acceptable and palatable ration to The anatomy of the digestive tract determines
meet nutrient requirements.
the type of feed that is nutritionally useful for a
These requirements vary depending on:
th stage of production
the t g f d ti
particular species. Monogastrics (dogs, pigs,
gestation humans, etc.) have digestive tracts that are
growth
confinement conditions, and
relatively short and low in volume. In contrast
the season of the year. ruminants have digestive systems with a
Sheep and goats are ruminants like cattle, deer, relatively large volume
llamas, bison, etc. (Tish, 2006)
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
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2. DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS COMPARISONS DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS COMPARISONS
Arrangement and relative Arrangement and relative
capacities of organs in the capacities of organs in the Ratio of (small intestine+cecum+
chicken’s digestive system pig’s digestive system colon+rectum) length to body length 15:1
Ratio of (crop+proventiculus+
ventriculus+intestine+ceca+rectum)
length to body length 5:1
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
DIGESTIVE SYSTEMS COMPARISONS RUMINANT’S STOMACH
Arrangement and relative Ratio of (small intestine+cecum+
capacities of organs in the
colon+rectum) length to body length 27:1
sheep’s digestive system
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Feed Types (According to the
FACTS ABOUT THE RUMINANT’S RUMEN National Research Council - NRC)
1. Dry forages
It is a balanced ecosystem 2. Pasture, range plants, feeds cut and fed green
The breakdown of fiber or cellulose by microbes converts to volatile 3. Silages
fatty acids (
y (VFA’s) which are absorbed through the rumen wall and
) g 4. Energy concentrates
provide up to 75% of the ruminant animal's energy. 5. Protein supplements
Protein is produced by the microorganisms from nitrogen in the feed
6. MINERALSSheep-Cu
Vitamin K and the B vitamins are also manufactured by the
microorganisms.
7. VITAMINS
8. Additives
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3. Feed Nutrients
ENERGY
PROTEIN
MINERALSSheep-Cu
VITAMINS
WATER
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Feeding ewes and does throughout
CLEAN their production cycle…at least five stages
WATER…
PLEASE!!! Dry/non-pregnant/ Late gestation-last
open/maintenance four weeks
f
Breeding/flushing Lactation -6 to 8 wks
6
Early pregnancy up after parturition
to 15 weeks after
conception
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The Task. . . WHEN IS THE EWE/DOE DUE TO KID?
SHEEP (ewe) GOAT (doe)
1. The nutrition of ewes and does is critical during the last two PREGNANCY PREGNANCY
months of pregnancy as up to 75% of fetus(es) growth
takes place during this period. 142-152 days 150-155 days
2. At the same time, the ewe/doe’s rumen capacity is decreasing When in doubt use an When in doubt use an
rapidly due to the increasing size of the uterus
uterus. on-line
on line calculator: on-line
on line calculator:
3. Protein and energy requirements cannot be met by forage http://www.gestationcalculator.co http://www.gestationcalculator
alone and therefore supplementation will be required. m/other/sheep-pregnancy- .com/other/goat-pregnancy-
4. It is critical that a high quality ration is offered to ewes/does to calculator calculator
ensure that a) body condition loss is not excessive, b)
newborns’ birth weight is not compromised and c) that
sufficient colostrum is produced.
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4. Traditional Relationships in Dairy
Goats
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Changes in Crude Protein Requirements in Feed (% protein in feed)
66
Changes in Feed Energy Concentration Requirements in Ewes During the for Ewes During the Production Cycle
Production Cycle
64 Lactation-Twins- 13.40
62
Energy TDN % Energy TDN %
6-8 wks
60
Pregnancy-Last 4 wks 10.70
58
56
Pregnancy-15 wks 9.30
54
52
Flushing 9.10
50
Maintenance
9.40
Flushing
Pregnancy-15 wks Maintenance
Pregnancy-Last 4
wks Lactation-Twins-
6-8 wks
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00
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If not fed properly…then the problems 1.- MILK FEVER or HYPOCALCEMIA...
hypo = low
There is not a pathogenic MOST COMMON:
agent involved (bacteria,
Most frequent after 2-3 days after parturition
a) Milk fever or
virus, etc.) hypo-calcemia Due to:
Balanced feeding plan is b) Pregnancy toxemia
the prevention method of lack of calcium in diet
or ketosis
choice inability of ewe/doe’s metabolic system
c) Enterotoxemia or
overeating disease to move calcium or absorb calcium
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
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5. 2…MILK FEVER or HYPOCALCEMIA… 3…MILK FEVER or HYPOCALCEMIA
PREVENTION
A lack of blood calcium results in loss of
muscle tone and control Two weeks before lambing/kidding feed a low Ca
The ewe/doe will go off feed level diet (VERY HARD TO ACHIEVE) which will
Become lethargic p
prompt Ca mobilization from bones into blood
p
pool.
Milk production will go down When ewes/does are fed a diet that supplies LESS Ca than they
Little rumen activity require, the ewes/does are in NEGATIVE Ca balance. Which causes a
minor decline in blood levels of Ca which produces a complex
Ears become cold endocrinological events resulting in Ca bone “discharge” (efflux) and
the intestine is ready to absorb CA efficiently when available
If not treated...death
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3…MILK FEVER or HYPOCALCEMIA 1.- Pregnancy toxemia or ketosis...
PREVENTION
Transition diet: high nutrients diet Caused by imbalance
between energy intake and
Calcium gluconate intravenously (IV). Keep in first energy requirements
aid closet. Ask your veterinarian how to use an IV kit.
closet kit Over-conditioned (f t)
O diti d (fat)
Keep Ca:P as close as 2:1 as possible in prepared ewes/does are prone to
diets + forages (Alfalfa is high in Ca). pregnancy toxemia
Characterized by low glucose
levels
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2…Pregnancy toxemia or ketosis… 3…Pregnancy toxemia or ketosis…
The ewe/doe’s metabolism uses body fat for energy Ketosis can occur any time the doe goes out off feed
instead of carbohydrates from the diet. for any reason. For example: kidding, inadequate
The breath, urine and milk may have a sweet smell due to
, y feeder space or illness.
ketone bodies in blood. Ketone bodies are normal by- Ketone body concentration in the blood sends a
products of fats breakdown. message to the brain to decrease appetite...more
In cows about two months after calving. problems!!!
Sheep and goats: in pregnant animals (last 6 weeks) if Ketosis can be tested easily in urine and milk (CMT)
carrying multiple fetuses.
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6. Litter size
Dietary energy Nearness to
4…Pregnancy toxemia or ketosis level in
+ lambing/kidding
late gestation _
+
Treatment is of little value
RISK OF Environment
80% of total weight of kid(s) happens in the last 5-6 PREGNANCY
+
weeks TOXEMIA Individual and
PLUS... preparing for milk production genetic factors
Dietary energy
THEREFORE... level in _
RISK OF
PREVENTION IS BEST POLICY early lactation
LACTATIONAL
KETOSIS Quality of
FEED HIGH QUALITY FORAGES Level of lactose ingested
energy
secretionLambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011
1.- ENTEROTOXEMIA…
2…ENTEROTOXEMIA
Acute, highly fatal poisoning caused by the absorption of a powerful
toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, type C Overeating a highly
and D. energy
The bacterium resides in the intestinal tract of ruminants (carbohydrates) diet
The condition is characterized by nervous system symptoms: causes a disturbance
convulsions, sudden prostration and death. in the digestive
Often seen in young, rapidly growing animals system and creates an
Sudden change from pasture to grain ideal environment for
the proliferation of
the Clostridium
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
3…ENTEROTOXEMIA Proposed
Ewe/Doe immunization two weeks before kidding will
protect the lambs/kids for about six weeks Solutions…it is
Then vaccinate lambs/kids +booster after 4 weeks
/
If outbreaks occurs there is an antitoxin NOT Rocket
Start feeding grain gradually
Secure feed!!! Science
Change diet gradually, especially pre-partum
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7. CHECK THE NRC TABLES
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=614&page=1 Look at Addendum 1, and notice the following:
1. Seven (7) production stages for ewes
2. Energy diet concentration requirements
3. Example of diet proportions
4.
4 Protein diet concentration requirements
5. Ca, P and Vitamins diet concentration requirements
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Changes in FORAGE-CONCENTRATE Ratios Requirements
in Ewes During the Production Cycle
CHECK THE NRC TABLES
Concentrate % Forage %
GOATS: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309031850
65
85 85
100 100
35
15 15
0 0
Maintenance Flushing Pregnancy-15 wks Pregnancy-Last 4 wks Lactation-Twins-
6-8 wks
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Updating two previous National Research Council publications, Nutrient Requirements of Sheep,
CHECK THE NRC TABLES Sixth Revised Edition, 1985, and Nutrient Requirements of Goats, First Edition, 1981
GOATS: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309031850 New Nutrient Requirements Book-2007
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11654
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8. Look at Addendum #2, and notice the following:
Using the Langston University
Now some practical
Interactive Nutrient Calculator
Go to:
suggestions
suggestions…
http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/research/nutritionmodule1.htm.
Follow the directions and ask questions about some of the
information to enter on the boxes. CHALLENGE LEVEL?
No Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 Difficult
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
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From Oregon State University
From Oregon State University
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Example: Late Pregnancy Doe Ration Examples of Phase Doe Feeding
(BW= 60 kg-132 lb) (From OK State University Extension)
(From Oregon State University) Last 6-8 weeks of Gestation:
Feed 1-2 lbs. of grain concentrate
1.75 lbs. of high quality legume hay
Lactation:
2 lbs. of corn, or similar grain
2.5 lbs. of high quality legume hay
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
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9. Check Susan’s FEED by “RULE OF THUMB”….. WHO IS FEEDING TODAY….???
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/articles/generalfeedingguidelines.html
2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION 2011 Lambing and Kidding School/University of Maryland EXTENSION
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