NUTRITIONREVIEW
NUTRITION FOR LAMBING
FIND THE RIGHT NUTRITION FOR YOUR FLOCK THIS
LAMBING TIME
E
we nutrition from immediate post-tupping
through to lambing is critical for harvesting
healthier lamb crops and reducing economic
loss. But the challenge facing many producers
is balancing flock nutrition with cost effective man-
agement.
During the early stages of lambing the maintenance
of energy is key to sustain sufficient body weight and
health.
Mineral supplements are proven to improve perform-
ance and profitability within your flock at sustainable
Similarly Tubby’s Pre and post lambing tubs are a con-
venient and effective way to supplement forages. But
unlike Crystalyx’s high extra energy product, Tubby
can be used before and after lambing to maintain, con-
dition and improve fertility.
Tubby contains vital supplements such as selenium
and vitamins, which are critical in the late gestation
period, protecting cells against oxidative damage and
White Muscle disease, which causes arched backs and
furthermore protects against mastitis.
The need for added calcium during late gestation al-
most doubles in the last few weeks, with low levels of
calcium in the blood causing associated problems with
lactation stresses. The balanced levels of calcium and
magnesium in Tubby protects against Muscular Dys-
trophy, bone malformations and Milk Fever.
At a modest £29.50 for a 14 kilo tub, Crystalyx is great
to maintain the health of your herd before, during and
after lambing, whilst maximising profits.
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NUTRITIONREVIEW
costs. During the autumn and winter months,
weather conditions can be harsh, resulting in poor
forages which lack vital nutrients needed during the
stages of pregnancy.
Blocks can be useful when feeding extensive grazing
systems and can reduce daily management needs,
whilst liquid feeds are effective to treat more specific
problems. But with such a wide range of products on
the market, it can be a mind-field choosing the right
one to suit your needs. Rhian Price takes a look at
some of the best products on the market.
Caltech Crystalyx’s high extra energy feed retains Ewes
conditions mid-pregnancy, when Ewes nutrition must ac-
celerate rapidly to support foetal growth. Its palatable
form of energy feeds the rumen flora (bacteria found in
the intestine), which in turn releases the nutritional value
of forages with improved efficiency, providing optimum
growth and condition. Unlike blocks, lick-able feeds last
longer and are convenient for broken-mouthed ewes who
find it difficult to chew or bite.
The product achieves 15% better forage utilization than
other brands, enabling ewes to gain weight faster, whilst
the balance of minerals, trace elements and vitamins
maximizes forage digestion, improving animal perform-
ance.
The poorer the quality of your forage, the greater benefit
of Crystalyx so it’s suitable for many farmers who have
poor crops and mineral deficiency.
Available in a range of sizes, with 80 kg tubs for large
flocks and 22.5 kg mini-tubs for the smaller sheep farmer
it’s easily transferable from shed to field. At £65.45 for a
80 kg tub and £19.60 for a 22.5 kg tub, it’s great value
for money.
summer 2010* WAM
Liqui-Thrive Sheep is organically chelated, making it more readily
available than other brands and like Tubby it can be used both pre-
tupping and pre-lambing to increase fertility and ensure lamb vigour.
Trials by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) indicate that ewes
treated with Liqui-Thrive benefit from fewer barren problems and de-
creased lamb mortality. During the SAC trial, hill ewes drenched with
a single 20 ml dose of Liqui-Thrive produced 8.8% more lambs than
those untreated.
At 45-days it’s critical to increase forages to support foetal growth.
Liqui-Thrive’s blend of vitamins prevent common clinical symptoms
such as weight loss, Toxemia and poor milk yield. Its high levels of
Thiamine are specially formulated and blended with other trace ele-
ments to boost fertility, whilst zinc gives the added benefit of prevent-
ing lameness.
At £70 for 2.5 litres, the liquid supplement is cost-effective and gives
100% flock health. Although drenching can be more time consuming
than using licks, it gives piece of mind that the whole flock has been
protected, maximising performance and profitability.
The UK has particularly deficient levels of copper which is essen-
tial during tupping and lambing to maintain growth and fertility.
Coppavit liquid drench is great for livestock grazing on pastures
low in copper.
Although other supplement products may contain copper, Cop-
pavit contains high levels of copper (approximately 7,500 mg),
specifically designed for copper deficient pastures. Coppavit
contains a full spectrum of trace elements, including cobalt
which is required for the synthesis of B12. Unlike other liquid
products, Coppavit travels through the gun with ease, so there’s
no mess, no fuss. Currently priced at £89 for 3.0 litres, Coppavit
is a deal not to missed!
Starlyne’s Vitasol Twin Lamb is one of the only products on
the market which specifically prevents against pregnancy
Toxemia (a metabolic disorder in pregnant ewes, whereby
energy requirements are not being met and the ewe has to
draw on body fat reserves, which in turn deteriorates blood
glucose levels and could result in death). Ewes carrying
twins are often more susceptible to the disease because
they are under a greater risk of stress.
During the final 4-6 weeks of pregnancy, 70% of foetal
growth accelerates, along with udder growth, therefore it is
particularly important to meet nutrient demands during this
period of lambing.
Vitasol contains a comprehensive balance of vitamins in-
cluding vitamin B12, which prevents anaemia and progres-
sive weight loss which can lead to Toxemia.
Vitasol provides energy deficient ewes with additional en-
ergy, avoiding the onset of Toxemia. However it should be
used in addition to another nutrient feed to provide Ewes
with a balanced diet throughout pregnancy.
At £73 per 2.5 litre pack, Vitasol is quite expensive, but well
worth it producing positive results and ensuring the safety of
your ewes.
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