Nutritional Needs of Pregnant Ewes at Different Stages and Ration Planning

    Pregnant ewes have different nutritional needs at each stage, so feeding must be reasonably adjusted in a targeted way.

Ewes

    The first month of pregnancy in ewes is a critical period for fetal growth and development. After the ewes have grazed and been supplemented enough to feel full, concentrate feed should still be supplemented appropriately according to their nutritional status.

    After the second month of pregnancy, the amount of concentrate supplement should be gradually increased: 40% soybean, 30% corn, 20% barley, 10% wheat, soaked in warm water for 6—8 hours, ground into a slurry, then mixed with soybean cake at 10—15% of the total feed such as soybean, 5—8% bran, and 1% salt. Feed 2—3 times a day, 50—100 grams per sheep each time, with the amount appropriately increased for young ewes.

    After the third month of pregnancy, the amount of forage fed should be appropriately controlled. Forage and concentrate supplements should be given in small amounts and more frequently, to prevent feeding too much at one time and pressing on the fetus.

    After the fourth month of pregnancy, the amount of concentrate feed should be increased to twice that of the early pregnancy period, and more tender pasture, carrots and other green, succulent feeds should be given. Feeding potatoes, distillers' grains, untreated cottonseed cake and rapeseed cake is prohibited, as is feeding moldy, spoiled, too cold or too hot, or highly acidic feed, to prevent miscarriage, dystocia and postpartum diseases in the ewes.

    About 1 month before lambing, control the amount of roughage fed and give feed that is as soft and green and succulent as possible; increase the amount of bran in the concentrate to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. In the 10 days before lambing, reduce the amount of feed according to the ewe's digestion and appetite. In the 2—3 days before lambing, when the ewe's udder is swollen and accompanied by edema under the abdomen, the daily ration should be reduced by one-half to one-third, to prevent mastitis and lamb diarrhea caused by too much milk or milk that is too thick in the early postpartum period.