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Rationing ewe lambs for better udder development
Solution name: Rationing ewe lambs for better udder development
Aim: to adapt feed intake to the different growth stages of animal tissues, especially the udder, to encourage growth of secretory tissue and ensure the future productive capacity of ewes.
Description:
Replacement ewe lambs must become efficient ruminants with properly developed productive organs in a short time. Whilst rumen and papillae development are important, udder secreting tissue growth should not be overlooked.
Ideally, ewe lambs reach 20% of their adult weight during the weaning stage. At two months of age, they should be at 33%. Young ewes should also be rationed if they previously had free access to concentrates.
At two months of age, ewe lambs eat over 800 g/d of a self-service concentrate at 16-18% of proteins rate. This quantity should be limited to 800 g/d, then reduced by including a cereal so that the total quantity of concentrates does not exceed 600 g/d. As udder tissue starts to develop at 2–3 months of age, young ewes should be rationed accordingly: if their daily weight gain is too high (DWG > 170-180 g/d), they develop adipose tissue (fat) in the udder instead of secreting tissue, which has a negative impact on future milk production levels.
In summary
| Forage | Concentrates | |
| Before 2 months | Free access to good quality straw or low graminate hay | Free access to: around 800 g/d |
| Between 2 and 3 months | Free access to good quality hay (natural meadow, RG, cocksfoot…) | Rationed at: 600 g/d |
Topic: Nutrition
Production: Dairy / Meat
Animal Category: Replacement
Issue: Knowledge of nutritional requirements in different stages of development, Weaning transition management
Level of Solution: Practical
Country: France
How to implement it
If the animals can be weighed, create groups based on weight (+/- 5 kg max per batch). Ration the ewe lambs progressively and introduce a cereal to reach a maximum of 600 g of concentrated feed.
Expected benefits
by ensuring a good development of secretory tissue, ewes produce more milk from udders with less fat.
Prerequisites and/or limits
Knowledge of the animal’s weight to make homogeneous batches, having a cereal available.
Information Source / Useful links
Guide pratique de l’Alimentation des brebis laitières (CNBL, 2019)
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