Ag Production III Mr. DeBord

 The largest single production cost in any livestock operation is feed. Due to the unique nature of the sheep’s gastrointestinal tract. Forages can comprise the majority of a ewes diet. Sheep diets must be designed to support optimal production, while also being economical. Nutritionally sound diets will avert nutrition related disorders, thus promoting heatlh and productivity

 Age  Stage of production  Forage quality and quanatity  Production system (range versus confinement)  Environmental/climatic conditions  Management  Body Condition

 Water  Energy  Protein  Minerals  Vitamins

 The need for water is basic. Unlimited fresh water supply is needed for sheep in all stages of production. Limitations to water intake may limit feed intake.

 Insufficient energy limits ewe performance more than any other nutrient.  The predominate energy source for ewe diets in forage.  For feedlot lambs, grain sources are used to supply most energy needs

 The need for supplemental protein depends on production stage and quality of available forages.  Protein supplementation of sheep can increase rumen microbe activity, which will increase forage intake, digestion, and performance  Young growing lambs and high producing ewes require higher levels of amino acids.

 The relationship of minerals to each other must be taken into account when formulating supplemental sheep mineral. The amount of one mineral may influence the amount of another mineral needed in the diet.  Lack of a mineral creates a deficiency  Too much mineral creates a toxicity  Sheep are sensitive to copper

 Sheep require dietary sources of vitamins A,D, and E  Lambs also require K and B vitamins