Effect of climatic and nutritional factors upon the pregnant ewe

Abstract

If a lowground ewe flock is to justify its inclusion in an up to date farming system, maximum output from it must be achieved. This output will be mainly in the form of lambs, wool sales being of much less importance. In order to attain maximum production of lambs at slaughter weight, it is necessary to ensure the birth of as many lambs of high vitality and birth weight as possible, and also to ensure that the ewes begin their lactation with a well developed udder and are in a fit state to stand the great nutritional strain of this period.

Thus, since it greatly affects these factors, pregnancy in the ewe is a very important time, and adequate nutrition is essential. Realization of this fact becomes necessary when it is considered that the gestation period of the ewe comes at a time of the year both when food is at its most scarce, and when weather conditions are at their worst.

Enough food should be given not only to maintain the ewe herself, but also to produce her lambs and associated membranes, which may weigh up to 50 or 60 lbs. including fluids, in a lowground ewe of the Halfbred type. Further, it should be recognised that if a ewe is to be given no shelter from the weather, then she will need extra food to help maintain her body temperature under these circumstances.

Thus there is an interaction between the climat&c and nutritional factors affecting the pregnant lowground ewe and it seems only reasonable to consider them together.