Author Topic: Feeding ewes and not lambs! (Read 2926 times)

woollyjumper · « **on:** April 27, 2012, 11:25:36 pm »

Any advice on how to feed ewes concentrates without having all the lambs trying to eat out of the trough? - I understand that ewe pellets are not good for lambs, particluarly tup lambs as they can cause bladder stones and urinary obstructions in males. We have 7 ewes that have lambed 1 to 3 weeks ago and we are still feeding them some concentrates although they are on fairly good grass now and not taking much hay. The lambs all try to eat the ewe pellets if they get the chance. We are currently resorting to feeding most of the ewes from buckets (good to make them easy to handle!!) but we are rapidly running out of hands and we still have 2 ewes still in the pre lambing paddock so it will be chaotic when they are added in too!! Any suggestions?
This has been our first lambing for our Shetlands and Ryelands so a sharp learning curve but very enjoyable!

Fleecewife · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2012, 11:43:29 pm »

We use a coarse mix which is suitable for both ewes and tups so the lambs can eat it too - they just nibble. It's made by Carrs, used to be called Tup & Lamb coarse mix, now is 'Champion Tup'. It's great for the primitives as it doesn't have the very high protein levels of ewe pencils, and is perfect for after lambing too.

woollyjumper · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2012, 11:54:03 pm »

Thanks - that's really helpful (but guess what - I just bought a new bag of ewe pellets today!!!) I will be off to Carrs tomorrow to get a bag of the coarse mix so I can use that in trough.

Fronhaul · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2012, 07:37:43 am »

We use coarse mix as well. Most suppliers I know do two grades. One around 16% protein and the other around 18%. If you don't use creep feeders (and I am terrified of horns getting stuck so I don't) then it is also a great way of getting the lambs started on hard feeds as the smaller pieces are fine for them.