Feeding SmartDan Morrical

Iowa State University

Know requirements

Condition Score

Make adjustments

multiple pens

Control waste

Use pasture and

crop residue

Comparison shop

Basic Sheep Nutrition

Factors impacting requirements:

Age

Weight

Stage of production

Level of Production

Sheep Nutrition

SERB -- State Summary

1987-1991

Feed and Pasture$41.60

63% of cash costs

41% of all costs

Feeding Sheep

Goal - optimize production

while minimizing feed costs.

Feeding sheep correctly is a 3 part process.

1. Knowing the requirements

2. Combining feeds to meet those requirements

3. Monitoring ewes and feed bunk

Sheep Industry Changes

Sheep are bigger

average slaughter weight 139

Sheep are more prolific

Romanov, Finnsheep, Polypay

Sheep grow faster

Ram test rams gaining 1.5 pounds per day

Sheep produce more milk

East Fresian and Lacaune crosses

Sheep Industry Status QuoNo market signals

Sheep Nutrition

What do we know about sheep industry?

Sheep Nutrition

What do we know about sheep industry?

Small

Support

Feed sales volume

Consultants

Sheep Nutrition

Ruminants

4 Compartment stomach

3/4 of body cavity

3.5 gallons

So what does that mean?

Sheep Nutrition

Nutrients of Concern

Water

Energy

Protein

Vitamins

Minerals

Sheep Nutrition

Water

- Cheap

- Abused

Goal -- Clean, fresh, cool or warm.

Critical especially feedlot lambs.

Water

Intake affected by:

Stage of production

Environmental temperature

Water content in the diet

Average intake = 3 x dry matter intake

Sheep Nutrition

Energy

- Most often underfed

- Largest amount required

Example E. gestation ewe

1.8 lb TDN

.31 lb CP

.38 g Ca

Sheep Nutrition

Energy Sources

Sugars - Molasses

Starches – Grains

Complex carbohydrates

Hemi-cellulose

Cellulose

Lignin

Fats - 2.25 times the energy of CHO

Proteins ???

Sheep Nutrition

Protein – Quantity vs Quality

Quantity is % N x 6.25 2% N = 12.50% CP

Quality - specific AA content

Protein Requirements

Lambs - 26-11%

Ewes - 9-16%

Highest in young animals

Minerals

Macro and micro classification

Macros - required in grams per day

Micros - required in mg per day

Sheep Nutrition

Mineral supplementation

Nutritional wisdom?

Trace mineral salt versus mineral

Set up trial to measure intake. How?

Factors impacting intake

Sheep NutritionComparing feeds on cost of energy basis

#1 rule CORN IS STANDARD BY WHICH TO

COMPARE EVERYTHING ELSE.

Sheep NutritionCurrent corn price $6.75 per bushel

$6.75 ÷ 56 pounds/bu. = 12.0¢/pound

12.0 ÷ .77 lb TDN per lb = 15.6¢/pound TDN

What can you pay for other feeds

15.6¢ per pound TDN - standard

Sheep NutritionExample oats

68% TDN

1 lb. oats x .68 lb. TDN/lb. DM = .68 LBS TDN

15.6 x .68 = 10.6¢ x 32 = lb./bushel = $3.40 per bushel.

Oats are worth half on an TDN basis.

NOTE: Assumes no waste of either product.

Sheep NutritionWhat is the hay worth?

50% TDN $156.00 per ton (1000 X 15.6)55% TDN $171.60 per ton (1100 X 15.6)60% TDN $187.20 per ton (1200 X 15.6)65% TDN $202.80 per ton (1300 X 15.6)

Assumes no waste. Ha!

Saving on feed

Feeding high corn dietsHalf corn and half hay1 pound corn = 1.6 pounds hay

five pounds hay or 2 corn and 2 hay

Precautions

Saving on feed

Feeding with corn stalks and

corn byproducts

Stalks for filler and

DDGS/CGF for quality

Sheep Nutrition Feeding

Questions