Six weeks before lambing and for the 6 wks. during lactation., protein supplementation should be high in the form of fish meal or heat treated soybean meal. Good sources are hay silage, high moisture corn, and corn silage. This doubles during the last month of pregnancy and during lactation and the temperature raises over 70 degrees. In winter, water must be maintained aat 45-50 degrees. Vitamins are mostly found in fresh green forage and sun cured hay.
Animals can produce Vit D if they are exposed to sunlight.
This means if animals are fed high concentrated feed and are in a confined area, they will need supplemental vitamins. Lambs need high levels of energy in the ration to increase daily weight gain. Sex, genetics, type of feeding and daylight hours all affect growth. Creep feeding can be very beneficial in early feeding. Creep feeders should be warm, dry, well lit, uncrowded, and within site of the dams.