The appetite of ewes increases enormously immediately after they give birth. There is a slow increase in the final stages of pregnancy, but the increase during lactation is much more dramatic. For maximum milk production, a ewe needs about 2.5 times the feed required to maintain a dry ewe. This feed requirement is rarely met for autumn and early-winter lambing flocks unless they receive high rates of supplementation. As in late pregnancy, dietary protein assumes greater importance.
Dry feed supplemented by cereal grain and hay is inadequate.
Lupin seed supplements are superior to oats when fed at. For autumn-lambing ewes, feed lupins at low rates over pregnancy. At present, maiden ewes, which normally have finer wool than older ewes, will suffer greater penalties for low staple strength, and should receive preferential treatment. Feeding recommendations Aim to keep stock fit and healthy throughout pregnancy. Feed the adult ewes to maintain average weight above 50 kg and condition score between 2.5 and 3.