Please click here for updated addresses. Contact our webmaster . The nutritional value of winter feed can make a big difference during lambing. Many lambing problems can be minimized or eliminated by testing winter feed. Feed should be tested for adequate levels of selenium, a nutrient essential for pregnant ewes.
Many producers supplement their sheep with selenium to avoid white muscle disease in lambs.
To a producer's eye, selenium toxicity and selenium deficiency can look the same. Some supposed selenium deficiencies have turned out to be vitamin E deficiencies. Without accurate testing, it's just a guess. Many feed companies will test samples if the feed or supplements are bought from them. Producers should talk to the feed company's nutritionist or their veterinarian about the test results and the possible need for supplements.