The advantage of early weaning is that the ewe's milk production drops off to almost nothing after eight weeks of lactation. Grain should be removed from the ewes diet at least one week prior to weaning and low quality roughage should be fed. Restriction of hay and water to the ewe following weaning lessens the chance of mastitis to occur. Poorer quality roughage should be fed to the ewes for at least 10 to 14 days following weaning. Handle the ewes as little as possible for about 10 days following weaning.
Tight udders bruise easily.
If possible, bed the area where the ewes will rest heavily with straw to form a soft bed for the ewes to lay on. If ewes go to pasture, treat for internal parasites. Feed a maintenance ration to the ewes. Put ewe lambs that lambed back on a growing ration once they have quit milking. Adjust ewes' conditions so they can be effectively flushed for next breeding season.