Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Sheep Specialists
(Previously published online with OMAFRA: July 5, 2023)
Introduction
Nutritional
management is one of the most important aspects of sheep production. Ewes that are fed appropriately are more fertile, milk better and wean more lambs that grow faster (Figure 1).
Not only do well-fed ewes wean more pounds of lamb per year, but they are healthier and more resistant to disease than ewes that are under nutritional stress. In fact, many production challenges for sheep producers are caused by inadequate nutrition, rather than disease.
Additionally, feed costs are the single largest expense on sheep farms in Ontario, accounting for approximately 41% of total expenses. The 2010 Ontario Sheep Enterprise Analysis Summary (26 producers, representing 10% of the provincial flock) reported average feed costs of $106.70 per lamb produced for the 10 least profitable flocks and $69.00 per lamb (35% less) for the 10 most profitable flocks.
Appropriate feed management can be the difference between a profit or a loss for each lamb sold. Therefore, it is imperative that producers evaluate the feed resources they have and manage them carefully to maintain good ewe nutrition and the profitability of the flock.