Solutions for

SHEEP & GOAT

The FEEDGROW® system is excellent for feeding sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and most game species. The low acid content of the seed sprouts makes the use of this feed perfectly safe for all mentioned livestock. The following observations were made whilst using FEEDGROW® sprouts:
  • Exceptional good growth rate.
  • Increased milk production.
  • Improved overall appearance and wool features.
  • Improved quality meat colour and texture.
  • High protein and energy are supplied by a small number of sprouts.
The benefits of FEEDGROW® sprouts: The quantity of feed required by sheep is determined by the breed, age and size of the stock. The advantage of the use of the FEEDGROW® system is that the quantities of feed needed for a particular herd can be produced all year. Most races eat 2% of their body weight in feed per day. As opposed to lucerne grazing there are no limitations on certain species due to bloating and toxins.

FEEDGROW GUIDELINES FOR FEEDLOT

The fattening of lambs in feedlot systems consists of two phases: the adaptation period of new arrival animals, and the growth or finishing phase. The basic principles need to be followed to manage a successful and profitable feedlot.

The lambs enter the feedlot with an average body weight of 25-35kg and are slaughtered between 42 to 50 days later.

The adaptation phase (10-17 days) is critical to adapt the lambs for the finishing phase. This phase also contributes to the overall profitability of a feedlot. It is important to know that damages to the rumen of the animal in the early phases are irreparable. Newly arrived lambs must therefore be handled with care to minimize any stress factors.

A feedlot adaption feed program is developed to transition the lambs from a high roughage diet to a high-energy diet in the growth phase. The main objectives of the adaptation phase are to stimulate maximum feed intake and adjust the rumen microbial population to micro-organisms that can ferment non-fibre carbohydrates.

Thinner and weaker lambs must remain in the adaptation period for an extended time to optimise their growth potential. Clean water and efficient feed bunk space must be available to the lambs at all times. The adaptation camps or pens must be clean and dry and any unnecessary objects must be removed.

Mortalities must be prioritised and limited to 1-2%. Morbidity and mortality have a direct impact on profitability and are the highest in the first two weeks when transport and handling stress account for most of the incidents.

The minimum handling of lambs in the first two weeks can minimise the stress. Low-stress handling techniques and well-trained personnel are needed when lambs are dosed, sheared and moved to different camps.

Feed and water intake are the main factors influencing average daily gains (ADG) and must be monitored regularly. Ad-lib feed and water must be provided to the lambs. Adequate feed intake can only be achieved by good feed bunk management and the right stocking density. When feeding twice per day 30cm/head is sufficient, and 5cm/head when an automated feeder system is used.

The quality of the lambs and type of breed also influence the profitability of a feedlot. Certain breeds have better feed efficiency and growth rates. The target ADG should be between 280-320g/day. Growth rates increase when animals enter the fattening/growth phase.

Good record-keeping, well-trained personnel and effective communication between the feedlot manager, veterinarians and nutritionists are key to a successful feedlot operation.

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR PROFITABILITY IN FEEDLOT SCENARIO

  1. Purchase of the required genetic quality animals at the right price.
  2. Ensure animals are healthy and free of parasites.
  3. Keep mortality as low as possible.
  4. Provide cool, clean water and allow sufficient feed bunk space.
  5. Provide proper and sufficient shading over the feed, as well as for the animals.
  6. Clean camps/pens regularly to minimise energy expenses.
  7. Follow the correct adaptation program.Below are two formulations with options for supplementing with hydroponic barley and Lucerne and other available roughage.

Both options are recommended in addition to about 2kg of hydroponic barley and ad lib roughage. The ideal would be a coarsely ground 50-50 combination of the two forage sources alternatively one or the other can be provided to the lambs in a whole form.

Both options contain by-pass proteins in the form of soybean oil cake meal (46% protein content) to supplement by-pass proteins and at the same time provide available proteins to rumen microbes. It also contains Acid Buf – a rumen buffer to prevent acidosis.

The Lamb Rounded Meal option is formulated with Mutton Gainer 125 (16kg bags). It contains the essential minerals and vitamins and also contains buffers and medications to prevent nutritional disorders and facilitate adaptation, as well as to improve feed conversion and limit disease. It also contains a flavoring agent to promote intake.

The Energy lick is formulated with Green Grazer 126 (Green 20kg bag) and contains high levels of magnesium and Sulphur as well as a medicine for improved growth and feed conversion, together with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

It is recommended to feed the total daily intake of the supplements and hydroponic barley in two equal portions (eg. early morning and late afternoon). It is also very important that there is sufficient feeding space so that all the lambs can take their portion of the supplements at the same time to prevent overeating.