Plan summer lamb feeding strategy now
Plan summer lamb feeding strategy now
REDUCED grass growth and the absence of store lamb sales could force many producers into weaning lambs early to ensure adequate grass for finishing.
Plan your summer feeding strategy now, says independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings. "May-born lambs are normally weaned mid-July onwards to coincide with falling grass supplies, but grass is already in short supply on some farms.
"There is the added problem of being unable to sell-on store lambs for finishing. These lambs, together with cull ewes, are trapped on many farms due to foot-and-mouth movement restrictions, putting extra pressure on grazing this summer," she adds.
When grass is in short supply, Ms Stubbings advises weaning lambs early and removing ewes to provide lambs with more grass. "But this will require extra forward planning with current movement restrictions."
Silage aftermath is ideal for providing grass for lambs, says SAC sheep specialist John Vipond. "In fields with sward heights greater than 6cm, lambs do not need any supplementary concentrates."
When lambs need to be supplemented, feed hogget nuts instead of lamb creep, says Ms Stubbings. "They are cheaper than creep feed, but will give the same results.
"However, care is needed with lambs which have not been fed creep before. They will rapidly consume large amounts leading to bloat. Introduce concentrates gradually over a few days in troughs or a hopper feeder."
When weaning lambs, Dr Vipond warns against moving them on to silage aftermath on the same day as ewes are taken away. "This will stress lambs too much. Try to move them a couple of days after weaning."
Another option for tackling grass shortage is to bring lambs inside and feed concentrates, says Ms Stubbings. "This is preferable to leaving them outside with little grass and losing body condition.
"Concentrates are not cheap and have recently gone up in price due to increasing cereal prices. However, big bale silage and hay are just as expensive as concentrates on a dry matter basis."
Feeding concentrates will also allow producers to keep forage for use later this year. Do not forget that ewes must be brought back into condition later this summer prior to tupping, she adds. *
WEANING LAMBS EARLY
• Wean early when grass below 4cm height.
• Introduce concentrates gradually.
• Avoid lambs losing condition.