Achieving appropriate nutrition throughout the year is the cornerstone of efficient livestock production. Sheep maintained in adequate condition will achieve production targets. They will also be healthier and have fewer disease problems.
The appropriate condition score (CS) of sheep varies with the type of enterprise, class of sheep and time of year. If sheep fall below critical condition or graze poor quality and insufficient pasture, this will result in:
- reduced reproductive performance of ewes
- lower lamb survival and growth rate of lambs
- higher ewe mortality rates
- lower weaning percentages
- increased risk of ill thrift or death in weaners
- reduced productivity for all classes of sheep
- likely failure to meet market specifications
- higher risk of disease and health management issues.
Plan to match annual nutritional requirements with feed supply and achieve pasture utilisation without excessive use of supplements. But also know how to formulate cost-effective feeding rations for all seasons.
In some regions, copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine deficiencies cause disease or ill thrift. These occur seasonally in specific areas. High-intensity production systems can exacerbate deficiencies.
Trace element supplementation is only cost effective when deficiencies are identified. Determine the risk of deficiency and if it is likely on your property. Use diagnostic tests to determine if trace element deficiencies are present and consult your animal health advisor.
Determine the likely impact of deficiency and beneficial options for treatment and prevention. See Management of trace element deficiencies tool for management options.