How to keep pregnant ewe
2025-09-01 09:38:29
The period of feeding and managing ewes approximately one month into pregnancy is critical for the healthy development of the fetus. Due to the limited nutritional value of forage alone, even if ewes are grazing and receiving supplements, they may still not meet their full nutritional requirements. Therefore, farmers should monitor the ewes’ condition and provide appropriate feed supplements based on their individual needs.
As the pregnancy progresses beyond two months, the fetus begins to grow rapidly, and the nutritional demands of the ewe increase accordingly. It is recommended to gradually increase the amount of concentrate feed. A balanced mix could include 40% soybeans, 30% corn, 20% barley, and 10% wheat. Soak these ingredients in warm water for 6–8 hours, grind them into a pulp, and mix with 10–15% soybean meal, 5–8% bran, and 1% salt—based on the total weight of soybeans. This mixture should be fed 2–3 times daily, with each ewe receiving 50–100 grams of the concentrate. Younger ewes may require slightly more to support their growth and development.
By the third month of pregnancy, the total volume of forage should be carefully controlled to avoid overfeeding. The ewes should receive smaller, more frequent meals of forage and concentrates to prevent excessive weight gain, which can negatively affect fetal development and lead to complications during birth.
At four months of gestation, the fetus has reached 60–70% of its expected body weight at birth. At this stage, the ewe also needs to store nutrients for milk production after giving birth. The concentrate feed should be increased to about twice the amount consumed before pregnancy. Fresh, diverse feeds such as young grass, carrots, and other green forages should be provided. Avoid feeding potatoes, vinasse, or unprocessed cottonseed or rapeseed cakes, as these can be harmful. Also, do not feed moldy, cold, overly acidic, or contaminated feed containing ergot or poisonous weeds, as these can cause issues like abortion, dystocia, or postpartum diseases.
About one month before lambing, the ewe’s diet should be adjusted to include softer feeds, such as ammoniated, micro-fermented, or salted straw, along with juicy green feeds. Adding more bran to the concentrate can help maintain digestive health. Ten days before birth, reduce the feed quantity based on the ewe’s appetite and digestion to avoid overfeeding.
Two to three days before delivery, ewes with good health will show signs such as swollen udders and abdominal edema. Reduce feed by 1/3 to 1/2 from the usual amount to prevent excessive milk production, which can lead to udder swelling, back milk, and digestive problems in lambs. For thinner ewes, if the udder becomes dry a week before birth, reduce forage intake and increase protein-rich feeds like sesame cake, soybean meal, soymilk, or bean residue, along with fresh green feeds to support milk production.
Finally, ensure that the feed and drinking water for pregnant ewes remain clean and uncontaminated throughout the entire gestation period. Proper nutrition and management during this time are essential for both the ewe's health and the successful birth of healthy lambs.
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