Principles of nutrition and feeding of sheep at … 2014/Nutrition for Pre... · Principles of nutrition and feeding of sheep at pasture-the prethe pre-lambing ewelambing ewe By R

Principles of nutrition and feeding of sheep at pasture-the pre-lambing ewethe pre-lambing ewe

ByByR A Leng, Emeritus Professor.

[University of New England]

Sponsored by Olsson Industries

Wh R i t F tWhy Ruminants as Future Producers of Fibre, Meat and Milk

R i t tili bi t dRuminants can utilize biomass not used by monogastric animals and do not compete for foodcompete for food.Ruminant production can be increased without large inputs of petroleum neededwithout large inputs of petroleum needed in grain based systemsWool can be produced at half the energyWool can be produced at half the energy cost of synthetics. However methane production a potentHowever methane production ,a potent greenhouse gas, is increased unless the production rates are highly efficient.production rates are highly efficient.

Has there ever been a more opportune time to be in the sheep

industries?Sheep numbers low. Sheep down from 175 million to 60 millionmillion to 60 millionDemand for meat and wool from Asia increasing at unprecedented ratesincreasing at unprecedented ratesMajor need to boost reproduction/survival rates[65% to 100% plus]rates[65% to 100% plus]Nutrition/disease primary limitation to increasing productivityincreasing productivity

N d i f li ti f t k l dNeed is for application of present knowledge that is highly profitable

Ruminant Nutrition Ruminant nutrition depends on a fermentative digestive system in thefermentative digestive system in the paunch or rumen involving a complex mix of microorganismsof microorganisms

The animal largely depends on the endThe animal largely depends on the end products of rumen fermentation but small amounts of dietary [escape] nutrients canamounts of dietary [escape] nutrients can have major effects on the efficiency of feed utiliation and level of productionp

Raising ruminants on pastures has to be guided by rules ofhas to be guided by rules of

thumb

Sheep nutrition as applied in the grazing i d t t t k i t t th lindustry must take into account the seasonal variability in availability of pasture and quality Requirements of ewes and lambs for nutrients The effects of body condition in the partioning of nutrients into body weight, foetal y g ,development and mammary development and milk production p

Nutritional strategies for the ewe to optimise

d tiproductionHave the ewe in the right condition at the right time Control of lambing time to feed quality andControl of lambing time to feed quality and

quantity Have the ewe in moderate condition(S3) Have the ewe in moderate condition(S3)

with a rising plain of nutrition when rams are introducedare introduced

Gain moderately over first 2 trimesters and stimulate body weight gain over the last 50stimulate body weight gain over the last 50 days

Ewes should be score 3 when mated d th tt f li i ht hand the pattern of live weight change

should be as indicated as the animals th h f ll lprogress through a full years cycle

8

4

6

Joining

Lambing

2

0

2LWt change of ewes[kg]

-6

-4

-2

-6-25 5 35 65 95 125 155 185 215 245 275 305 335 365

Days

What if seasonalWhat if seasonal conditions are adverseIf feed availability is the primary problem then a balanced feed will need to be fed,however even under apparently low , pp yfeed availability supplemtation may be sufficientsufficient If feed quality is the major constraint then catalytic supplementation may allow manipulation of body score to p yoptimise production

Deficiencies in Rumen Nutrients Occur in Sheep on Stubbles and

as Pastures Dry-offas Pastures Dry-off.

Changing composition ofChanging composition of pasture through the seasons

25

20

ture

[%]

10

15

ein

in p

as

Start oft

CP

5

10

ude

prot

e wetMinerals

0

Cru

Effect of plant maturity on forage intake and

digestibilitydigestibility

In managing ewes and lambs for high productivity requires a good g p y q g

basic understanding of nutrition/digestion andnutrition/digestion and

metabolism

It is essential to understand the digestive system of the ruminantdigestive system of the ruminant The requirement for nutrients through-

t thout the yearThe effects of body condition score onThe effects of body condition score on reproductive efficiency

Ruminant Digestion

Depends on microbial fermentation in ththe rumen.The rumen is an ecosystem comprised y pof: Bacteria. Anaerobic fungi. Protozoa Protozoa. Viruses.

The ruminant digestive systemsystem

Fungig

ProtozoaBacteria

Actions of RumenActions of Rumen Microbes

Weaken plant structures and increase fragility of fibrous feed [largely fungi]

Ferment feed components and provide the animal with energy [as VFA] and

t i [f b t i l ll h d tprotein [from bacterial cells washed to the lower gut]Predate other organisms and se them Predate other organisms and use them as nutrient sources [protozoa]

Ruminants convert forage in the rumen to organic acidsthe rumen to organic acids

with the production of microbial cells

ForageForage

Organic AcidsO V l til F tt A id

Microbial cellsOr Volatile Fatty AcidsOr VFA Protein

Essential amino acidsEnergy-Glucose

ForageFermentation of Feed in the Rumen

Forage

Carbohydrates Protein Minerals:Carbohydrates Protein Minerals:S.P.Co.Cu etc.

Fermentationintermediates

Microbebuilding blocks

Ammonia

intermediates building blocks


Forage




Ammonia


Methane

Heat

Short chain organic acids:acetic, propionic & butyric


Forage




Ammonia


Mi bi l ll

Energy formicrobe synthesisMethane

Microbial cells


Microbialdry matter

Absorbedfrom rumen

Digestedin small intestines


Forage

Carbohydrates Protein Minerals:Mineral

Carbohydrates Protein Minerals:S.P.Co.Cu etc.

sources

UreaFermentationintermediates


Ammonia Urea


Mi bi l ll

Energy formicrobe synthesisMethane

Microbial cells


Microbialdry matter Bypass

Absorbedfrom rumen

Digestedin small intestines

ypprotein

Dilution rate ? 1Kg DOM Yatp 24

Cells to VFA 0.7P/E 0 36

Carbon

P/E 0.36

intermediates22190

CO2 CH4

VFAMicrobial cells

Atp Adp

446 3101.15

VFA CellsHeat

Dilution rate 3 1Kg DOM Yatp 14


Carbon

P/E 0.27

intermediates32210

CO2 CH4

VFAMicrobial cells

Atp Adp

530 2811.23

VFA CellsHeat

Dilution rate 21Kg DOM Yatp 11.4


Carbon

P/E 0.22

intermediates36217

CO2 CH4

VFAMicrobial cells

Atp Adp

559 2441.26

VFA CellsHeat

Dilution rate 11Kg DOM Yatp7.4


Carbon

P/E 0.14

intermediates42230

CO2 CH4

VFAMicrobial cells

Atp Adp

614 1751.31

VFA CellsHeat

Dilution rate 0.11Kg DOM Yatp 1


Carbon

P/E 0.02

intermediates56256

CO2 CH4

VFAMicrobial cells

Atp Adp

72029

1.41

VFA CellsHeat

Glucose (lower fig Leng et al. 1977) and protein requirements(upper fig Orskov 1970 according torequirements(upper fig Orskov 1970 according to

productive state in sheep.

When Do Protein Requirements Out StripRequirements Out Strip Supply From an Efficient

Rumen?In newly weaned animals [particularlyIn newly weaned animals [particularly small early weaned lambs]In the last third of pregnancyIn the last third of pregnancyIn early, peak lactationWh th i l’ bilit t di t dWhere the animal’s ability to digest and absorb protein is compromised by:

Parasite /disease and to ic alkaloids Parasite /disease and toxic alkaloidsWhere feed intake is reduced by heat stressstress

Bypass protein explained

Forage Protein FeedForage Protein

Ammonia +short chain fatty acids [ ]

Rumen[energy]

IntestinesProtein digested in the intestines

Intestines

Suckled Milk Is the UltimateSuckled Milk Is the Ultimate Source of Bypass Nutrients

Milk contains lactose,protein and fat

Two essential management tools gshould be used to determine

feeding strategyfeeding strategy Scanning to determine number foetuses and separation of single and twin bearing ewes for special treatmentg pCondition scoring with hands on experience(exception late pregnancy toexperience(exception late pregnancy to avoid mismothering)

If the season dries off prematurely supplement to provide any criticalsupplement to provide any critical deficient nutrients

Ewes should be score 3 when mated d th tt f li i ht hand the pattern of live weight change

should be as indicated as the animals th h f ll lprogress through a full years cycle

8

4

6

Joining

Lambing

2

0

2LWt change of ewes[kg]

-6

-4

-2

-6-25 5 35 65 95 125 155 185 215 245 275 305 335 365

Days

Priorities in RuminantPriorities in Ruminant Nutrition

Priority 1.Balance the nutrition of the i b t irumen microbes to ensure maximum

growth Macro and micro minerals Ammonia Sulphur/Phosphorus

Priority 2 Feed additional escapePriority 2. Feed additional escape protein in catalytic amounts

Protein nutrition is the critical issue that limits productivity

of grazing ruminantsof grazing ruminantsOn dry feeds the rumen is deficient in critical nutrients for effective digestioncritical nutrients for effective digestion, primary effect- a low protein availability or P/E ratioP/E ratio.Productive ruminants need more protein then produced in an efficient rumen andthen produced in an efficient rumen and require bypass proteinDisease/parasites of intestines and toxicDisease/parasites of intestines and toxic elements increase protein requirements through stimulation of the immune systemg yDisease cause blood loss increases protein requirements( Barbers Pole )

The objectives

To produce a viable lamb at a birth weight that allows it to survive and grow at an optimal weight p gTo have the ewe in a condition where she produces copious colostrum andshe produces copious colostrum and milk yield for the lamb to weaning and has a body condition score that will allow her to get back pregnantg p g

Litter mates: weaned at same time and fed oaten chaff with rumenand fed oaten chaff with rumen nutrients and soluble or bypass

proteinproteinDiet had:• Same protein %• Same protein %

• same energy content• same energy content

• same mineralsame mineral concentration

Larger lamb –the protein was protected

Four major deficiencies are jprominent in grazing

ruminants in dry seasonsruminants in dry seasonsCrude protein [nitrogen] which is a

t d fi i f i i thcreates a deficiency of ammonia in the rumenSulphur which reduces intake markedly and is essential for fungal growth*g gPhosphorous which reduces intake and reproductive efficiency*reproductive efficiencyOther deficiencies that accompany the above deficiencies include Cu Co Seabove deficiencies include Cu,Co,Se and other trace minerals

Deficiencies of P and S are often neglected in

th S ththe SouthP deficiency is becoming more prevelent where super phosphate application has ceased,pp ,S deficiency often goes unrecognised but is critical as there is very littlebut is critical as there is very little mineral sulphur in plants and it is mainly arises from S amino acids, When there is low CP then S also deficient

Mechanisms to balanceMechanisms to balance diets include

The use of mineral mixes and /or urea as:L i d bl k li k f i l d Loose mixes and block licks of minerals and urea

In water medication In water medication Fortified molasses with urea and minerals Organic feeds high in the deficient nutrientsg g

Lupins,mill run,seed meals such as peas, lucerne hay

P t i l bl f iProtein meals capable of escaping fermentation in the rumen [copra, cottonseed linseed soybean wheat bran andcottonseed, linseed, soybean, wheat bran and rice pollard, brewers dried grains and solubles]

The Conundrum forThe Conundrum for Graziers

It is difficult to predict mineral and urea requirements of sheep grazing dried offrequirements of sheep grazing dried off pasture because of: variability in climate and its effect on stage of variability in climate and its effect on stage of

pasture growth, extent of leaching g crude protein and mineral composition

How then to decide on the supplementation strategy?

Ruminants appear to havell d l d bilit twell developed ability to

select for deficiencies ofselect for deficiencies of rumen nutrients.

Metabolic discomfort is exhibited by y

cattle and sheep when the available forage

is deficient in phosphorous or sulphur

d t i [l i i th ]or crude protein [low ammonia in the rumen].

They will search for “feed”that relieves the

discomfort and express ‘nutritional wisdom’.

IN PRACTICEIN PRACTICE

Use a multi-nutrient source or a number of

individual nutrient sources

All species display nutritional wisdom obtained by suffering metabolic stressby suffering metabolic stress

A group of green wing and scarlet macaws congregate on a clay lick by a river in the jungles of the Amazon.a river in the jungles of the Amazon.

Macaws feed on a fruit that contain toxic compounds but immediately flytoxic compounds but immediately fly to the clay licks and consume the clay which binds the toxic

d Th l i id d i thcompound. The clay is voided in the faeces preventing absorption of the toxin and poisoning.

The Indicator Approach toThe Indicator Approach to Supplementationpp

Year round availability of mineral and ureaE ti ll 4 bl k d d ithEssentially 4 blocks are needed with a background of other minerals

Hi h i U High in Urea High in Phosphorous High in Sulphur High in Sulphur A Trace Mineral mix based on local knowledge

Animals learn to balance their needs andAnimals learn to balance their needs and the disappearance of blocks signals the onset of deficiency.onset of deficiency.

M j l f th b t dMajor rules of thumb to decrease critical production losses

Have indicator blocks available year round to optimize digestion of forage and optimize protein to energy in nutrients absorbed. Ensures year round gy yoptimum use of available forage

In addition to indicator blocks provide extraIn addition to indicator blocks provide extra Metabolisable protein at critical parts of production cycle. Usually last trimester of pregnancy and first 1-2 th f l t ti2 months of lactation.

Sources of metabolisable bypass-protein includeSources of metabolisable bypass protein include CSM, CSM in blocks[Peak50]and Bentobite blocks,palm kernl cake ,DDGS

In drought pinched grain is a good source of bypass protein

Rumen nutrients and bypass protein increase live weight gain of mature fine wool Merino ewes

on dry pasture [Khan 1996]62 40.58

60

62

g/w

eek]

30

35

40

nge

54

56

wth

rate

[g

20

25

eigh

t cha

ng/

day]

48

50

52

Woo

l gro

w

5

10

15

Live

we [g

46

48

0 25 50 75 125 150 170

W

0

5

Intake of cottonseed meal [g/day]

Wool growth Live weight change [g/day]

Fertility in ewes [Lambs marked] is probably the most

responsive toresponsive to supplementation and where

most economic benefits result.result.

The effects of high protein nutrition on ovulation in Merino ewes[51kg live weight] grazing

wheat stubble in SAwheat stubble in SA

Supplement Ovulation [%]Supplement Ovulation [%]Nil 100

150g/head/day fish meal 150600g/head/day lupins 150

Normal Development of PlacentaNormal Development of Placenta and Growth of Foetal Lamb

4 55

g]

600

33.5

44.5

lam

b [k

g

400

500

cent

a [g

]

1 52

2.53

t of f

oeta

l

200

300

ht o

f pla

c

00.5

11.5

Wei

ght

0

100 Wei

g

00 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150

Days from Joining

0

Fertility in Grazing Ewes Is y gReduced by Poor Protein

Nutrition [D t F K t l1990]Nutrition.[Data From Knox et al1990]

Supplement Lamb Marking[%]

Nil 44Nil 44

M lti t i t bl k 78Multi-nutrient block [Rumen nutrients]

78

Multi-nutrient block with antehelminthic

103

On dry forage the body weight of ewes and birth weight of lambsewes and birth weight of lambs

are improved by strategic supplementation [St h t l 1985 ]supplementation [Stephenson et al 1985 ]

Ewe W i ht

Lamb Bi thSupple-

mentRumen

ConditionsWeight Gain

[g/day]

Birth Weight

[kg][g/day] [kg]None In-efficient 38 3.5

Urea/Sulphur

Efficient 80 3.7p

Urea/Sulphur /bypass protein

Efficient 131 4.0yp p

meal Stephenson et al 1985

Lamb birthweight is highly correlated with numberscorrelated with numbers dying in first week after

lambing

60

ek

Cool/wet season Warm season

30

40

50

first

wee

10

20

30

dyi

ng in

0

10

1.8 2.2 2.6 3 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6 5 5.4 5.8 6.2 6.6

%

Lamb birth weight [kg]

The Smaller the Lamb theThe Smaller the Lamb the Less Likely It Will Survive

The survival of lambs from ewes [“B l ”] l t d[“Booroola”] supplemented

through pregnancy with cottonseed meal [Hinch et al 1996]

Supplemented with CSM No Supplement

80

100

pp pp

40

60

80Survival of lambs to 7

0

20

40days

01 2 3 4

No.of Lambs /ewe

The benefits of supplementing with CSM to increase metabolisable protein supply in

twin bearing ewes of different fat scores on green pasturegreen pasture

Both twins die 1 lamb survives lamb survival

CSM+CSM+CSM

+CSM

6080

100

mbs

in

g

204060

% la

msu

rviv

B th t i di1 lamb survives

lamb survival

02 2 3 3 3.5 3.5

Both twins die

Fat score of ewe

L Kahn 2005

The birth weight of lambs is dependent on placental p p

development which is reduced in ewes with super nutrition in midewes with super nutrition in mid

pregnancyE es restricted gro th E es rapid gro th

78

s[kg

]

Ewes-restricted growth Ewes-rapid growth

4567

t of l

ambs

1234

th w

eigh

t

01

0 200 400 600 800 1000

Bir

t

Placental weight of ewes[g]

Wallace et al 1999]

The effects of feeding ewes in glate pregnancy bypass protein

on colostrum yieldon colostrum yieldNil protein Plus soybean meal

400

500

200

300Colostrum yield[g]

0

100

Grasssilage[GS]

Sugar beetpulp[SBP}

[GS+SBP]

Intestinal parasites increase pprotein loss to the lower gut

in sheep[St l t l 19 ]in sheep[Steel et al 19 ]

253035

Increase in

152025Protein

Moving into the

Expt 1Expt.2

51015

Caecum[g/d]

Expt.2

0

5-7 weeks 10-12 weeks

The effects of supplements of 8% fish l[BP] i i di t b dmeal[BP] in ewes given diets based on

lucerne[L] and barley[B] on parasite t i f fegg counts in faeces of ewes

30%L 70%B 30%L 70%B+BP 70%L 30%B 70%L 30%B+BP

25003000

unt

30%L:70%B 30%L:70%B+BP 70%L:30%B 70%L:30%B+BP

150020002500

egg

cou

0500

1000

Faec

al e

0

-10 -7 -3 0 3 7 10 14 17 21

D i t d ft l bi

F

Days prior to and after lambing

Donaldson et al[1999]

Worm burdens in Coopworth d t i d 3 k ftewes determined 3 weeks after

lambing following a 10 week period being fed different diets

8000

500060007000

Geometric

300040005000mean

worm burden

010002000burden

0Low feed

intakeHigh feed

intakeLow mpintake

High mpintake

Khan 2004 adapted from Donaldson et al 1998

The influence of protein nutrition of lambs for 9 weeks after

weaning on subsequent resistance parasite infestation inresistance parasite infestation in

adult life

600700800

300400500600

Mean faecal egg

100200300count

010 13 16 19 22

%Protein in diet [%]Datta et al 199

Factors that damage the lower t f th ll i t ti di tpart of the small intestine disrupt

digestion of protein and absorption of amino acids

Intestinal parasitesToxic plant compounds, ergot and endophyte fungal alkaloidsp y gDisease organisms [e.g. Johne’s disease mycobacterium]disease-mycobacterium]Many compounds produced by fungi y y g

Symptoms are largely loose faeces

Managing Feeding of Bypass g g g ypProtein to Sheep at Pasture is

Difficult in PracticeDifficult in Practice Labour intensive B t lt ith d il f di f diBest results with daily feeding; feeding alternate days 70% effectiveSh f d i tShy feeders miss-outThe meal maybe included with

i l / b t l i t k [P k 50 ]minerals/urea but low intake[Peak 50 ]Protein nutrition maybe enhanced by Controlling protozoa [by feeding oil

strategically] Feeding the clay mineral bentonite Feeding the clay mineral bentonite

Bentonite Supple StimulatesBentonite Supple. Stimulates Wool Growth Rate[ Fenn & Leng 1990]

40

253035

Relative l

101520

wool growth

[g/patch/d]

05

10[g p ]

0 5 10 15 20 25

Bentonite given[g/day]

Bentonite Blocks Increase the Protein N t iti f ShNutrition of Sheep.

Wool growth and diameter are controlled

b t i t itiby protein nutrition

W i ht L i E I R l t d tWeight Loss in Ewes Is Related to Wool Fiber Strength[ref]

4550

.]

30354045

h [N

/kte

x.

R2 = 0.425515202530

e st

reng

th

05

1015

Stap

le

-150 -100 -50 0 50Weight change of ewes [g/day]

Wool BreakProtein requirements are increased in late pregnancy and early lactationpregnancy and early lactation

W l b k i ft iti l i i d htWool break is often a critical issue in drought or dry season effecting the price of wool but it als indicates that the sheep were under fedals indicates that the sheep were under fed for protein

Increasing protein nutrition is the most effective way to remove the damaging effectseffective way to remove the damaging effects of wool break

Bentonite appears toBentonite appears to have two roles

Increases rumen efficiency. Increases protein nutrition [Prevents excessive predation of protozoa on rumen p pbacteria].Adsorbs toxin that damage the lowerAdsorbs toxin that damage the lower intestinal tract. Decreases protein requirements

When Is It Recommended to Use

B t it ?Bentonite?On short green feed where there is an ill-thriftOn short green feed where there is an ill-thriftOn dry feed where supplements ensure an efficient r menefficient rumenWhenever scouring begins to be seen in a mob[?]Where feeds with obvious fungal growth on them are fed[spoilt grain and mouldy hay/straw]

Low protein nutrition has longLow protein nutrition has long term effects in sheep.

Protein under-nutrition effects Response to parasite infections Development of the immune system Development of the immune system Changes in the immune reactions of ewes

close to lambing and during early lactationclose to lambing and during early lactation.Protein under nutrition in early life reduces the resistance to parasites into adult life [carry over effects] [ y ]

Supple. has a“snowball” effect on profits. Lamb numbers, weaningprofits. Lamb numbers, weaning

weight and wool value are improved.

1997 1998 2001 No suppl suppl. suppl.

Lambing [%] 60 84 84

Losses [%] 20 5 5

Lambs at weaning[/1000 ewes] 480 800 800

Weight at weaning[kg] 20 30 30

Income from lambs [$] 4,800 18,000 60,000[ ]

Income from wool [$] 16,500 24,000 48,000

Total income[$] 21,300 42,000 108,000Total income[$] 21,300 42,000 108,000

Supplementation costs[$] 0 3,750 4,025

Protein nutrition is enhanced by a number of management

strategiesstrategiesSupply minerals and urea for the rumenFeed bypass proteinManipulate the rumen to yield moreManipulate the rumen to yield more protein. Feed bentoniteControl parasites and diseasePrevent the absorption of a number ofPrevent the absorption of a number of toxic plant compounds[bentonite]

Supplementation for the astute can be a pot of

ldgold

You too can pull a rabbit out of the bagTh E dThe End

DROUGHT AND DRY SEASON FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR CATTLE,SHEEP AND GOATS.By R A Lengy gSpecial offer tonight reduced from $65 to $35from $65 to $35www.penambulbooks.com

Factors that damage the lower t f th ll i t ti di tpart of the small intestine disrupt

digestion of protein and absorption of amino acids

Intestinal parasitesToxic plant compounds, ergot and endophyte fungal alkaloidsp y gDisease organisms [e.g. Johne’s disease mycobacterium]disease-mycobacterium]Many compounds produced by fungi y y g

Symptoms are largely loose faeces

Sticky Diarrheas are Common in ySheep Grazing Endophyte

Infected GrassInfected Grass

Endophyte [NeotyphodiumEndophyte [NeotyphodiumLolli] in the stem of PRG.]

Documents

Principles of nutrition and feeding of sheep at … 2014/Nutrition for Pre... · Principles of nutrition and feeding of sheep at pasture-the prethe pre-lambing ewelambing ewe By R