Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sheep production plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy, providing meat, wool, and milk. Ewe nutrition, particularly during gestation and lactation, is critical for reproductive success, lamb growth, and overall flock health. Gestation, the period of pregnancy, and lactation, the period of milk production, are physiologically demanding phases for ewes, requiring significant adjustments in their diet. Inadequate nutrition during these periods can lead to reduced lamb birth weights, increased lamb mortality, decreased wool production, and compromised ewe health. This answer will detail the specific feeding requirements of ewes during gestation and lactation, crucial for sustainable sheep farming practices.
Feeding During Gestation
Gestation in ewes typically lasts for 148 days, and nutritional needs vary across the three trimesters.
First Trimester (Days 1-42)
During the first trimester, the fetus is small, and the primary nutrient demand is for maternal tissue growth and maintenance. While the increase in nutrient requirements is minimal, a balanced diet is essential to establish a good foundation for fetal development.
- Energy: Moderate energy levels are required. Good quality pasture or conserved forages like hay are suitable.
- Protein: 12-14% crude protein (CP) is recommended.
- Minerals & Vitamins: Adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 are crucial for skeletal development of the fetus.
Second Trimester (Days 43-84)
This is a period of rapid fetal growth, and nutrient requirements increase significantly. The ewe's body reserves are utilized to meet these demands.
- Energy: Increased energy intake is vital. Supplementation with grains (e.g., maize, barley) may be necessary.
- Protein: 14-16% CP. Protein sources like oil cakes (groundnut cake, soybean cake) can be incorporated.
- Minerals & Vitamins: Increased levels of copper and selenium are often required, particularly in regions with deficient soils. Mineral mixtures should be provided.
Third Trimester (Days 85-148)
Fetal growth continues rapidly, and the ewe experiences significant metabolic changes. The third trimester requires the highest level of nutritional support to ensure adequate colostrum production and lamb birth weight.
- Energy: High energy intake is paramount. Concentrated feeds like grains become essential.
- Protein: 16-18% CP. Supplementation with protein sources is crucial.
- Minerals & Vitamins: Supplementation with calcium and phosphorus is particularly important to prevent milk fever (hypocalcemia) post-lambing. Pre-lambing mineral mixtures are commonly used.
Feeding During Lactation (Suckling Period)
Lactation is the most demanding period for ewes, as they must produce sufficient milk to support rapid lamb growth. Milk production peaks around 6-8 weeks after lambing.
- Energy: High energy requirements. Lactating ewes need approximately 1.5 to 2 times more energy than non-pregnant ewes.
- Protein: 16-20% CP. High-quality protein is vital for milk protein synthesis.
- Fiber: Adequate fiber is important for rumen health and digestive efficiency.
- Water: Abundant clean water is essential for milk production.
The diet should consist of a combination of good quality pasture, conserved forages, and concentrates. The specific ration should be adjusted based on milk yield and lamb growth rates.
| Nutrient | Gestation (First Trimester) | Gestation (Third Trimester) | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (CP) | 12-14% | 16-18% | 16-20% |
| Energy (Mcal/day) | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Calcium (g/day) | 2-3 g | 5-7 g | 6-8 g |
Importance of Feeding Management
Proper feeding management is essential for:
- Improved lamb birth weights: Adequate nutrition during gestation directly impacts lamb size at birth.
- Increased lamb survival rates: Stronger lambs are more likely to survive.
- Enhanced wool production: Good nutrition supports wool growth and quality.
- Improved ewe health and longevity: Proper nutrition prevents metabolic disorders and extends the productive lifespan of the ewe.
- Reduced veterinary costs: Preventative nutrition reduces the incidence of diseases.
The National Livestock Mission (NLM), under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, supports improved livestock production practices, including nutrition management. It provides subsidies for feed and fodder storage structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nutritional requirements of ewes undergo significant changes during gestation and lactation. A well-planned and balanced feeding strategy, tailored to the specific trimester or lactation stage, is crucial for maximizing lamb production, improving ewe health, and ensuring the economic viability of sheep farming. Continuous monitoring of ewe body condition score and lamb growth rates is essential for adjusting the feeding program and optimizing performance. Promoting awareness among farmers about proper feeding practices remains a key priority for sustainable sheep production in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.