WITH 55% of lamb losses being caused by poor ewe feeding, farmers are advised to pay close attention to nutrition in the run-up to lambing.

It's well documented that 75% of lamb growth occurs six weeks pre-lambing and as a result, demand for energy doubles. Post-lambing nutrition is equally important and ewes need adequate energy and protein to produce high levels of good quality milk.

Selecting the right feed and feed level is important, as this will help maximise lambing percentages, lamb survival and growth rate pre and post lambing

ForFarmers' Ewbol feeds contain a range of energy and protein sources which ensure the correct nutrients are being delivered at the key times. The balance of fermentable energy (starch, sugar and digestible fibre) helps to prevent twin lamb disease, acidosis and also ensures the production of higher fat milk, which results in better lamb survival and increased growth rates.

High levels of digestible undegradable protein (DUP) help ewes mobilise fat from their bodies in the latter stages of pregnancy and support the demands of milk production in early lactation. The sudden acceleration in growth in the six weeks pre lambing places a tremendous demand on the ewe to supply the rapidly developing foetus with nutrients, especially if she is carrying twins or triplets.

Trials have shown that lambs born 1kg heavier reach slaughter weight 10 days earlier.

Another important consideration is vitamin and trace element supply. Ewes supplemented with higher levels of vitamin E and selenium produce heavier lambs and more milk, both of which boost lamb viability and survival.

Studies have shown that lambs from supplemented ewes stood eight minutes earlier, and suckled 16 minutes earlier and gained an extra 24g liveweight per day up to weaning.