Ewe Nutrition Before and After Lambing Matters

One of the most powerful — yet often underestimated — factors in sheep production is ewe nutrition, especially in the critical weeks just before and after lambing. This window sets the foundation for flock health, lamb survival, and farm profitability.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗘𝘄𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:

During late gestation and early lactation, a ewe’s body works overtime. She’s supporting her own body, her unborn lambs, and then producing milk immediately after lambing. Poor nutrition at this stage isn’t just about a thin ewe — it can lead to:

·        Weak lambs

·        Low-quality colostrum

·        Reduced immunity

·        Increased risk of ewe or lamb mortality

Well-fed ewes, on the other hand, give you:

·        Higher lamb survival rates

·        Stronger early growth

·        Better milk production for multiples

·        A smoother recovery period for the ewe

Every feeding decision now ripples through the entire lambing season.

𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀:

1. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Matters

·        Aim for ewes to be in a 2.5–3.5 BCS at lambing. Too thin and lamb survival drops; too fat and lambing difficulties increase.

·        A quick hands-on check of backbone and ribs works well. For a detailed refresher, see our guide: Body Condition Score (BCS) — Your Livestock's Silent Health Report Card : https://www.stutt-trading.co.za/post/body-condition-score-bcs-your-livestock-s-silent-health-report-card.

2. Protein & Energy Support

·        Protein fuels foetal growth and colostrum quality.

·        Energy feeds maintain body reserves and prevent pregnancy toxaemia.

·        Options: planted pastures, crop residues (maize stover), protein licks, energy licks.

·        For experienced farmers: aim for 16–18% protein and 65–70% TDN (total digestible nutrients) in late gestation feeds.

3. Water: The Forgotten Feed

·        Clean, fresh water supports feed intake and milk production. Even slight restriction can halve an ewe’s milk yield.

4. Veld-Based Adaptations

·        Eastern Cape veld varies from sweetveld in the Karoo to sourveld in the Amathole region.

·        Where grazing is limited, strategic supplementation is non-negotiable. Match lick type to veld quality so ewes never lack essential nutrients.

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳

Supplementation isn’t just a cost — it’s an investment:

·        One extra lamb per 10 ewes can offset supplementation costs multiple times over.

·        Higher survival reduces the need for replacements.

·        Stronger lambs at weaning mean better market weights and cash flow.

Even small improvements — lifting survival by 5–10% — translate into big financial wins across a flock.

𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Nutrition ties directly to other key management practices:

·        Scanning for Multiples: Adjust feed for twin-bearing ewes to improve survival.

·        Ewe Recovery: Well-fed ewes return to heat sooner, supporting higher conception rates.

·        Weaning Weights: Good milk supply early gives lambs a strong start and boosts growth after weaning.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 & 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Our province is unique: rainfall is unpredictable, veld types differ, and communal and commercial systems often operate side by side.

·        Drought-prone areas: Strategic supplementation is the difference between ewes surviving or thriving.

·        Higher rainfall regions: Managing lush but low-quality grazing can be tricky.

·        Across the board, adapting nutrition to your system makes all the difference. Local advice tailored to your farm is invaluable.

At Stutt Trading, we see ewe nutrition as a cornerstone of sustainable farming, not just a cost. Focusing on the weeks before and after lambing means stronger ewes, healthier lambs, and a more profitable flock.

We can help you:

·        Choose the right supplements

·        Design practical feeding plans

·        Ensure flock condition matches production goals

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:

·        RMRD SA (Red Meat Research & Development South Africa). Ewe Nutrition Guidelines for Improved Lamb Survival. 2022.

·        ARC – Animal Production. Small Stock Nutrition Notes for Sheep Farmers. Agricultural Research Council, 2019.

·        Farmers Weekly SA. Nutrition Management of Pregnant and Lactating Ewes. Online article, 2023.