Learn about proper procedures for collecting feed samples.
Make Better Use of Your Feed; Sampling is What You Need! Part 1: Taking a Proper Feed Sample
All posts tagged nutrition
Managing Rams for a Successful Breeding Season
The ram is the most important member of the flock, yet he does not always get the attention he deserves. Good ram management can determine the success of your breeding program and ensure a profitable lamb crop. Sperm production in rams takes 49 days, therefore it is important to remember that you will not see the effects of any management changes for almost 7-8 weeks. You’ll want to ensure rams are well looked after in the two month period leading up to the breeding season as it will have a direct effect on the quality of sperm and fertility of the ram. Testicle size is a good indicator of a ram’s sperm producing ability, which can be assessed using scrotal circumference.…
Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Output in Sheep Manure
There are a number of environmental consequences associated with improper management of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). As a result, public concerns are pushing the livestock industry to show that they are managing these nutrients appropriately. By better balancing P and N in feed rations, many livestock producers have been able to reduce feed costs, as well as minimize land requirements and improve efficiency of manure application by reducing the amount of nutrients that need handling. “Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Output in Sheep Manure” discusses how nutrition is the simplest and most effective approach in reducing P losses from livestock operations.
Nutrition and Feeding Systems for Market Lamb Finishing
In certain situations, specialized feeding programs for market lambs are ideal. These include situations where extra value can be gained by investing in the additional feed and labour. The producer must moderate his or her expectations according to the flock production system. Various aspects of diet preparation must be considered to optimize the delivery of nutrients and to ensure lamb health. Producers are encouraged to implement market feeding programs in consultation with nutrition providers and veterinarians to ensure all aspects and information are taken into account. The purpose of market lamb feeding is to cost-effectively produce a product of marketable quality and quantity. Keeping this objective in mind will help you make good business and animal management decisions. Read more…
Sheep Nutrition Training Course Offered ON LINE
A new online course, “Improve Your Sheep Nutrition Management Skills”, has been developed by Dr. Paul Luimes, researcher at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. This general-interest course was developed with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF and MRA), and the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI). Strong demand for lamb in Canada has increased interest in sheep farming. “It is important that with the rising cost of feed, shepherds having a better understanding of nutrition to help better manage costs and optimize production,” says Dr. Luimes. This course will provide new and existing producers with a foundation of knowledge in sheep nutrition, giving them the basic tools…
Rethinking Orchardgrass
This article was originally posted on Field Crop News by Joel Bagg Orchardgrass can be very productive, particularly in pastures and hay fields with aggressive cutting schedules. It is a very fast growing, perennial, cool-season grass. However, because it heads so very early in the spring and then declines quickly in digestible energy and protein, it has not been as widely used for stored forage in Ontario compared to other forage grasses. This is changing more recently, as plant breeders are researching and developing newer orchardgrass varieties with later maturity. An Alternative To Timothy? Timothy has always been the most popular grass in Ontario because of its late maturity, ability to mix with alfalfa and go through the small seed box,…
