The most critical period of the year in small livestock farming last 6 weeks of pregnancyis. Nutritional errors made during this period can lead to lamb/kid losses, pregnancy toxemia and maternal deaths.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the nutrition of pregnant sheep and goats in the last 6 weeks. At the end of the article:
- Causes and prevention of pregnancy toxemia
- Increased energy needs in twin and triplet pregnancies
- Critical mineral and vitamin supplements
- Practical feeding program
You will have learned.
1. Why Are The Last 6 Weeks So Critical?
1.1 Fetal Growth Pattern
Gestation period in sheep and goats is approximately 150 days(145-155 days). Fetal weight gain 70-80% in the last 6 weeks takes place.
| Pregnancy Period | Fetus Weight | Daily Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 0-90 days | ~500g | 5-6g/day |
| 90-120 days | ~1.5kg | 30-35g/day |
| 120-150 days (Last 6 weeks) | 3.5-5kg | 80-120g/day |
1.2 Energy Gap Problem
There have been two reverse processes in the last 6 weeks:
- Energy needs increase: Fetal growth, breast development, colostrum production
- Feed consumption decreases: Growing uterus compresses the rumen
This imbalance negative energy balancewhat and potentially pregnancy toxemiaWhat does it lead to?
2. Pregnancy Toxemia / Ketosis
2.1 What is it and why does it occur?
Pregnancy toxemia, seen in the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, a metabolic disease caused by energy deficiencyis. The body breaks down fat stores to compensate for the energy deficit, which causes ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) to accumulate in the blood.
2.2 Risk Factors
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| multiple pregnancy | The risk is 5-10 times higher in animals carrying twins or triplets |
| extreme fitness | Fatty animals are more prone (hepatic lipidosis) |
| poor condition | Energy reserves are insufficient |
| Insufficient/poor quality feed | low energy ration |
| stress | Transport, weather change, herd change |
| dental problems | Feed consumption decreases in older animals |
2.3 Symptoms
- Early period: Loss of appetite, separation from the herd, stagnation
- Middle period: Difficulty walking, teeth grinding, blindness symptoms
- Later period: Hospitalization, coma, death (80-90% death without treatment)
- Characteristic finding: Acetone (fruit) odor on breath
2.4 Prevention Strategies
- Pregnancy detection with ultrasound: Distinguish between singletons/twins/triplets, divide into groups
- Condition scoring: On the 90th day of pregnancy, VKS should be 3.0-3.5
- Gradual energy increase: Increase energy by 50-100% in the last 6 weeks
- Quality roughage: Choose roughage with high digestibility
- Stress minimization: Do not carry out procedures such as transportation or vaccination during this period.
3. Energy and Protein Requirements
3.1 Energy Requirement (ME - Metabolizable Energy)
| Period | Single Pregnancy | Twin Pregnancy | Triplet Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy 90-120 days | 10-11 MJ ME/day | 11-12 MJ ME/day | 12-13 MJ ME/day |
| Pregnancy 120-135 days | 12-13MJ ME/day | 14-16MJ ME/day | 17-19 MJ ME/day |
| Pregnancy 135-150 days | 14-15MJ ME/day | 17-19 MJ ME/day | 20-23MJ ME/day |
Values for 60-70 kg live weight sheep. Similar for goats, adjust according to live weight.
3.2 Protein Requirement
| Period | HP Requirement (g/day) | Ration HP (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-pregnancy (60-90 days) | 90-100 | %10-11 |
| End of pregnancy (120-150 days) | 140-180 | %13-15 |
| End of twin/triplet pregnancy | 180-220 | %15-17 |
3.3 Dry Matter Consumption (DMT)
SPG capacity decreases in the last 6 weeks:
| Pregnancy Status | KMT (kg/day) | KMT (% Live Weight) |
|---|---|---|
| not pregnant | 1.8-2.2 | %3.0-3.5 |
| Singleton pregnancy (last 6 weeks) | 1.5-1.8 | %2.5-3.0 |
| Twin pregnancy (last 6 weeks) | 1.3-1.6 | %2.0-2.5 |
| Triplet pregnancy (last 6 weeks) | 1.1-1.4 | %1.8-2.2 |
4. Mineral and Vitamin Requirements
4.1 Critical Minerals
| mineral | requirement | Result of Deficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) | 8-10g/day | Milk fever (hypocalcemia), difficulty in labor |
| Phosphorus (P) | 4-5g/day | Bone weakness, loss of appetite |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2-3g/day | Meadow tetany, nervous symptoms |
| Selenium (Se) | 0.2-0.3 mg/kg DM | White muscle disease (in lambs) |
| Iodine (I) | 0.5-0.8 mg/kg DM | Goiter, wasting/stillbirth |
| Cobalt (Co) | 0.1-0.2 mg/kg DM | B12 deficiency, weight loss |
4.2 Critical Vitamins
| Vitamin | requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 3000-5000 IU/day | Fetal development, immunity, colostrum quality |
| Vitamin D | 500-1000 IU/day | Calcium absorption, bone development |
| Vitamin E | 30-50 IU/day | Muscle health with selenium |
5. Practical Feeding Program
5.1 Last 6 Weeks Ration Sample (Twin Pregnant Sheep, 65 kg)
| bait | Quantity (kg/day) | KM (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Clover Grass (good quality) | 0.8 | 0.70 |
| Barley Straw | 0.3 | 0.27 |
| Barley (crushed) | 0.4 | 0.35 |
| Corn (cracked) | 0.3 | 0.26 |
| Soybean Meal | 0.15 | 0.13 |
| Mineral-Vitamin Premix | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| TOTAL | ~2.0kg | ~1.7 kg KM |
Nutritional values of this ration:
- ME: ~17-18 MJ/day
- HP: ~14-15%
- Concentrate rate: ~45%
5.2 Weekly Concentrate Increase Program
| Time to Birth | Concentrate (g/day) | increase |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 300-400 | Home |
| 5 weeks | 400-500 | +100g |
| 4 weeks | 500-600 | +100g |
| 3 weeks | 600-700 | +100g |
| 2 weeks | 700-800 | +100g |
| 1 week | 800-900 | +100g (max.) |
5.3 Grouping Strategy
Divide the herd into groups based on ultrasound results:
- Group 1 - Singleton pregnant women: Standard pregnancy ration
- Group 2 - Twin pregnant women: 30-40% more concentrated
- Group 3 - Pregnant women with triplets: 50-70% more concentrated, dedicated tracking
- Group 4 - Those in poor condition: Extra energy boost
6. Pre-Postnatal Transition
6.1 1 Week Before Birth
- Take them to the birthing compartments (clean, dry, airy)
- Keep the amount of concentrate constant (do not increase)
- Make sure clean water is always available
- Observe 2-3 times a day
6.2 First Week Postpartum
- Energy requirements for colostrum production continue
- Increase the amount of concentrate gradually
- Switch to lactation ration
- Be careful with calcium supplements (risk of milk fever)
7. Common Mistakes
| Error | Conclusion | Indeed |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding all pregnant women the same | Singles get fat, twins get skinny | Group with ultrasound |
| Feed restriction in recent weeks | Pregnancy toxemia | Increase energy gradually |
| Sudden increase in concentration | Rumen acidosis | Max per week. 100-150g increase |
| Not taking mineral supplements | milk fever, white muscle disease | Supplement Se, Ca, Mg |
| Feeding poor quality roughage | Low consumption, energy deficit | Provide quality clover/fescue |
8. Economic Evaluation
Economic benefits of proper pregnancy nutrition:
| Parameter | Malnutrition | Good Nutrition | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb/kid mortality rate | %15-25 | %5-8 | 10-17% decrease |
| birth weight | 3.0-3.5kg | 4.0-4.5kg | +1kg |
| maternal mortality rate | %3-5 | %0.5-1 | 2-4% decrease |
| Milk yield (first 8 weeks) | low | normal | Faster lamb development |
9. Conclusion
The last 6 weeks of pregnancy in sheep and goats are the most critical period of the whole year:
- Detect pregnancy with ultrasound - Distinguishing between singletons/twins/triplets is essential
- Increase energy gradually - Prevent pregnancy toxemia
- Take mineral-vitamin supplements - Se, Ca, Vitamin E are critical
- Provide quality roughage - Digestibility is important
- Minimize stress factors - Transport and vaccination are not possible during this period.
→ Calculate Sheep Ration → Calculate Goat Ration
Bibliography
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