Mineral Intake During Lambing Key to Ewe Success

With lambing fast approaching for many, ensuring ewe wellbeing and productivity by supplying optimal mineral supplementation is crucial to success.

Providing regular access to essential micronutrients not only influences ewe health but it also has a significant impact on lamb survival, vigour and growth rates.

According to William Andrew, South West regional sales manager at Timac Agro UK, ewes require a balanced intake of minerals, vitamins and trace elements to improve their performance.

“With forage-based diets often lacking essential minerals, ewes can run into deficiencies without regular supplementation,” he says.

“Implementing a considered mineral plan is essential to unlocking maximum potential this lambing season.”

Mr Andrew warns mineral deficiencies can often go unnoticed, without obvious symptoms, but are often linked to lower colostrum production and quality, as well as lighter lambs with reduced survival and growth rates.

“Deficiencies in trace elements can also have adverse effects on ewe productivity, fertility, and health. If ewes aren’t performing as expected, I’d advise working with your vet to check their trace element status,” he says.

“This can vary based on soil type, pH, drainage, plant species and fertiliser use. Soil testing of your grazing can provide valuable insight into these deficiencies.”

Mr Andrew says the bioavailability of minerals and vitamins and their absorption into the bloodstream is crucial for their effectiveness.

“The addition of chelates into ewe diets helps protect mineral elements through the rumen and digestive tract, avoiding antagonistic interactions. This will bring higher mineral availability, with reduced wastage through excretion, improving the health of the animal.”

He says supplying ewes with a sodium-based nutritional block, such as Ceteia Ovin B, will provide access to essential nutrients.

“Ceteia Ovin B contains Vitamin E and selenium to help strengthen the immune system, while supporting the growth and development of lambs from birth.

“Along with the addition of chelated zinc, which helps reduce lameness through supporting hoof tissue, the block’s Calseagrit Iotech technology helps maintain optimal rumen pH, while antioxidants reduce cell damage in times of increased stress and risk of infection.”

To learn more about Ceteia Ovin B, click here.