Proper nutrition throughout the life cycle of a sheep varies greatly. The best way to evaluate if your sheep are getting enough nutrition is to understand the body condition score for sheep.
Body Condition Scoring
Routinely checking the body condition score (BCS) of your sheep will help monitor their health and welfare status. Maintaining sheep at an appropriate condition will also optimize flock productivity and feed efficiency.
Weight at a given stage of production is a good indicator, but as there is a wide variation in mature size between individuals and breeds, it is extremely difficult to use weight to determine proper condition. Body condition scoring describes the condition of a sheep, is convenient, and is much more accurate than a simple eye appraisal.
Body condition score for sheep is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese.
Getting your hands on your sheep will help you to better understand the body condition score of your flock.
For a detailed explanation of each body condition score stage, see What’s the Score: Sheep.
Managing body condition scoring of ewes can impact the productivity of your flock. This handbook from New Zealand stresses the importance. Ewe Body Condition Scoring Handbook
Learn More With Videos
Videos on ALP YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta:
Thin Ewe Syndrome: Tackling Production Limiting Diseases
Ewe Body Condition Scoring with Lorna Gibson
Flock Health Management: Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep
Nutrition resources
Feed is the single largest cost associated with raising small ruminants, typically accounting for 60% or more of total production costs. The quality of nutrition exerts a huge influence on flock health, reproduction, milk production, and lamb growth. This document provides information about the sheep digestive system, nutrient requirements, feedstuffs and feeding management.
A valuable resource is found in ALP’s management module for nutrition. Sheep and Goat Management in Alberta: Nutrition
- ‘Feeding Your Flock When Hay is Limited’ webinar with Dale Engstrom: Nov 14, 2015 Webinar handout (pdf)
- Feed Testing in Alberta Fact Sheet
- Feed and Water Testing Labs in Alberta
- Feeding High Nitrate Crops to Sheep
- Feeding Lambs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Use Caution When Changing Sheep Rations
- SheepBytes Ration Balancer – Use this online program specifically designed to balance cost-effective feed rations for all types of sheep.
Grazing Management
ALP’s management module on managed grazing covers the proper techniques for pasture rotation, paddock management and the pros and cons of each type of forage that is available in Western Canada. With ever-increasing land and feed costs, lamb producers are looking to make the most of their pastures.
An Introduction to Managed Grazing Management Module
The Targeted Grazing Course specific to sheep and goats may also be of interest to better expand knowledge around grazing. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of grazing management for sheep and goats, with a focus on vegetation control, land sustainability, animal welfare, and business planning.
The course consists of five primary modules and a detailed sub module section on unique grazing opportunities, complete with Canadian case studies. Offered online, the course will require between 10-15 hours to complete, with quizzes and exams included at the end of each module to demonstrate understanding.
Additional information for grazing can be found here:
- Forage Growth and Intensive Grazing Basics
- When To Open and Close the Gate – Using stocking density to allocate forage effectively.
- Filling Feed Holes In The Feed Year – Forage management during challenging growing conditions.
- Fencing Options in Alberta
- Targeted Grazing for Vegetation Management Resources (Grassland Restoration Forum)
Managing During Dry Conditions
- N’ewesline: Dry Weather Decisions (pdf – May 11, 2016)
- N’ewesline: Managing Grasshoppers (pdf – May 4, 2016)
- Latest moisture situation update (Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website)
- Alberta’s Agriculture Drought and Excess Moisture Risk Management Plan
- Options for Alberta Producers During Dry Conditions – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website
Learn More With Videos
Videos on ALP YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta:
Feeding your Flock when Hay is Limited