This document discusses body condition scoring and feeding recommendations for sheep at different production stages. It provides details on condition scoring from very thin (CS 1) to very fat (CS 5) and explains that a 1 point change in condition score is equivalent to an 11% change in body weight. Flushing recommendations are provided to raise body condition by 0.5 points prior to breeding season to increase ovulation and lambing rates. Feeding recommendations are given for different weight ewes focusing on pasture, grain, protein and mineral supplements. The document cautions about overfeeding grains which can cause acidosis and reduce embryo survival. It concludes with condition score goals for different production stages and offers to take questions.
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Condition score and feeding katahdin expo 2021
1. 8/19/2021
1
Body Condition Scoring & Feeding for
Stage of Production
Dr. Dan Morrical
Premier 1 Supplies Ask an Expert
morrical@iastate.edu
515-460-1396
My credentials
Hoosier by birth, Boilermaker by education
Small farm in Indiana
Attended Purdue
livestock judging and B&B
Graduate school NMSU
PhD Ruminant Nutrition
Sheep Specialist ISU (33 years)
Production specialist Premier 1 Supplies
Co-developer NSIP 1987
Co-developer Sheep Brands
Condition Scoring
Very Thin = CS 1
Thin = CS 2
Average = CS 3
Fat = CS 4
Very Fat = CS 5
1 CS change = 11% bodyweight
Condition Scoring
Hand example
Condition score
Condition score
2. 8/19/2021
2
Flushing
Rising body condition
Increased ovulation
2.5 3.0 3.5
Condition score
Drop
rate
200% --
180% --
160% --
140% --
120% --
Over feeding energy
Feeding too much grain >1.5 pounds
Subclinical acidosis
May reduce embryo survival
Split grain feedings into smaller amounts
Feeding in TMR does not allow grain gorging
Breeding Season Management
Reproduction is lowly heritable trait
Lambs born .1
Lambs weaned .1
Pounds weaned .15
Management can move drop rate up or down 15%
Lambs born per ewe is first step to high
revenues in every operation
Flushing ewes takes energy
.5 condition score
Ewe wt.
150 200 250
Mixed grass hay 3.0 4.0 5.0
Cracked corn 1.8 2.5 3.0
Soybean meal .4 .5 .6
Premier TM salt .01 .01 .02
Premier ADE .002 .003 .003
Gain .30 .42 .52
CS change 30 days .5 .5 .5
Intake 93% 92% 92%
Flushing ewe rations
Better pasture
Grazing ewes do not need ADE
Concise breeding groups
Flushing ewes takes energy
.5 condition score
Ewe wt.
150 200 250
CS pasture 20 25 30
Cracked corn .5 .75 1.0
Premier TM salt .01 .01 .02
Premier ADE
Gain .32 .42 .52
CS change 30 days .5 .5 .5
Intake 89% 84% 80%
CAUTION
3. 8/19/2021
3
Mineral status of diet
Base ration
Mineral intake
Concentration of minerals in mineral source
Sheep cannot balance their diets
Premier 1 Supplies
Early Mid gestation
Prevent extreme weight changes
Prevent stress
Allow enough nutrition for placental development
Energy and Protein
Feed costs are 50% or
more of total costs
Hay feeding waste
tub grind and feed a TMR
better feeders
Corn silage
excellent yield of nutrients per acre
already processed
energy dense
need enough livestock
Feed costs are 50% or
more of total costs
Feed costs are really high currently
Midwest in drought
No relief in sight
Drought corn silage may be the solution
fine chopped
35%+ dry matter
300 or so ewes or also cattle
Late Gestation
Fetal growth
Preparation for milking
4. 8/19/2021
4
Lactation
Highest demand
Most ewes lose body condition
more than .5 cs reduces WW by 5-10%
Using condition scoring
Do you feed them all more to help a few?
Need more pens to have different groups
Thin ewes are generally younger or hardest working
Change rations on thins sooner (6weeks pre-breeding)
Summary CS goals
Breeding 3 or better
Early Mid 2.5 to 3
Late gestation 3.5 to 4
Lactation 3.5 down to 2.5
Maintenance 2 to 2.5
Questions