NUTRITION OF GOAT AND SHEEP INTRODUCTION Nutrition plays a major role in the overall productivity, health, and well-being

of the small ruminant. Because feed costs account for approximately two-thirds of the total cost of production on most small ruminant farms, it is important that producers consider nutrition management a top priority. Feed represents the largest single cost in all types of small ruminant production. Rations must be formulated to support optimum production, must be efficient and economical to feed, and must minimize the potential for nutrition-related problems. A producer must know the animal's nutritional requirements during the different phases of production, the nutrient composition of available feedstuffs, and how to provide the available feedstuffs to meet the animal's requirements. Nutrient requirements of small ruminant vary with differences in age, body weight, and stage of production. The five major categories of nutrients required by the animal are: water; energy; protein; vitamins; and minerals. During the grazing season, small ruminant are able to meet their nutrient requirements from pasture and a salt and mineral supplement. During the grazing season, pastures of mixed grass and clover, alfalfa, small grain, and turnip serve as excellent sources of nutrition for growing animal. A source of clean, fresh water is provided to the animal at all times.

TYPE OF BREED Goat Boer - Their name is derived from the Dutch word "Boer" meaning farmer. The Boer goat was probably bred from the indigenous goats of the Namaqua Bushmen and the Fookutribes, with some crossing of Indian and European bloodlines being possible. They were selected for meat rather than milk production; due to selective breeding and improvement, the Boer goat has a fast growth rate and excellent carcass qualities, making it one of the most popular breeds of meat goat in the world. Boer goats have a high resistance to disease and adapt well to hot, dry semi-deserts. United States production is centered in west-central Texas, particularly in and around San Angelo. The original US breeding stock came from herds located in New Zealand. Only later were they imported directly from South Africa. Boer goats commonly have white bodies and distinctive brown heads. Like the Nubian goat, they possess long, pendulous ears. They are noted for being docile, fast growing, and having high fertility rates. Does are reported to have superior mothering skills as compared to other goats. Mature Boer bucks weigh between 110135 kg (240-300 lb), and mature does between 90100 kg (200-220 lb). Jamnapari - a breed of goat originating from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Since 1953 they have been imported to Indonesia (popular as Etawa goat, and its mixture with a local goat called "PE", peranakan Etawa or Etawa mix) where they have been a great success. It is bred for both milk and meat.[1] The name is derived from the riverJamna Par in Uttar Pradesh, India. This breed is one of the ancestors of the American Nubian. Katjang the local breed of goat in Malaysia. Katjang goat is small in size. Their horns are bending upward. The average height is 55-60 cm. Saanen - the largest of the goat dairy breeds. Does typically weigh 150 lb (68 kg) or more, with bucks weighing over 200 lb (91 kg). The Saanen breed also produces the most milk on average, and tends to have lower butterfat content, about 2.5%3.0%. A Saanen nanny produces around an average of 1 gallon (3.8 litres) a day. Anglo Nubian - The breed was developed in Great Britain of native milking stock and goats from the Middle East and North Africa. Its distinguishing characteristics include large, pendulous ears and a "Roman" nose. Due to their Middle-Eastern heritage, Anglo-Nubians can live in very hot climates and have a longer breeding season than other dairy goats. Considered a dairy or dual-purpose breed, Anglo-Nubians are known for the high butterfat content of their milk, although on average, the breed produces less milk than other dairy breeds.

Sheep Dorset - The Dorset or Dorset Horned breed of sheep is known mostly for its prolific lambing. It has been known to produce two lambing seasons per year: bred in May for lambs finished by the holidays, and bred again immediately after the first lambing to produce again in March or April. This type of management, the ewes sold with the lambs, sometimes produces as many as four or five lambs a year. Barbados black belly - a breed of domestic sheep that was developed in the Caribbean. Although it is likely the Barbados Black belly has African ancestry, there seems to be clear evidence that the breed, as seen today, was developed by the people on the island from sheep brought by ships fairly early in the period after Europeans first arrived. This breed is raised primarily for meat. Masai - The breed is a fat-tailed hair sheep, meaning they do not produce wool and are kept primarily for meat. Though less productive than some other breeds rose in East Africa, they are valued for their hardiness in arid conditions and their relatively stronger resistance to internal parasites.

HOUSING SYSTEM OF GOAT AND SHEEP Small ruminant housing need to; strong enough to last a long time, large enough for the number of animals to be accommodated comfortably, allow freedom of movement for all animals, be well-drained or have well-maintained dry bedding and easy to clean. Sheep and goats do not tolerate mud well therefore, yards and shelters should be built only on well-drained ground. Receive morning sunshine evenly, be well lighted and ventilated. Air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations should be at levels that will not harm animals, have suitable isolation pens for sick or injured animals as far away from the main house as possible. The location of the house/shed is important for animal comfort and safety. Sheep and goat housing should be built; on a well-drained area, downwind from the owners house, near to the family house to keep an eye on the animals but far enough to minimize smell (at least 10 meters), on a floor 1-1.5 m above the ground should the area be waterlogged or prone to flooding. It is always wise to keep in mind the possibility of expansion when building housing for sheep and goats. An appropriate flock development plan has to be made to anticipate future construction needs.

Animal housing in tropical and semi-tropical regions should be kept to a minimum except for intensive production systems. The roof provides protection from sun and rain and can be of a shed, gable or modified gable style. Slope is important in removing rain and thatched roofs need a greater slope than iron sheeting. A greater slope is also beneficial in areas with high rainfall. The roof should be waterproof with sufficient overhang to prevent rain from blowing in. Adequate ventilation is essential in maintaining animal health. A high roof encourages air movement but is more likely to be damaged by strong winds. A roof vent can assist in proper ventilation. Roofs can be constructed from iron sheet, grass/bushes, wood, stone/brick or earth depending on production system, material availability and climate. The wall should not be completely solid to allow air movement through the house. Good air movement (ventilation) is essential to remove moisture, excess heat in hot weather and/or odor and gasses from animal waste so that animals stay cool, dry and clean. Inadequate ventilation can lead to problems such as pneumonia. While good ventilation is essential for animal health, drafty conditions must be avoided. Air circulation should be above the animals heads and ventilation openings should be placed high enough so that air does not blow directly past the animals. Air movement can be effected through mechanical (e.g., ventilator) or natural means. Providing openings or short side walls of about 1 meter height will provide sufficient ventilation. A hedge can also fulfill this function. The floor could either be packed earth, concrete or slatted. Packed earth or concrete floors should have a slope of about 5% for good drainage. Raised platforms where sheep and goats can lie above the floor and away from manure and urine are beneficial. These can be placed along the longest wall of the barn. Slatted floors should be raised about 1-1.5 meters above ground level to facilitate easy cleaning and collecting of dung and urine. The gap between the slats should be 1.4 to 1.6 cm to allow easy passage of fecal material and guarantee safe footing for the animals.

FEED RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Maintenance (dry period, not production-phase, pets) When feeding a sheep or goat to meet its maintenance requirements, the goal is to maintain body weight and condition. There are some situations where weight loss might be acceptable and can be compensated for at a later time when feeding conditions improve. Maintenance requirements (as a percentage of body weight) tend to increase as animal size (weight) decreases. For example, sheep have higher maintenance requirements than cattle, whereas goats have slightly higher maintenance requirements than sheep.

1.5 to 2 percent of body weight (dry matter intake). Pasture or 2 to 4 lbs. of grass hay No grain feeding Free choice minerals

2. Flushing (2 weeks before and 2 to 4 weeks into breeding season) The body condition of a ewe or doe affects the number of eggs she will ovulate. Ovulation rate sets the upper potential for litter size. The goal of flushing is to improve the body condition of females by getting them to gain weight. This is accomplished by increasing the nutritional plane. Flushing increases ovulation rates, which usually result in a higher lambing and kidding percentages. Later in the breeding season, flushing may help to improve embryo survival. Ewes and does already in good body condition (BCS > 3.0) usually do not respond to flushing. Free access to pasture or 2 to 4 lbs. of grass hay plus . . .

to 1 lb. of corn or barley per day Move to high quality, but non-legume pasture

3. Early to mid-gestation (1st 15 weeks) During this phase of production, the goal is to maintain body condition of mature females and increase condition of young females. Nutrient requirements are only slightly above maintenance. Sometimes, low quality feedstuffs can be utilized. Young females should be fed separately from mature females.

Free access to pasture or 2 to 4 lbs. of grass hay Grain feeding is not necessary unless forage is exceptionally poor or females are under conditioned. Free choice minerals One to two gallons of fresh, clean water.

4. Late gestation (last six weeks) Late gestation is probably the most critical period for ewe and doe nutrition. Ewes and does will gain weight during this phase of production. Seventy percent of fetal growth occurs during this period. Mammary tissue is also developing. Proper nutrition is necessary to prevent pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) and milk fever (low blood calcium). Nutrition affects the birth weights of lambs and kids. There is a higher mortality among small and large lambs and kids. Oversized fetuses increase dystocia (birthing difficulties). Aim for a body condition of 3.0 to 3.5. Young females should be fed separately from mature females. In addition to gestating, they are still growing and have higher nutritional requirements. Oftentimes, they have difficulty competing for feeder space with mature females. Feed 4 to 5 lbs. of a grass or mixed hay plus . . .

to 1 lb. of grain per day 1.5 to 1.75 lbs. of grain per day, if expected lambing percentage is above 200% 1 lb. of grain for each fetus the ewe is carrying 1 lb. of a 16% CP ration if forage quality is low (meat goat does) Include Bovatec, Rumensin, or Deccox in feed or mineral to reduce coccidia in environment and to aid in the prevention of abortion caused by toxoplasmosis.

5. Lambing and kidding There is no reason to push feed at ewes or does that have just given birth to their offspring. Ewes and does that have been properly fed in late gestation usually produce more than enough colostrums for their offspring. In fact, it is a good idea to collect and freeze the colostrums from single-bearing females. Too much feed early may increase the milk flow beyond what the babies can consume.

Provide plenty of fresh, clean water Feed forage only, for the first few days after parturition Take a week to get the ewe/doe onto full feed

6. Early lactation (first 6 to 8 weeks) This is when ewes and does have their highest nutritional requirements, especially if they are nursing multiple offspring. Ideally, you should separate lactating females into production groups (singles vs. twins vs. triplets) and feed them according to the number of offspring they are nursing. Young females should be fed separately from mature females. In addition to producing milk for their offspring, they are still growing and have higher nutritional requirements. Oftentimes, they have difficulty competing for feeder space with mature females. Feed 4 to 7 lbs. of hay plus . . .

1 lb. of grain per lamb or kid being nursed Limit roughage intake of ewes and does nursing triplets 1 lb. of a 16% CP ration if forage quality is low (meat goat does) Include Bovatec, Rumensin, or Deccox in feed or mineral to reduce coccidia in environment and to aid in the prevention of abortion caused by toxoplasmosis. Two to three gallons of fresh, clean water.

HIGH quality pasture should meet the nutritional needs of ewes and does nursing singles and twins whereas females nursing triplets usually require grain supplementation; otherwise, the third lamb or kid should be removed for artificial rearing. 7. At weaning A body condition score of 2.0 to 2.5 is not uncommon at the time of weaning. If early weaning is practiced, proper feeding management is necessary to prevent mastitis (udder infections).

Feed low protein and energy feed 5 to 10 days before weaning Feed low protein and energy feed 3 to 5 days after weaning Wean "cold turkey"

8. Lactating dairy does Feeding dairy females is related to their genetic potential for milk production, as well as the desired level of production. As with dairy cattle, maximum milk production is not always the most profitable goal. Grass-based dairies feed less concentrate and have lower milk yields, but may return a greater profit to the operator.

Feed free choice hay plus . . .

Free choice grain for thin, high-producing does in early lactation. 1 lb. of grain for each 3 lbs. of milk produced in mid-lactation 1 lb. of grain for each 5 lbs. of milk produced in late-lactation. 1 lb. of grain for the doe and 1 lb. for each quart of milk she is producing

Dry period

Reduce or remove grain consumption near the time that the dairy doe is dried off. Substitute grass hay for alfalfa or other legume. Feed dry does free choice hay plus to lb. of grain per day.

9. Lambs and kids Growing lambs and kids have the highest protein requirements (percentage-wise) of any sheep or goat. Creep feeding (providing supplemental feed to nursing lambs/kids) may or may not be economical, especially for goats. Energy needs depend largely upon desired growth rates and the animals' genetic potential for growth. As with milk production maximum growth is not always the most profitable goal. Replacement females should not be fed for maximum gain because excess fat will be deposited in the mammary tissue, reducing future milk potential. The genetic potential for growth varies by species, breed, and individual. Because hair sheep and meat goats fatten differently than other livestock (from the inside-out), they should be fed lower energy diets that enable them to grow frame before fat. In fact, lambs can be finished at heavier finish weights (~0.20 inches back fat) if they are fed a lower energy diet over a longer period of time. Due to the increased demand for lambs (and sometimes goats) at the Muslim holidays, there may be some circumstances where it makes sense to hold lambs at a zero level of gain. Protein level

Creep feed - 18-20 percent CP 40-70 lb. lambs - 16 percent CP 70 lbs. and up - 14 percent CP Old crop lambs - 12 percent CP

16%

CP

after

weaning;

19%

if

kids

are

weaned

early.

Feeding lambs Free access to high quality pasture plus free choice sheep minerals Protein supplementation when pasture quality is poor (and to improve resistance to the barber pole worm) to 2 lbs. of hay plus 1 to 4 lbs. of grain Restrict hay intake as lambs get heavier Pasture plus grain in the amount of 1 to 1.5% body weight Include Bovatec or Deccox in feed or mineral to prevent coccidiosis. Feeding kids Free access to high quality pasture plus free choice goat minerals Protein supplementation when pasture quality is poor (and to improve resistance to the barber pole worm) Free choice hay plus lb. of grain per day Increase grain to 1 to 1 lbs. if forage is poor quality. Include Rumensin or Deccox in feed or mineral to prevent coccidiosis. Weanlings and yearlings: 1 lb. of a 16% CP grain if forage quality is low

10. Bucks and rams There is a tendency to overlook the nutrition of rams and bucks. In other situations, rams and bucks are overfed. Aim for a body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5 at the start of the breeding season. Do not allow males to get fat. Some males will literally "starve" themselves during the breeding season, so be prepared to supplement them, if necessary with grain.

Free access to pasture or hay plus 1 lb. of grain per day Pasture or 4 to 7 lbs of average quality hay Increase feed 4 to 6 weeks prior to breeding season, if necessary Males may require 1 to 2 lbs. of grain per head during breeding season. Free choice minerals One to two gallons of fresh, clean water.

FEEDS FOR GOAT AND SHEEP 1. Pasture Permanent pasture should be the predominant source of nutrition for the ruminant flock. Intensive sheep/goat production systems where the sheep/goat are housed and fed harvested feeds are not as profitable as more extensive production systems where they harvest their own feed. When a sufficient quantity of forage is available, sheep/goat are able to meet their nutrient requirements from forage alone along with a supplemental source of salt and minerals. Clover should be over seeded on permanent pastures in the winter to improve the quantity and quality of forage produced during the grazing season. Sheep/goat prefer to graze leafy, vegetative growth that is 2 to 6 inches tall rather than stem, more mature forages. Pasture growth is not distributed evenly throughout the year. Approximately 60 percent of the annual dry matter production of most species of cool season grasses occurs in the spring. When pastures are not stocked heavily enough to utilize the spring flush of growth, they graze and regraze certain areas while other areas are left to mature and go to seed. This type of grazing behavior weakens those plants that are grazed more frequently and gives the less desirable plants a competitive advantage. Approximately one-third of spring pasture should be fenced for hay production. After the hay cutting, pasture should be given a three- to four-week recovery period before making it available for grazing the remainder of the year. Rotational grazing programs designed for the movement of sheep/goat every 10 to 14 days to improve both pasture and lamb production. More intensive rotational grazing systems where higher stocking rates are used help to promote more complete forage utilization, but also require greater input costs in the form of fence and water and may result in higher levels of internal parasitism, increased risk of coccidiosis, and impaired lamb/kid performance. 2. Hay Average or poor quality hay should be fed during gestation, leaving the higher quality hay to be fed during lactation. Because protein requirements of the ewe/doe increase dramatically after lambing/kidding, less protein supplementation from concentrate feeds is required when higher quality hay is used. Second-cutting, mixed grass-clover hay may be more economical to feed to the ewe/doe flock than alfalfa hay. This is especially true if alfalfa hay must be purchased from off the farm. Alfalfa hay is an excellent feed for sheep/goat and is best used during lactation when ewes/does require more protein to promote higher levels of milk production. Many producers have fed alfalfa hay to

gestating ewes/does with good results. However, some producers feeding alfalfa hay to gestating ewes have experienced problems with vaginal prolapse, late term abortions, and milk fever. If alfalfa hay is being fed during late gestation, it should be limit fed and be free of must and mold. Because of its high quality and palatability, ewes/does consume more alfalfa hay than is needed. The bulkiness of the hay in the rumen may place pressure on the reproductive tract, resulting in a vaginal prolapse before lambing. Ewes/does receiving alfalfa hay during gestation are more prone to milk fever than ewes/does fed grass hay. Because alfalfa is high in calcium, ewes/does are able to meet their calcium requirements without mobilizing body stores of calcium. However, after lambing/kidding, ewes/does not accustomed to mobilizing bone calcium may experience milk fever because of their inability to meet the additional calcium requirements associated with lactation. Regardless of the type of hay fed, producers should submit hay samples to a forage testing lab to determine its nutrient content. By knowing the nutrient content of the hay, diets can be more accurately and economically formulated for the ruminant flock. In general, there is less waste and more flexibility when feeding hay harvested as square bales. However, round bales can provide quality feed for sheep when stored and fed properly. To minimize dry matter and nutrient losses, which can approach 40 to 50 percent, round bales should be covered with plastic for outside storage or placed under shelter. Bales should be stored on pallets or tires to prevent ground contact. Feeding round bales without a feeder may result in as much as 30 percent of the hay being wasted, and poses a hazard to the sheep should the bales roll over. A variety of round bale feeders are commercially available. Feeders designed in the shape of a cradle hold the bales up off the ground, are maintenance free, and appear to work best for minimizing waste. 3. Silage High quality, finely chopped (1/4 to 1/2 inch) corn, grass, or small grain silage is acceptable feed for sheep/goat. Care must be taken to properly harvest, store, and feed silage. Poorly packed silage may contain harmful molds, which causes listeriosis (circling disease) in sheep. Moldy or frozen silage should be discarded and troughs should be cleaned daily. Corn silage is low in protein and calcium. Studies have shown that the addition of 20 pounds of urea, 10 pounds of ground limestone, 4 pounds of dicalcium phosphate, and 5 pounds of calcium sulfate per ton of silage at the time of ensiling makes a complete feed

for the ewe flock by increasing its crude protein and calcium content. Alternatively, extra protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins can be supplied through a grain mix top dressed on the silage at the time of feeding. Because of its high moisture content, 3 pounds of silage is required to supply the TDN furnished by 1.5 pounds of hay. The bulkiness of silage prevents adequate dry matter intake and its use as the sole source of feed for ewes/does in late gestation. A typical diet fed to ewes/does during the last four weeks of pregnancy on an as fed basis would contain: 6 pounds of corn silage (35 percent dry matter), 2 pounds of hay, 0.5 pound of corn, and 0.25 pound of soybean meal. 4. Grain When additional energy and protein are required, corn and soybean meal commonly form the basis of the grain portion of the diet. However, when justified by supply or price, other grains may replace all or part of the corn and soybean meal in a diet. Because of its high fiber content, the replacement value of oats ranges from 50 to 100 percent. The higher replacement rate is used for breeding sheep, while the lower rate is used in creep feeds and finishing diets for lambs. Alternative sources of protein to soybean meal include cottonseed and peanut meal. 5. Molafos This is a commercial product that is molasses with urea and minerals added. The main use of this supplement is to supply energy. However, it is expensive per unit of energy compared to cereal grain which is readily available on EP. Molafos has a place where other sources of energy, or minerals, are not practical. It may also increase the utilization of other poor quality feed. 6. Straw Straw is produced in abundance on cereal farms and there have been many trials trying to improve its value. The quality of straw varies but is better in dryer areas and in dryer years. Unfortunately, even with good straw stock cant eat enough to meet their energy requirement. If straw is fed with grain it is a very useful feed. The grain provides the energy that straw lacks, while the straw provides the fiber that the grain lacks. Adding urea to straw will increase the protein level. However, protein will not be the limiting nutrient. The energy requirement must be met before there will be any benefit from the urea.

7. Lupins Lupins are high in energy, high in protein and low in starch (so they dont cause grain poisoning). They are just about the ideal supplement. Even if you dont grow lupins yourself, they could be valuable to your sheep. Weaners fed as little as 1 kg of lupins a week over summer, assuming there is dry feed available, will do really well. For as little as $5/head the weaners could get through the summer in much better condition. Lupins can be fed once a week and broadcast in the thickest area of stubble, once the sheep are used to them. If you are in doubt, do a trial. Split a mob and feed half. This would be a good Bureau trial if a number of members did it.

NUTRIENTS REQUIREMENTS 1. Energy The most common limiting factor in small ruminant nutrition is energy. An energy shortage will result in decreased production, reproductive failure, increased mortality, and increased susceptibility to diseases and parasites. The most plentiful feeds available are the best sources of energy. However, sheep and goats are o f t e n u n d e r f e d. Po o r - q u a l i t y p a s t u r e s a n d roughages or inadequate amounts of feed are the primary causes of energy deciency. The major sources of energy for small ruminants are usually pastures and browses, hay, and grains. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) are a broad term used to express the energy value of a feed or ration. As the amount of TDN increases in a ration, the rate of gain normally increases. Therefore, feed efficiency and overall performance are determined to a large extent by the level of TDN or energy in the ration. The percentage of TDN still remains the most widely used method of evaluating feed for energy. 2. Protein In small ruminants, the amount of protein is more important than the quality of protein. When protein supplementation is the primary objective, the cost per pound of protein is the most important consideration. Protein is used to repair old tissues and to build new tissues. Protein deciency is more detrimental to the young animal, so an adequate amount of protein must be supplied if rapid growth and high production are to be obtained. On the other hand, excessive feeding is expensive.

3. Fiber Sheep need some fiber (roughage) for proper function of the rumen. Fiber can also be deficient in lush pure legume pasture. Lambs will crave roughage and will even put their heads through the fence to get some grass. The lambs are at risk of the disease Red gut if this happening. It is called this because if we open the lamb up the gut is red with blood due to twisting of the intestines. Always feed lambs well on hay cereal before they go into these pastures. Also feed hay while they are in there or run them in another grassy or weedy paddock once every three or four days. As an added precaution inject the lambs with vitamin A, D and E every six to eight weeks. This may help because ammonia toxicity is also implicated in the disease. Farmers on EP have lost up to thirty five prime lambs due to Red gut but there could be much more loss due to sub-clinical Red gut. We would like to do research on this issue so contact us if your lambs are not doing well on a pure medic pasture.

4. Minerals and vitamins The essential minerals for sheep and goats are calcium, phosphorus, and salt. The primary sources of these minerals are the diet, various mineral supplements, and, in some areas, the water supply. Minerals are needed in only small amounts. Calcium is a necessary constituent of the bones and teeth and is essential for regular heart action and muscular activity. A calcium deciency results in poor growth and bone development in growing animals. Phosphorus is an essential part of blood and of all cells in the body. It is involved in chemical reactions which release energy in the body. Bones and teeth contain relatively large amounts of phosphorus as well as calcium. Calcium and phosphorus are interrelated: while an adequate supply of each is required, they must also be present in the ration in the proper proportions. Vitamins are compounds which are necessary for normal growth, health, and reproduction. Small ruminants require many vitamins, just as other animals do. However, their dietary vitamin requirements are relatively simple because of the nature of the feeds they ordinarily consume and the synthesis of vitamins in the rumen. 5. Water The many functions of water in the animal body include; helping to digest food, regulating the body temperature, lubricating and transporting waste from the body. To combine feed ingredients into the least costly but most efficient ration, producers must

meet the nutritional requirements of each animal at its particular stage of life. The following tables provide estimates of the daily nutrient needs of sheep and goats.

FACTORS AFFECTING NUTRIENTS REQUIREMENTS 1. Age Yearlings tend to have about a 20 percent higher energy requirement than adult sheep/goat. This is probably due to the yearling's additional requirements to support growth. This is of particular importance to producers who breed ewes/goat to lamb/kid first at 12 to 18 months of age. 2. Exercise Grazing sheep/goat may use from 10 to 100 percent more energy than do sheep/goat in dry lot conditions. However, the magnitude of increase depends on the distance sheep/goat must travel to feed and water, and on the topography of the range. 3. Climate Temperature, wind velocity, and humidity can jointly affect energy requirements. The length and density of the fleece also affects energy requirements. Wool plays an important role in protecting sheep from both heat and cold. The insulating properties of wool help to cool the sheep in the heat of summer and keep body temperatures warmer in winter. Without wool, a sheep's energy requirements would be higher. 4. Body Condition It takes more feed to maintain a fat sheep/goat at a constant weight than it does a thin sheep/goat. Keeping the sheep/goat excessively fat is not only expensive because of the feed, but also it is detrimental to the ewe/doe reproductive capabilities and overall production efficiency. A ewe/doe should lose 5 to 7 percent of her body weight during lactation and recover this weight loss during the dry period. Additionally, the ewe/doe should gain body weight during gestation in proportion to the weight of the fetus and accompanying fluids.

COMMON METABOLIC DISEASE IN SHEEP AND GOAT 1. Urinary calculi Urinary calculi or water belly is a common metabolic disease of male sheep and goats. The disease occurs when calculi (stones), usually comprised of phosphate salts, lodge in the urinary tract and prevent urination. Normally, phosphorus is recycled through saliva and excreted via feces in ruminants. High grain, low roughage diets decrease the formation of saliva and therefore increase the amount of phosphorus excreted in the urine. The primary cause of urinary calculi is feeding concentrate diets which are excessive in phosphorus and magnesium and/or have an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus. Lack of water and water sources that are high in minerals are also contributing factors. While urinary calculi can occur in intact males, wethers are at greatest risk because castration of young males removes the hormonal influence (testosterone) necessary for the penis and urethra to reach full size. Lambs castrated within the first month of life are most vulnerable. For this reason, some veterinarians advocate delaying castration until after puberty. If castration is performed after puberty, it should be done under anesthesia by a veterinarian. It is generally recommended that lambs and kids be castrated between 1 and 7 days of age, especially if rubber bands are used. The better recommendation might be for producers to carefully consider whether it is necessary or desirable to castrate ram lambs and buck kids. Intact males grow faster and produce leaner carcasses, and there is no difference between the meat from a young intact male and a castrated lamb or kid. In females, calculi are formed, but excreted due to anatomic differences in the male and female urinary tract. Symptoms Clinical signs vary. They usually start with restlessness and anxiety. Affected animals may experience abdominal pain, urine dribbling, distention and rupture of the urethra. They will usually experience a loss of appetite. They may have a humped-up appearance and edema under their belly. They may kick at their belly and strain to urinate. Dribbled urine may be bloody. As pain and discomfort increases, affected animals will isolate themselves. In goats, there may be increased vocalization and tail twitching. If left untreated, affected animals will die when the bladder bursts and urine fills the peritoneal cavity and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Sometimes, it may be necessary to humanely destroy an affected animal to avoid further suffering.

Treatment Treatment of urinary calculi depends upon the location of the obstruction and could be as simple as snipping off the urethral process to allow calculi at the end of the penis to dislodge. Tranquilizers and antispasmodics may help to naturally dislodge some calculi. In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to save valuable animals or pets. Veterinary advice should be sought in this case. Prevention It can be prevented by feeding rations which contain a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of at least 2:1. The ratio of Ca:P should never be allowed to go below 1:1. High calcium diets are effective at reducing the absorption of phosphorus from the GI tract. 2. Acidosis Ruminal lactic acidosis, often referred to as grain overload, develops as a result of animals consuming large quantities of carbohydrates. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates, specifically grain, results in a lowered rumen pH. The lowering of ruminal pH, or making the stomach more acidic, occurs because the microbial population of the rumen is not able to metabolize high levels of lactic acid produced during starch breakdown. In general, sheep or goats with the condition demonstrate symptoms of discomfort, anorexia, teeth grinding, muscle twitching, ruminal stasis, and diarrhea that may be off in color with a watery consistency. Symptoms The type and intensity of clinical signs depends on acid quantities, which in turn depend on the amount of starch consumed and the ability of microorganisms to metabolize the acids. In sub-acute acidosis, animals may simply decrease intake of high grain or starch diets, while in severe acute cases of grain overload, animals can become extremely sick and the mortality rate is high. Prevention To avoid inducing lactic acidosis in sheep and goats, high grain diets should be introduced slowly over a period of 10 to 14 days to allow rumen microbial adjustment to the diet. Dietary buffers, such as limestone or calcium carbonate, can also be fed to neutralize acid present in the rumen and keep appetite and feed intake high. Do not store grain in areas where sheep

or goats can access it easily. Carbohydrate engorgement, resulting in lactic acidosis, can be potentially fatal and result in large economic losses for the producer. 3. Parturient Hypocalcemia a.k.a milk fever Parturient hypocalcemia is a metabolic disease in does following kidding characterized by poor milk production, poor appetite, lethargy and low blood calcium levels. A hyperirritability characterized by tetany may occasionally occur. Following kidding, most does may have a lowered calcium level in the blood (hypocalcemia). This is partially due to the drain on available calcium by the production of colostrum. (Colostrum contains twice as much calcium as milk). Calcium is supplied from two sources: 1) dietary; 2) mobilization of calcium from the bone. Normally, calcium requirements following kidding are provided primarily from the diet since mobilization of calcium from the bone does not provide significant amounts until about 10 days after parturition. A loss of gastrointestinal function for any reason, before or at parturition, may cause a severe drop in the blood calcium level. Signs of hypocalcemia may develop. Since older animals have more digestive upsets at parturition, they have more problems with hypocalcemia. A high level of calcium in the ration during gestation places almost complete reliance on the dietary source of calcium. If the prepartum diet is low in calcium, calcium mobilization from the bone is instituted to meet the calcium needs. If a gastrointestinal dysfunction occurs at parturition, the effects are not severe since part of the calcium requirements is supplied by mobilization from the bone. Symptoms Usually high producing older does are affected shortly after kidding. The does show lethargy, poor appetite and poor milk production. Occasionally, hypocalcemia tetany may be observed. The doe is hyperirritable and may show muscle twitching of the lips, eyelids and ears. Trembling or twitching of other muscles of the body may also occur. Convulsions may develop. Prevention The problem often involves many does in the milking herd. Usually, there is excessive calcium in the gestation diet from a mineral source and/or high quality legume hay. Correction of the calcium imbalance is necessary. A low calcium level during late pregnancy will help to control the problem.

4. Copper Deficiency Copper deficiency usually arises due to a lack of copper in the animals diet, particularly the dry matter component. Deficiency can also arise, particularly in ruminants, from an antagonistic relationship between copper and molybdenum that reduces the availability of copper from the soil. Treatment of copper deficiency relies on the supply of supplementary copper in the diet or by systemic means. Supplementation of the diet is often difficult and not economically viable. Systemic supplementation has been undertaken using several treatment methods; oral copper drenches, which are short acting and have to be administered on a regular basis, copper injections that can cause tissue damage and copper oxide particles (aka copper oxide rods or copper oxide needles) in gelatin capsules that provide a 12 month sustained release copper supplement. 5. Copper Toxicity Copper toxicity refers to the consequences of an excess of copper in the body. Copper toxicity in sheep usually results from the accumulation of excess Cu in the liver over a period of a few weeks to more than a year with no clinical signs, followed by a sudden release of liver Cu stores to cause toxicity (rapid breakdown of red blood cells). It also occur when intake of S and Mo are too low. Symptoms Severe abdominal pain or severe nervous signs, quickly become prostrate and die. The entire carcass is severely jaundiced. The liver is bronze or orange colored. The urine is dark red. The kidneys are either bronze or black. 5. Cerebrocortical necrosis It is a common disease of feedlot and grazing sheep and goat. It is due to overgrowth of thiaminase producing bacteria associated with excess feeding of carbohydrates or grazing of lush pasture.

7. Pregnancy Toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disorder caused by low glucose concentrations in the blood and excessive breakdown of body fat to compensate. "Ketones" are the toxic byproduct produced during this rapid breakdown of fat, and it is possible to test for their presence in the ewe's urine. Inadequate nutrition during the last one-third of pregnancy is the primary cause of low blood sugar/pregnancy toxemia, as ewes cannot consume enough feed (energy) to meet the demands of their growing fetus(es). This is because approximately 70 percent of fetal growth occurs during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Over-condition ewes are susceptible to pregnancy toxemia because of fat in their abdominal region; there simply isn't enough room in the gut for the ewe to eat enough and excessive fat resources for breakdown. Under-conditioned ewes are susceptible because they cannot eat enough to meet their own nutritional needs, let alone the added burden of developing fetuses. Ewes carrying multiple births are also at high risk for pregnancy toxemia. Ewes carrying twins require 1.9 times the dry matter intake as ewes with singles. Ewes with triplet fetuses require 230% more energy than ewes with singles. In fact, anything that affects the ewe's ability to eat enough during late gestation can result in pregnancy toxemia: multiple fetuses, fat ewes, thin ewes, small ewes, timid ewes, granny ewes, dental disease, parasitism, and lack of exercise. Symptoms The symptoms of pregnancy toxemia are vague and can be similar to other diseases, especially hypocalcaemia (or milk fever). Milk fever can be differentiated from pregnancy toxemia by the affected ewe's response to calcium therapy. Ewes in early stages of pregnancy toxemia will go off feed and appear lethargic. Their heads droop and they lag behind the rest of the flock and walk aimlessly. Teeth grinding and twitching is common. Eventually, affected ewes become depressed, weak and have poor muscle control. In latter stages, they lie down and are unable to rise. If left untreated, coma and death result. Treatment The most common treatment is to drench ewes with 2 to 3 ounces of propylene glycol 2 to 3 times daily. Yogurt mixed with water will also provide energy and bacteria to stimulate the rumen. Intravenous glucose is another possibility, but harder for producers to do on the farm. Force feeding and/or injections of multiple B vitamins can help stimulate the ewe's appetite. Antibiotics can be administered to prevent pneumonia. In advanced cases, a caesarian section may need to be performed to remove the fetuses and save the ewe's life.

If the lambs are near term, oftentimes, they too, can be saved. The nutrition of the entire flock should be suspect anytime a ewe shows indications of pregnancy toxemia. Good quality hay should be provided, along with grain supplementation, beginning at .5 lbs and increasing to 1 to 2 lbs. per head per day until the time of parturition. Grain and molasses are excellent sources of energy. Hay alone usually doesn't provide enough energy for ewes carrying twins and triplets. Exercise is also deemed important in the prevention of pregnancy toxemia. Abrupt feed changes must also be avoided, and ewes should not be stressed during late pregnancy. There must be adequate feeder space so that all ewes can fit around the feeders and get their fair share of hay and grain. Producers should strive to have ewes in moderate body flesh prior to lambing. Ewes should be prevented from becoming obese during early pregnancy, and thin ewes should be separated and receive extra feed until they achieve the desired condition score.