L.LSM.0014-Boosting lamb survival by supplementing ewes with vitamins and minerals

Summary

Low levels of vitamin E, selenium and/or vitamin D in ewes during pregnancy may contribute to poor health and mortality of lambs. Some ewes are at risk of vitamin E deficiencies during pregnancy because they graze dry pastures during summer and autumn which contain low levels of vitamin E. Selenium, which acts together with vitamin E, is also known to be deficient in many soils and pastures in Australia.

A small‐scale experiment showed that supplementing ewes during late pregnancy with vitamin D or vitamin E plus selenium may improve lamb survival by up to 10%. The current project will establish on‐farm research sites across southern Australia to validate these findings under commercial conditions.

Objectives

In this project, ewes will be tested for vitamin D, vitamin E and selenium levels on farms across southern Australia in order to identify when and where supplementation could be most beneficial.

Guidelines for supplementation will be developed in consultation with producers and delivered through Elders and Landmark producer networks, and extension programs including Lifetime Ewe Management, Bred Well Fed Well and Profitable Grazing Systems.

Benefits to industry

Lamb mortalities are estimated to cost the Australian sheep industry $540.4m per year. Improving ewe nutrition could help lamb survival and alleviate some of these costs to industry and improve overall animal welfare.