Springtime Sheep Nutrition is Crucial
Feb 02, 2026
Joel Edge
Purina Sales Specialist
Each stage of a sheep’s production cycle calls for specific nutritional requirements to help them perform at their highest level. Sheep require six main nutrients (water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins) as well as the energy received from the protein, fat and carbohydrates consumed. This time of year, during late gestation, a strong, nutrient-dense ration is extremely important for ewes. The greatest growth of the fetus occurs while her nutritional requirements and energy needs increase.
For more information on Sheep feed products from Key Cooperative, contact our sales team!
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Purina Sales Specialist
Each stage of a sheep’s production cycle calls for specific nutritional requirements to help them perform at their highest level. Sheep require six main nutrients (water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins) as well as the energy received from the protein, fat and carbohydrates consumed. This time of year, during late gestation, a strong, nutrient-dense ration is extremely important for ewes. The greatest growth of the fetus occurs while her nutritional requirements and energy needs increase.
Gestation & Lactation
A 220-pound ewe, pregnant with a single lamb, will have a 50 and 71 percent increase in energy and protein requirements, respectively. Ewes with twins or triplets will have energy and protein requirements 25 - 41 percent greater than ewes with singles. After the ewe lambs, lactation is the period of the reproductive cycle when the ewe has the greatest nutritional requirements. During the first 8 weeks after lambing, the ewe produces the most milk. Their need for energy and protein will increase another 35 – 90 percent.Mineral
Feeding mineral is a key component to having productive ewes. Key Cooperative offers Purina® Wind and Rain® sheep mineral that is formulated with Wind and Rain® technology, proven to help reduce clumping which also reduces waste and promotes more consistent intake. Wind and Rain mineral provides an excellent source of Zinpro® and Availa® Zinc to help with hoof health and reproductive success. This mineral is super fortified with antioxidants to support overall immune function.Creep Feed
When lambs are one week old, it’s a great time to start introducing creep feed. Lambs who are fed creep feed get off to a strong start, with the potential for optimum weaning weights as well as added bloom and finish. Setting up a lamb creep pen that allows lambs continued access to a dry, clean area with a clean creep feeder will set the table for profitable lambs and consistent intake. Key Cooperative and Purina offer several options for lamb creep feed. An ideal creep ration should be between 15-20 percent crude protein, 2-5.5 percent fat and a 2:1 calcium-phosphorus ratio. Providing Deccox® and/or Bovatec® for lambs on creep feed is a good recommendation for keeping their environment clean and protecting against scours.Feeding Trials & Getting Started
Purina offers Proof Pays™ feeding trials on both mineral and creep feeds. These are very beneficial for both for your flock, as they allow you to put feed products to the test and see what will optimize your sheep’s performance.For more information on Sheep feed products from Key Cooperative, contact our sales team!
- Kelcie Carpenter | Key Cooperative, Gilbert Feed Sales | 515-232-6515
- Jim Hawkins | Lifestyle Feed Sales | 641-990-8964
- Joel Edge | Purina Sales Specialist | 319-331-3667
Check out our Lamb Feed promotion going on now!
Click to view.Click to view Purina lamb creep feed comparison.