The numbers of sheep producers using Crystalyx High Energy Feed Blocks continues to increase as we enter the spring lambing period. This trend reflects recognition by farmers that Crystalyx feed blocks will help maintain body condition on ewes in the run-up to lambing.
Luke Morgan, Caltech Crystalyx Account Manager comments:
“The core challenge facing ewes under current circumstances is that of maximising fresh grass, hay and silage intakes,” he explained.
“This is the key to allowing them secure the forage dry matter levels they need to meet their own nutritional needs and those of the lambs they are carrying.
“And it is in this context that the Crystalyx Extra High Energy feed blocks for sheep can play a crucial role.
“They represent a highly palatable and concentrated form of energy, high quality protein, minerals, trace elements and vitamins, acting to improve the efficiency of the rumen.
“At the very heart of this process is the stimulus given to the microbe populations in the rumen. In turn this speeds up the digestion process, thereby allowing ewes to increase their daily consumption levels of fresh grass. And this, of course, determines overall dry matter intakes.”
Luke explained that ewes must be kept in top condition in the run-up to lambing.
Loss of condition while pregnant will jeopardise placental development and reduce body reserves available for milk production,” he said.
“Trials conducted at Newcastle University found that ewes with access to Crystalyx Extra High Energy maintained better condition than ewes on grass alone, and their lambs subsequently had a 5% higher growth rate.
“Offering the High Energy tubs to ewes now will also have a very beneficial impact on the quality of the ewes’ milk post lambing. This reflects the quality of the protein contained within the feed blocks.
He continued:
“Crystalyx Extra High Energy is a feed block that can be used all year round to provide supplementation for ewes, rams and lambs. High in protein, energy and with a full complement of minerals, trace elements and vitamins, Extra High Energy and forage can be all that’s required to operate a highly effective and profitable sheep rearing system.
“A daily Extra High Energy Feeding rate of 40-60g head will ensure that pre lambing ewes receive the level of nutrition they need, provided that adequate levels of forage are also made available.
“Moreover, the product has been proven on British and Irish sheep farms over many years.”
With lamb prices reaching record levels amid tight supply and every prospect that this trend will continue, every lamb born and subsequently weaned successfully, will add significantly to the bottom line of every sheep enterprise this year.
