Words by Stacey Cosnett
During the summer, as pasture growth decreases and we start to see a feed pinch, NRM Sheep Nuts are a useful, high grain based feed to supplement ewes to ensure they maintain good body condition. NRM Sheep Nuts are typically fed at up to 150g/head/ day. If a drought really takes hold, NRM Summer Dry Nuts can be fed at higher rates and deliver more protein to help balance more mature conserved forages, which may have to be fed alongside limited grazing. As a 10mm nut, they are well suited to being fed on the ground with minimal waste.
Flushing ewes – raising their level of nutrition before and through mating – has long been recognised as a way of stimulating fertility, both in terms of the number of eggs released and conception rates. NRM Sheep Pre Tup Nuts are designed for feeding to ewes and rams 4 to 6 weeks before and during mating. If the weather or irrigation obliges by providing good quality pasture before mating, they may not be necessary but if pasture quality or supply is sub-optimal, or if ewes need an extra lift after a hard period, they are well worth considering.
NRM Sheep Triplet Nuts take nutrition to the next level with elevated levels of both energy and protein. They are best directed at triplet bearing ewes, so are great for flocks that have been scanned. Improved nutrition can help the survivability of lambs by improving fat stores, lessening the risk of sleepy sickness (ketosis) and improving the quality of the colostrum and the milkiness of ewes.
NRM Lamb Start Mix and Lamb Performance Pellets are both great options for hand reared lambs. NRM Lamb StartMix is the perfect starter feed and as they get older they can be moved over to NRM Lamb Performance Pellets and they should be kept on the Lamb Performance Pellets until at least a month after weaning to help to support a smooth weaning period. Lamb Performance Pellets also make a good creep feed for lambs on ewes that need some extra help – especially through weaning.
Product | MJ ME/kg DM | Crude Protein % | Designed use |
---|---|---|---|
Sheep Nuts | 12.2 | 12.2 | Whenever quality or quantity of forages available is insufficient for the class of sheep being fed. |
Summer Dry Nuts | 11.5 | 15 | Primarily to fill a feed pinch during a dry or hot spell. |
Pre-Tup Nuts | 13.5 | 15.5 | To supplement the flock prior to and through mating. |
Triplet Nuts | 12.8 | 25 | High energy and protein supplement for ewes that are carrying or feeding triplets. |
Lamb Start Mix | 12.8 | 19 | Muesli style starter feed for newborn lambs. |
Lamb Performance Pellets | 12.8 | 19 | Pellets for bottle-reared lambs from day one or after Lamb Start Mix, or for lambs on ewes that need a creep feed. |
Available in the North Island only. Designed to supplement pasture, particularly in times of low pasture growth and/or poor pasture quality or where nutrient demands are high.
Available in the South Island only. Designed to supplement pasture, particularly in times of low pasture growth and/or poor pasture quality or where nutrient demands are high.