Pregnancy Has Distinct Nutritional Stages
Early pregnancy often resembles maintenance feeding, while the final six to eight weeks are more demanding because fetal growth accelerates. Requirements rise further when a ewe carries twins or triplets.
Nutrition should increase gradually rather than changing abruptly immediately before lambing.
Early Gestation
A mature ewe in suitable condition may do well on clean grass hay such as orchardgrass, smooth bromegrass, timothy, bermudagrass, or prairie grass.
The goal is to maintain appropriate condition without making the ewe excessively thin or overconditioned.
Late Gestation Raises the Standard
As rumen space becomes limited and fetal growth increases, the ewe may need more usable nutrition from each mouthful. Leafier, more digestible, and more palatable forage becomes increasingly valuable.
Feeding more pounds of coarse mature hay may not supply the same nutrition as an appropriate amount of better-quality forage.
Orchardgrass, Alfalfa, and Blends
Quality orchardgrass can provide a soft, palatable grass-hay foundation. Alfalfa may be useful for thin ewes, ewe lambs, older animals, and ewes carrying multiples because it can add protein, calcium, energy, and leafiness.
Orchardgrass/alfalfa may provide a practical middle ground. The actual percentage of alfalfa and consistency among flakes matter.
Other Hay Options
Smooth bromegrass and timothy may fit when clean and appropriately mature. Fine- stemmed bermudagrass can be practical in Southern programs, while prairie grass may suit early gestation or lower-demand groups.
Very mature grass hay may require supplementation as lambing approaches.
Litter Size and Grouping
Pregnancy scanning can help separate singles, twins, and triplets. Thin ewes, ewe lambs, older ewes, and animals carrying multiples may need priority access to the best forage.
A single group feeder often rewards dominant animals rather than those with the greatest need.
Testing, Minerals, and Water
Forage testing can measure protein, fiber, energy, calcium, phosphorus, moisture, and selected minerals. Sheep require a sheep-specific mineral program because they are sensitive to excess copper.
Fresh water is essential because inadequate intake can reduce forage consumption.
Choosing Hay at the Barn
Describe gestation stage, litter size, ewe age, body condition, and whether concentrates are fed.
The best choice is clean forage whose maturity, nutritional value, and physical characteristics fit the ewe’s stage of pregnancy and complete ration.
FAQ
What is the best hay for pregnant ewes?
There is no single best species. Orchardgrass, bromegrass, timothy, bermudagrass, prairie grass, alfalfa, and blends may all fit depending on stage, litter size, condition, and analysis.
Do pregnant ewes need alfalfa?
Not all do. It is often useful for thin ewes, ewe lambs, older animals, and those carrying multiples.
When should better-quality hay be introduced?
Needs rise most during the final six to eight weeks, and improvements should be introduced gradually.
What if a late-pregnant ewe stops eating?
Contact a veterinarian promptly. Appetite loss, isolation, weakness, or difficulty standing can indicate a serious metabolic or medical problem.