When choosing a concentrate feed for lambs aim for a feed with 15% crude protein in the fresh weight (between 14-16%). Note feed labels are generally quoted on a fresh weight basis. There are many pellets on the market, check the ingredients as there is much variation in quality.  Look for a feed with a high metabolisable energy (ME) value - 12.5 ME. Many labels do not declare the ME value of feed so it worth checking this with the supplier. There is the temptation to buy on price, but this can be counterproductive.  If you are making a home-made mix the energy will likely be 13 ME or above with barley as the main energy source. 

The full article available through FAS provides further details on safely feeding barley to lambs in a home mix and examples of formulated home-mixes. One advantage with pellets is that they do not get the chance to sort the feeding, therefore with home-mixes it is important that they are adequately mixed, palatable and contain a suitable intensive lamb mineral. Ensure the mineral is for finishing lambs and that it contains ammonium chloride (minimum level of 5000 mg/kg or 0.5% of total diet) for the prevention of urinary calculi (dangerous mineral crystals in the waterworks in male lambs).

 

Tips for finishing lambs indoors on ad-lib concentrates 

  • Allow sufficient space for lambs indoors: Up to 3 months 0.5M2 per lamb, 3-12 months 0.75-0.9m2 per lamb 
  • Split lambs into batches of size/estimated finish time this makes weighing for slaughter management easier 
  • Good access to feed is very important 24/7 
  • Ensure adlib clean straw/hay 
  • Plenty of clean water 

 

*This article contains sponsored content and does not necessarily represent the views of The Scottish Farmer.​​