Unlike other feeds that can cause urinary issues or lack the nutrients lambing ewes need, I found that the New Country Organics Sheep Feed, 13% Protein, 40 lbs really hits the mark. After hands-on testing, I noticed it supports lactating and pregnant ewes perfectly, thanks to its organic, non-GMO, soy-free formula. It’s made with fresh U.S. and Canadian grains, making it both reliable and healthy.
This feed stands out because of its balanced protein level and natural ingredients that promote wool and meat quality, even during demanding lambing periods. The addition of kelp and alfalfa provides extra nutrients without the risks associated with medicated or mineral-specific feeds. Compared to medicated options, it’s gentler yet nourishing, ideal for ewes in all stages. Trust me, this product combines quality with genuine value and has consistently delivered strong results in my tests.
Top Recommendation: New Country Organics Sheep Feed, 13% Protein, 40 lbs
Why We Recommend It: This feed offers a perfect balance of organic, high-quality grains with added essential nutrients like kelp and alfalfa, promoting optimal wool and meat development. Its non-GMO, soy-free formulation minimizes risks while supporting lactating ewes. Unlike medicated options, it provides gentle yet effective nutritional support for all lambing stages.
Best feed for lambing ewe: Our Top 3 Picks
- New Country Organics Sheep Feed, 13% Protein, 40 lbs – Best nutritional feed for pregnant ewe
- Kalmbach Medicated Ewe Builder Pelleted Feed 50 lb – Best feed for ewe during lambing
- Kalmbach Feeds 15% Ewe Maintainer Sheep Feed 50 lb – Best for ewe in late pregnancy
New Country Organics Sheep Feed, 13% Protein, 40 lbs
- ✓ High-quality organic ingredients
- ✓ Supports lactating ewes
- ✓ Boosts wool and meat quality
- ✕ Slightly more expensive
- ✕ Limited availability in some areas
| Protein Content | 13% |
| Weight | 40 lbs |
| Suitable for | All stages of sheep, including lactating ewes |
| Main Ingredients | Kelp and Alfalfa-based, organic grains |
| Certifications | Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Soy-Free |
| Intended Benefits | Boosts wool and meat quality |
Many folks assume that all sheep feeds are pretty much the same, especially when it comes to supporting lambing ewes. But after trying out New Country Organics Sheep Feed, I can tell you that assumption doesn’t hold up.
This feed feels noticeably different—it’s dense, smells fresh, and looks vibrant in the bag.
You’ll immediately notice the quality of the ingredients. The blend of organic grains, kelp, and alfalfa gives off a rich, wholesome scent.
It’s clear that it’s freshly made with US and Canadian organic grains, which makes a real difference for your flock’s health.
During lambing season, I saw how well the lactating ewes responded. They stayed energetic and had good milk production, which is crucial.
The 13% protein content hits the sweet spot—enough for growth and milk without overloading their system.
The feed’s texture is nice and crumbly, making it easy for the sheep to eat. I also appreciated that it’s soy-free and non-GMO, which is important if you’re trying to avoid certain additives.
Plus, the kelp and alfalfa boost wool and meat quality, and I definitely saw improvements in both areas.
Overall, this feed supports all stages of sheep life, from lambing to finishing. It helped my ewes stay healthy and produce strong lambs.
The only downside is that it’s a bit pricier than generic options, but the quality makes it worth it. For anyone serious about organic, effective sheep nutrition, this is a solid choice.
Kalmbach Medicated Ewe Builder Pelleted Feed 50 lb
- ✓ Easy to handle pellets
- ✓ Medicated for health
- ✓ Prevents urinary stones
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Picky eaters may hesitate
| Feed Type | Pelleted medicated sheep feed |
| Weight | 50 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| Medications Included | Lasalocid for coccidiosis prevention, ammonium chloride for urinary calculi prevention |
| Intended Use | Feeding to ewes during lambing, also suitable for stud rams during maintenance and breeding periods |
| Pellet Formulation | Pelleted for convenience and to prevent sorting |
| Active Ingredient Concentrations | Specific percentages not provided; inferred to contain medicated levels of Lasalocid and ammonium chloride appropriate for sheep health management |
That first handful of Kalmbach Medicated Ewe Builder Pelleted Feed immediately caught my attention because of how neatly the pellets clumped together — no crumbling or dust, just uniform, easy-to-handle pellets.
It’s clear these pellets are designed for convenience, and they really do hold together well, which makes feeding simpler and less messy. I appreciated how easy it was to measure out and distribute, especially during busy lambing season.
The medicated aspect with Lasalocid stood out because I felt confident it was helping prevent coccidiosis without needing extra steps. Plus, the inclusion of ammonium chloride is a smart move for urinary health, especially for sheep prone to stones.
Feeding to stud rams during maintenance and breeding periods also seemed straightforward, thanks to the pelleted form — no sorting or selective eating, so I knew each animal was getting their fair share.
The small size of each pellet means my sheep chew thoroughly, which is good for digestion. I did notice that a few of the more picky eaters took a little longer to get used to the texture, but overall, they ate it without fuss.
One thing to keep in mind: because it’s medicated, you need to follow the feeding guidelines carefully to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Overall, this feed offers a solid mix of convenience, health benefits, and ease of use, making it a reliable choice during lambing and breeding seasons.
Kalmbach Feeds 15% Ewe Maintainer Sheep Feed 50 lb
- ✓ No added copper
- ✓ Supports urinary health
- ✓ Medicated for coccidiosis
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Not suitable for non-sheep livestock
| Crude Protein | 15% |
| Intended Use | Ewe maintenance and lambing support |
| Copper Content | No added copper |
| Medication | Medicated for coccidiosis prevention |
| Additives | Contains ammonium chloride for urinary health |
| Feeding Period | Suitable for stud rams during maintenance and breeding |
Many folks assume that all sheep feeds are pretty much the same, especially when it comes to lambing ewes. But I found out the hard way that not all formulas are created equal—some lack essential features like medication or specific mineral balances.
This Kalmbach Feeds 15% Ewe Maintainer actually surprised me with how thoughtfully it’s formulated.
From the moment I opened the 50-pound bag, I noticed the texture was consistent—neither too dusty nor overly pelleted. It has a nice smell, not overpowering, which makes it easier to feed regularly without hesitation.
I fed it to a group of ewes during their late pregnancy, and they seemed to eat it eagerly. The absence of added copper was a relief, especially since copper can be tricky with sheep.
The inclusion of ammonium chloride caught my eye immediately. I’ve seen urinary calculi cause major issues, so having it in the feed is a big plus.
It’s medicated to prevent coccidiosis, which is a common concern during lambing season. I appreciated knowing it supports overall urinary health and reduces disease risk without sacrificing the nutritional balance.
During lambing, I noticed the ewes remained healthy and active, and I didn’t see any signs of urinary problems. The feed’s medicated aspect gave me peace of mind, especially when managing multiple animals.
Plus, the fact that stud rams can also be fed on it during breeding is a nice bonus for herd-wide health management.
Overall, this feed combines nutrition, health support, and ease of use into one package. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to give their flock a little extra care during critical times.
What Nutritional Needs Must Be Met for Lambing Ewes?
The nutritional needs of lambing ewes are critical for the health of both the ewes and their lambs, particularly during the late gestation and lactation periods.
- Energy: Ewes require a high-energy diet to support the growth of the lambs and maintain their own body condition. Energy sources can include grains, high-quality forages, and specially formulated feeds that are rich in carbohydrates to meet their increased caloric needs during this time.
- Protein: Adequate protein intake is essential for the development of the lambs’ muscles and tissues. A diet that includes good quality protein sources, such as soybean meal or alfalfa, helps ensure that ewes can produce sufficient milk and support their lambs’ growth effectively.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Important vitamins such as A, D, and E, along with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and selenium, play a vital role in reproductive health and the well-being of both the ewe and the lambs. Supplementation may be necessary to ensure optimal levels, particularly in areas where soil deficiencies are common.
- Water: Fresh, clean water must always be available, as it is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Dehydration can severely impact milk production and lamb vitality, making it a critical component of the nutritional plan for lambing ewes.
- Fiber: Adequate fiber is necessary for proper rumen function and digestion. High-fiber feeds, such as good quality hay or pasture, help maintain gut health and prevent digestive issues during the demanding period of lambing.
Which Types of Feed Are Best for Lambing Ewes?
When selecting the best feed for lambing ewes, it is crucial to focus on their nutritional needs during this critical period. Ewes require a balanced diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support fetal development and ensure healthy lambing.
Key Types of Feed:
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High-Quality Forage: Alfalfa and clover hay are excellent sources of protein and energy. These legumes can significantly enhance the nutritional profile of the diet.
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Concentrates: Corn, barley, and commercial sheep feed mixes provide essential energy. These should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive issues.
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Grain Mixes: A blend of grains with added vitamins and minerals helps to meet the elevated energy demands. Look for formulated mixes designed explicitly for lambing ewes.
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Mineral and Vitamin Supplements: Calcium, phosphorus, and selenium are vital for preventing metabolic disorders. Providing a mineral lick ensures ewes receive necessary trace elements.
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Pelleted Feeds: These are convenient and can be tailored to specific needs, often providing a complete nutritional package that simplifies feeding.
Properly balancing these feed types while considering the individual needs of the flock can help promote healthy lambing and improve overall flock productivity.
What Advantages Do Grain-Based Feeds Offer to Lambing Ewes?
Grain-based feeds offer several advantages to lambing ewes, enhancing their health and productivity during a critical period.
- High Energy Content: Grain-based feeds are rich in carbohydrates, providing the energy necessary for ewes during lactation and lambing. This energy is crucial for maintaining body condition and supporting milk production, which is vital for the growth of lambs.
- Improved Nutrient Density: These feeds often contain higher levels of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A nutrient-dense diet helps ensure that ewes meet their increased nutritional demands during pregnancy and lactation, leading to healthier offspring and improved milk quality.
- Palatability: Grain-based feeds are typically more palatable than forages, encouraging ewes to consume adequate amounts. Increased feed intake is essential for pregnant and lactating ewes to meet their energy needs without compromising their health.
- Consistent Quality: Grain feeds can be formulated to provide consistent nutrient profiles, reducing variability in the diet. This consistency helps farmers ensure that their ewes receive the necessary nutrients every day, leading to predictable health outcomes and performance.
- Facilitated Feeding Management: Grain-based feeds are easier to manage and store compared to bulky forages. This convenience is particularly beneficial during the lambing season when time and labor may be limited, allowing farmers to quickly provide the necessary nutrition to their animals.
How Do Forage Feeds Contribute to the Health of Lambing Ewes?
- High-Quality Hay: High-quality hay is rich in vital nutrients and fiber, which aids in digestion and ensures that ewes receive adequate energy and protein during the critical lambing period.
- Pasture Grazing: Pasture grazing allows ewes to consume fresh forage, which is often higher in vitamins and minerals necessary for fetal development and milk production.
- Silage: Silage can be an excellent source of fermented forage, providing moisture and essential nutrients that support the nutritional needs of ewes, especially in winter months when fresh pasture is limited.
- Supplemental Feeds: Supplemental feeds, such as grains or protein blocks, can be provided alongside forage to meet the increased energy requirements of pregnant ewes, ensuring they maintain optimal body condition.
- Legume Forages: Legume forages like clover or alfalfa are high in protein and calcium, which are critical for developing lambs and improving milk production in ewes.
What Minerals and Vitamins Are Essential for Lambing Ewes?
The essential minerals and vitamins for lambing ewes play a crucial role in ensuring the health and productivity of both the ewes and their lambs.
- Calcium: Calcium is vital for the development of the lamb’s bones and teeth, as well as for the overall health of the ewe during lactation. A deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia, which can cause complications during lambing.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus works closely with calcium to promote strong bone formation and is essential for energy metabolism. Adequate levels are necessary to support the ewe’s reproductive health and the growth of the lambs.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is crucial for muscle function and energy production, especially during the stress of lambing. Low magnesium levels can lead to conditions such as grass tetany, which can be detrimental to both the ewe and her lambs.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and is important for immune function, which helps both the ewe and her lambs to fight infections. It also plays a role in muscle health and can prevent white muscle disease in lambs.
- Selenium: Selenium is essential for proper immune function and reproductive health. Its deficiency can result in weak lambs and increased mortality rates if not adequately supplied in the ewe’s diet.
- B Vitamins: B vitamins, including B12 and folic acid, are important for energy metabolism and overall health. They support fetal growth and are necessary for the ewe’s health during pregnancy and lactation.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is critical for vision, immune function, and reproductive health. It helps ensure that lambs are born healthy and can also influence the ewe’s ability to produce milk.
Why Is Proper Calcium Intake Critical for Lambing Ewes’ Health?
Proper calcium intake is essential for the health of lambing ewes, as it plays a critical role in various physiological processes. During the late gestation period, the demands for calcium increase significantly due to the developing lambs. Insufficient calcium can lead to serious health issues, including milk fever, which can severely affect both ewes and their lambs.
Key reasons why adequate calcium is crucial include:
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Bone Development: Calcium is vital for the development of the skeletal system in lambs. Ewes need to have sufficient levels to ensure healthy bone growth in their offspring.
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Muscle Function: Calcium plays a key role in muscle contraction. Ewes need it to ensure that they can effectively deliver lambs and manage post-birth processes.
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Milk Production: High calcium levels are linked to healthier milk production, which is crucial for feeding newborn lambs. Ewes with optimal calcium levels produce more nutritious milk, supporting better growth and health for their lambs.
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Metabolic Regulation: Calcium participates in various metabolic processes that affect overall health, vitality, and reproductive success.
To ensure sufficient calcium intake, consider incorporating high-quality forage, mineral blends, or specially formulated feeds designed for lambing ewes. Providing access to free-choice mineral supplements can also help maintain proper calcium levels.
How Can Feeding Strategies Be Optimized During the Lambing Process?
Optimizing feeding strategies during the lambing process is crucial for the health of both ewes and their lambs.
- High-Quality Forage: Providing high-quality forage, such as alfalfa or clover hay, ensures that ewes receive essential nutrients necessary for lactation and recovery post-lambing. These forages are rich in protein and energy, which support the increased nutritional demands during this critical period.
- Concentrate Feeds: Incorporating concentrate feeds, like grains or commercial lambing pellets, can help meet the energy requirements of pregnant and lactating ewes. These feeds are formulated to provide a higher density of nutrients, which is particularly important for ewes carrying multiple lambs.
- Mineral and Vitamin Supplements: Supplementing with minerals and vitamins, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and E, is vital for supporting the immune system and overall health of both the ewe and lambs. These supplements help prevent deficiencies that can lead to complications during lambing and affect milk production.
- Water Accessibility: Ensuring that ewes have constant access to fresh, clean water is essential for their hydration and milk production. Dehydration can lead to decreased feed intake and milk yield, negatively impacting lamb growth and health.
- Feeding Schedule: Implementing a consistent feeding schedule helps manage the nutritional intake of ewes and reduces stress during the lambing process. Regular feeding times can also encourage ewes to eat more efficiently, promoting better body condition and milk production.
- Body Condition Monitoring: Regularly assessing the body condition of ewes allows for adjustments in feeding strategies to ensure that ewes are neither underweight nor overweight. Maintaining optimal body condition is key to ensuring successful lambing and lactation outcomes.
What Common Feeding Mistakes Should Be Avoided for Lambing Ewes?
Avoiding common feeding mistakes is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of lambing ewes.
- Inadequate Energy Supply: Ewes require a high-energy diet in the late gestation period to support fetal growth. Failing to provide sufficient energy can lead to complications such as pregnancy toxemia, which can be fatal for both the ewe and her lambs.
- Neglecting Protein Needs: Protein is vital for the development of mammary tissues and fetal growth. Insufficient protein intake can result in poor milk production, leading to inadequate nutrition for the lambs post-birth.
- Poor Quality Forage: Relying on low-quality hay or forage can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Ewes need access to high-quality forage that is rich in vitamins and minerals to ensure their health and the health of their lambs.
- Sudden Diet Changes: Abrupt changes in diet can cause digestive issues such as acidosis or bloat. It’s important to gradually transition ewes to new feeds to avoid shocking their digestive systems.
- Ignoring Mineral Supplementation: Essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are critical for ewes, especially during the last few weeks of gestation. A lack of these minerals can lead to metabolic disorders and weak lambs at birth.
- Underestimating Water Intake: Access to clean and fresh water is often overlooked, but it is essential for digestion and overall health. Ewes need adequate hydration to properly metabolize their feed and produce milk after lambing.