Tool 11.1 Energy and protein requirements of sheep
Energy and protein are fundamental for animals to maintain critical body functions and achieve production targets for growth, wool production and reproduction.
A dry sheep equivalent (DSE) is a value based on the maintenance energy requirements of a dry, 50 kg Merino wether in CS3.
Dry sheep equivalents (DSE) – adult sheep
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|
40 |
|
70 |
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|
Dry sheep |
0.9 |
1.0 |
1.2 |
1.4 |
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Pregnant ewes final month |
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|
|
|
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|
Single |
1.1 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
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Twins |
1.3 |
1.5 |
1.6 |
1.7 |
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Lactating ewes |
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|
|
|
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|
Single |
2.1 |
2.5 |
2.9 |
3.3 |
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Twins |
2.9 |
3.4 |
4.1 |
4.7 |
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|
Rams |
|
|
1.4 |
1.7 |
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Source: PROGRAZE® and Queensland DPIF, adapted by AWI and MLA
Dry sheep equivalents (DSE) – growing lambs
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|
|
Body weight (kg) |
|
|
Growth (g/day) |
20 |
30 |
40 |
|
50 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
|
100 |
0.8 |
1.1 |
1.3 |
|
150 |
1.0 |
1.3 |
1.5 |
Metabolisable energy (ME) and protein requirements of sheep
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|
|
Ewe |
Ewe |
Weaner |
Weaner |
Weaner |
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|
MJ ME/hd/day (containment fed) |
6.4 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
10.0 |
15.0 |
3 - 4 |
4 - 5 |
5 - 6 |
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|
MJ ME/hd/day (grazing) |
7.6 |
8.5 |
9.7 |
11.5 |
17.0 |
3.4 - 4.5 |
4.5 - 5.7 |
5.7 - 6.8 |
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|
Protein min % |
6 – 8 |
6 – 8 |
6 – 8 |
8 - 10 |
12 - 14 |
14 - 16 |
12 - 14 |
10 - 12 |
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Source: Ruminant Standards of Australia and GrazFeed®.
Note: Ewes carrying twins in late pregnancy and in lactation will have a 15% higher energy requirement than single bearing ewes.
Use these figures when developing feed budgets (see tool 8.3 in MMFS Module 8 Turn Pasture into Product). View tables showing examples to fit the season and pasture type at https://www.lifetimewool.com.au/toolsmgt.html
