Metabolic Disorders In Pregnant Ewes

Lamb mortality in Australian sheep flocks averages 20 to 30%, and reducing these levels is a priority for the industry. Ewes often lamb on grass-dominant forages with low levels of calcium and magnesium. An imbalance of minerals may increase the risk of hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia. This project evaluated whether sub-clinical levels of these metabolic disorders was associated with lower lamb survival, and whether supplementation to improve mineral balance in lambing ewes was an effective means of reducing the risk of metabolic disease and dystocia, and could improve lamb survival.