HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

and within that short period can improve the production and reproduction of your entire flock. Gestation phase The gestation phase can be divided into four parts: • Part 1– Fertilisation (day 0) • Part 2 – Early and mid-gestation (day 1 to 90) • Part 3 – Late gestation (day 90 to 150) • Part 4 – Lambing (day 150 to 155) During part 1 of gestation, the ewe should be in a BCS of at least 3, but preferably 3,5 and higher. An increase of one BCS point may increase the lambing rate by 15%–20%. The birth of multiple lambs is highly correlated with the BCS of the ewe at mating, because BCS is one of the controlling factors of ovulation tempo. The way the ewe reaches her full reproduction potential is dependent on environmental factors, which include feed/grazing/browsing and management. During part 2 of the gestation phase, it is ideal for the ewes to be in a BCS of 3. The BCS of the ewe during early- and mid-gestation will influence the birth weight and the permanent development of the coming lambs. Weight and condition should be maintained during this period at all costs. It will be costly to regain weight and condition in late gestation when physical space is an issue. Every BCS point lost during mid-gestation (day 30–90) will result in a decrease in the lamb’s birth weight. Part 2 of gestation is where placenta development takes place, which is important for embryo and foetus development. Part 3 of gestation will require the producer to maintain a BCS of 3 on the animals, but preferably higher. The growth and development of the foetus (85%) mostly take place during late gestation. During this period, the physical space becomes an issue as the foetus/ foetuses become larger. For this reason, the producer should increase the amount of supplementary feed and focus on high- density feed to overcome the smaller rumen capacity. The supplementary feed during this part should consist of higher energy, quality natural proteins, higher bypass protein levels, and quality minerals and vitamins. A quality supplementary feed with a higher nutritional density will ensure ample milk production, higher volume of colostrum, better-quality colostrum, avoid milk fever (hypocalcaemia) and pregnancy toxaemia. Lamb survival is strongly correlated with birth weight. Every gram added to the birth weight will increase the survival rate of that lamb. During part 4 (lambing), the ewe should still maintain her 3 BCS during lactation. The first 48 hours after lambing are crucial for lamb survival. Suckling within the first six hours is important for bonding between the ewe and the lambs. Colostrum intake is also extremely important within the first six hours after birth. Water will always be the most important nutrient, and any producer should always ensure that their animals have access to cool, clean, and fresh drinking water. Lactation phase A lactating ewe, especially with multiple lambs, should be seen in the same light as a lactating dairy cow. Lactating ewes are under immense stress to produce high milk yields to feed their lambs. Insufficient intake of quality pasture and supplementary feed during this period may be the cause of lower weaning weights of current lambs, poor conceptions in the following breeding season, and fewer multiple births in the following lambing season. More than 70% of the ewe flock’s reproduction potential is influenced by feed, and for this reason, it is crucial to be sure the lactating ewes have sufficient supplementary feed during this period. The following oestrus cycle of the ewe will be delayed if the ewe loses weight and body condition during the lactation period. It takes up to five months for follicles to develop in the ovaries, of which the last two months will be during lactation. This is another reason why producers need to provide the ewes with high levels of quality feed during the lactation Figure 2: Diagram of different production phases Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 50