Applied Animal Nutrition-I

Nutrient requirement for reproduction

REPRODUCTION

• Although, no specific information is available on the nutrient requirements of sheep for male and female reproduction, there is evidence that deficiency of one or more nutrients in the diets may affect reproduction. It is recommended that breeding ewes could be provided 50% more nutrients over the maintenance requirements at different weights.
• Ewes require extra nutrients to bring them to flush and therefore should be provided approximately 25% extra nutrients over and above their maintenance needs. Flushing can be done for about a month and it is effective only, when the ewes are undernourished during pre-flushing period. In well nourished ewes additional flushing has no specific advantage.