Nutrition Plan for Lambs from Weaning to Mating

Lambs require tailored nutrition from weaning to mating to support optimal udder development and achieve target body weights for early breeding. Poorly managed feeding can lead to excessive fat and connective tissue in the udder, reducing lifetime productivity. A three-phase feeding strategy is essential: phase 1 (0–1.5 months) focuses on high-protein creep feeding; phase 2 (1.5–3 months) transitions to growth concentrate and ad libitum hay; phase 3 (4–6 months) reduces energy density to prevent overgrowth. At mating (7–9 months), concentrate intake should be adjusted to 300–400 g/day to support body weight gain without compromising udder development. Monitoring growth and condition is critical for underweight lambs, which may not respond to hormonal treatments.