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April 9, 2025
Maximising lamb survival: The crucial role of ewe nutrition.

Lambing season – it's a time of hope, isn't it? A time when we see the promise of new life, the reward for all our hard work. But let's be honest, it's also a critical period, one where the survival of those newborn lambs can make or break our year. Ensuring their wellbeing isn't just about the bottom line; it's about the health and happiness of our flock, something we all deeply care about.

We know there are a lot of factors that play a part in lamb survival. But if we're going to talk about making a real difference, we can't overlook the importance of ewe nutrition. It’s about laying a strong foundation for lambing success – and with widespread drought impacting so many of us across South Australia and beyond, getting this right could be a game-changer.

At AIM Central, we're not just about products. We're about trust, value and knowing that we can really lift the burden for you. We know what it's like to pour your heart into your work, and we know the challenges you face. And more importantly, we want you to know we've got your back. We're here to work with you, tailoring solutions to your unique needs.

Take Brenton Lush, a Corriedale producer on the Fleurieu Peninsula in SA. He knows first hand the importance of ewe nutrition, especially as lambing approaches in June. He's facing a tough season, and he's looking to a micronutrient supplement to give his flock the best possible start. It's a smart move, but it shows the kind of proactive approach that makes a real difference.

Brenton's been shearing his flock of around 1800 ewes, down from 2000, and it's been a tough go. Tackling the driest season in memory, he’s seeing the long-term effects of nutrient deficiencies, and it's a stark reminder of the challenges we face. The clip is down, and his young ewes haven't had the condition score he'd hoped for. And he knows lambs born to ewes that haven't had the right start often struggle to thrive.

That's where we come in. AIM Central offers the advice, the answers, and the nutritional supplements to help at every stage. We're here to help you make the most of those better seasons when they come – and they will come – and deal with seasons of adversity.

There's something special about farmers. You put your faith in what you know, in your stock, and in each other – and you can put your faith in our team.

At AIMCentral, we’re not just about managing a flock; we're about producing the right products and putting in the extra effort behind the scenes to help you turn challenges into opportunities.

We know seasonal conditions have impacted your feed and energy supplies. But a talk with AIM Central and our products like ProgenX could spare you a long winter of pulling lambs, losing livestock during birthing and lost opportunities to claw back farm profitability when the season turns.

ProgenX Lead Up is just the start. AIM can talk you through each step of building flock strength and performance like Converter when grain feeding or Stubblemax before the rain, while Grazemax will provide the rumen with the required bugs/performance to handle the influx of quality green feed.

 

ProgenX Lead Up: A nutritional solution for enhanced lamb survival

As a specialised nutritional supplement, ProgenX is designed to support ewes during the critical late-gestation period. Its unique formulation addresses the specific nutritional needs of pregnant ewes, helping to improve lamb survival rates and overall flock health.

Benefits of ProgenX:

  • Increased lamb vitality: ProgenX helps promote the birth of healthier, more vigorous lambs, increasing their chances of survival.
  • Reduced metabolic stress: ProgenX helps minimise metabolic stress in ewes, leading to less preg tox and milk fever, easier births, quicker recovery and higher first service conception rates at next joining.
  • Improved colostrum quality: ProgenX supports the production of high-quality colostrum, rich in antibodies that protect newborn lambs from disease.
  • Enhanced milk production: Well-nourished ewes produce more milk, ensuring that lambs receive the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Minimise lambing disorders by improving the reproductive efficiency of ewes: The link between ewe diet and lamb survival

The relationship between a ewe's diet and her lamb's survival is profound. A well-nourished ewe is more likely to give birth to a healthy, vigorous lamb capable of thriving from its first moments. Adequate nutrition during the last 30 days of gestation is especially crucial, as it directly impacts the lamb's development and the ewe's ability to provide essential care.

Key nutrients for ewes during late gestation include:

  • Energy: Sufficient energy intake is vital for the ewe to maintain her body condition and support the growing lamb. Energy deficiency can lead to weak lambs, difficult births and reduced milk production.
  • Protein: This is essential for fetal growth and development, as well as for the production of colostrum and milk.
  • Minerals and Vitamins: Minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, along with vitamins A, D and E, play critical roles in skeletal development, immune function and overall health of both the ewe and her lamb.
Trials show that treating ewes with ProgenX Lead Up Lick produces 15% more lambs than untreated ewes.

Feeding Recommendations:

  • ProgenX is easy to administer, simply provide it to ewes at least 21 days prior to lambing.
  • Optimising ewe nutrition during late gestation is a cornerstone of successful lamb rearing.
  • By providing ewes with the essential nutrients they need, we can improve lamb survival rates, reduce lambing difficulties, and enhance the overall health and productivity of the flock.
  • ProgenX is a valuable tool for sheep producers looking to maximise lamb output and ensure the wellbeing of their ewes.

Learn more about the ProgenX product range.

So let's work together to make the most of what we have. Let's focus on giving those ewes the support they need to raise strong, healthy lambs. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about, isn't it? It's about the joy of seeing those lambs thrive, knowing we've done everything we can to give them the best possible start.

Want to know more about what we can offer at AIM Central including our free advice? Contact AIM HQ on 1800 106 006 so we can tailor a solution for your livestock.  Or you can get in touch with your local AIM reseller. 

Tell us your production goals and we’ll help you get there

This is no idle boast. It’s what we’ve been helping producers, just like you, achieve for over 20 years. What’s more, it’s not just about meeting the bottom line. There’s an improved quality of life to be enjoyed along the way – for both you and your livestock.

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