5 Best Sheep Energy Boosting Treats for Pre-Lambing
Discover 5 proven energy-boosting treats for pre-lambing ewes, from molasses blocks to beet pulp. Prevent pregnancy toxemia and support healthy lambing outcomes.
Pre-lambing nutrition separates smooth births from emergency calls. Ewes in their final weeks of pregnancy need concentrated energy to support growing twins or triplets while maintaining their own body condition. The following energy-boosting treats, selected based on curation and deep research, help prevent metabolic issues and support healthy lambing outcomes.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
1. Molasses-Based Energy Blocks
Molasses blocks sit in nearly every experienced shepherd’s barn for good reason. They deliver quick carbohydrates when ewes need them most, and sheep actually enjoy working at them throughout the day.
These blocks serve as both nutrition and entertainment. Ewes can self-regulate their intake while keeping themselves occupied during the stressful final weeks before lambing.
Why Molasses Works for Pre-Lambing Ewes
Molasses provides immediate glucose that pregnant ewes convert directly into energy. During late pregnancy, twin or triplet lambs compress the rumen so dramatically that ewes can’t physically consume enough regular feed to meet their energy demands.
The sugar content matters more than you might think. When ewes can’t eat sufficient volume, concentrated energy sources prevent them from burning their own body fat too quickly, a dangerous condition that leads to pregnancy toxemia.
Most commercial blocks combine molasses with protein supplements, minerals, and vitamins. Look for blocks specifically formulated for pregnant ewes rather than general livestock blocks. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio becomes critical during late pregnancy.
How to Feed Molasses Blocks Safely
Place blocks where ewes can access them freely but can’t knock them into water troughs or bedding. Mount them in holders about chest height, this prevents contamination and reduces waste.
Start offering blocks at least four weeks before your first expected lambing date. This gives ewes time to discover them and incorporate them into their daily routine without sudden dietary changes.
Monitor body condition closely once blocks are available. If you notice ewes getting thin even though block access, they need additional energy from grain or pellets. The blocks supplement good nutrition, they don’t replace it.
Remove any block that develops mold or gets contaminated with manure. Pregnant ewes have compromised immune systems and can’t fight off pathogens as effectively as they normally would.
2. Beet Pulp Shreds
Beet pulp surprises first-time users with how effectively it boosts energy without the risks associated with grain overload. This byproduct of sugar beet processing delivers digestible fiber and residual sugars that pregnant ewes convert into steady, sustained energy.
The texture works particularly well for ewes with dental issues or older breeding stock. Soaked beet pulp goes down easily even when hay consumption drops off in those cramped final weeks.
Nutritional Benefits for Pregnant Ewes
Beet pulp provides what nutritionists call “highly digestible fiber.” Unlike the structural fiber in hay, beet pulp breaks down quickly in the rumen and generates energy without filling up limited stomach capacity.
The energy density sits between hay and grain. You get more calories per pound than forage without the acidosis risk that comes from too much starch. For ewes carrying multiples, this middle ground often makes the difference.
Calcium content runs high in beet pulp, another advantage during late pregnancy when bone development in lambs peaks. The phosphorus stays relatively low, maintaining the proper mineral balance that prevents milk fever after lambing.
Some sheep reject plain beet pulp initially. Mix it with a small amount of molasses or grain for the first few feedings until they acquire the taste. Once they recognize it as food, most ewes clean it up enthusiastically.
Preparation Tips for Maximum Energy Boost
Soak beet pulp shreds in warm water for at least 15 minutes before feeding. The volume expands dramatically, one pound of dry shreds becomes roughly four pounds of soaked feed. Always measure before soaking or you’ll badly miscalculate portions.
Feed soaked beet pulp within 12 hours during warm weather. It ferments quickly and can cause digestive upset if it starts spoiling. In winter, you can prepare evening portions in the morning, but summer heat demands same-day preparation.
Start with half a pound (dry weight) per ewe daily, split between two feedings if possible. Gradually increase to one pound daily for ewes carrying twins or triplets during the final two weeks before lambing.
Store dry beet pulp in sealed containers away from moisture. The shreds absorb humidity from the air and spoil surprisingly quickly once the bag opens.
3. High-Protein Grain Mixes
Grain mixes formulated for pregnant ewes concentrate both energy and protein in volumes that stressed ewes can actually consume. When your best ewe carrying triplets starts looking gaunt even though unlimited hay, a properly balanced grain mix often turns things around.
The protein component matters as much as the energy. Lambs add most of their birthweight during the final six weeks of gestation, and that tissue demands protein building blocks the ewe can’t manufacture from grass alone.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Corn and oats form the energy foundation in most quality mixes. Corn delivers more calories per pound, while oats provide safer, slower-release energy that’s gentler on the rumen. The best mixes balance both grains rather than relying on just one.
Soybean meal or another protein source should appear prominently on the ingredient list. Pre-lambing ewes need 14-16% protein in their total diet. If your hay tests at 10%, the grain needs to be richer to bring the average up.
Look for added calcium and vitamin E. Calcium prevents milk fever, while vitamin E works with selenium to prevent white muscle disease in newborn lambs. Many regions have selenium-deficient soil, making supplementation through feed critical.
Avoid mixes with excessive molasses coating. A light coating reduces dust and improves palatability, but heavy molasses adds empty calories and encourages ewes to sort through the mix for the sweetest bits.
Recommended Feeding Amounts
Start grain supplementation six weeks before lambing at half a pound per ewe daily. Increase gradually each week until you reach one to one-and-a-half pounds daily by two weeks pre-lambing.
Ewes carrying singles need less, often just three-quarters of a pound at peak. Ewes with twins or triplets may need up to two pounds daily. Body condition score guides these decisions better than rigid feeding charts.
Split the daily ration into two feedings when possible. This reduces the acidosis risk and gives ewes with compressed rumens better chances to process the grain before the next feeding.
Provide adequate trough space so timid ewes get their share. Aggressive ewes will absolutely steal feed from flock mates, leaving the neediest animals short on nutrition just when they require it most.
4. Alfalfa Pellets and Cubes
Alfalfa in pellet or cube form delivers premium nutrition in a concentrated package that works beautifully for pre-lambing supplementation. The processing makes nutrients more accessible and reduces waste compared to loose alfalfa hay.
These products shine when hay quality falls short or when individual ewes need extra attention. You can hand-feed specific animals or spread pellets in areas where dominant ewes can’t monopolize access.
Why Alfalfa Is Ideal for Late Pregnancy
Protein content typically runs 15-18% in quality alfalfa products, perfect for the demands of late gestation. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio sits right where pregnant ewes need it, supporting both the ewe’s metabolism and lamb bone development.
Digestibility exceeds most grass hays significantly. Ewes extract more nutrients from each pound consumed, which matters enormously when rumen capacity shrinks in those final weeks.
The energy density falls between plain hay and grain. You get more nutrition per pound than grass hay without the metabolic dangers of too much starch. For managing body condition on thin ewes, this middle ground often provides the solution.
Pellets offer an advantage over cubes for ewes with poor teeth or advanced age. The processing does much of the chewing work already, allowing older breeding stock to access nutrition they’d struggle to extract from hay.
Storage and Freshness Considerations
Store alfalfa pellets and cubes in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground. These products absorb moisture readily and develop mold faster than you’d expect. Once they smell musty or show visible mold, discard them immediately.
Buy quantities you’ll use within 60 days during summer or 90 days in winter. The vitamin content, particularly vitamin A and vitamin E, degrades over time even in properly stored feed. Fresh product delivers noticeably better results.
Check cubes for excessive dust before feeding. Some processing creates fine particles that ewes inhale rather than eat, causing respiratory irritation. Lightly spray dusty cubes with water before feeding, or switch brands if dust remains problematic.
Soak cubes for five to ten minutes if you’re feeding older ewes or those recovering from illness. The softened texture goes down easier and reduces choking risk. Pellets generally don’t require soaking unless they’re exceptionally dusty.
Feed one-half to one pound of alfalfa pellets or cubes daily plus to regular hay rations during the final month of pregnancy. Split between two feedings when your schedule allows it.
5. Propylene Glycol Drench
Propylene glycol sits in a different category than the other options, it’s emergency medicine more than treat. But for hobby farmers managing valuable breeding stock, having this tool available can save both ewes and lambs when pregnancy toxemia threatens.
This sweet-tasting liquid converts directly into glucose in the liver, providing immediate energy when a ewe’s metabolism starts breaking down her own body fat too rapidly. The smell and taste remind you of antifreeze, because propylene glycol is actually the non-toxic antifreeze used in RV systems.
Preventing Pregnancy Toxemia
Pregnancy toxemia (also called ketosis or twin lamb disease) develops when energy demands exceed intake. The ewe begins burning body fat for energy, and the metabolic byproducts, ketones, accumulate faster than her body can clear them.
Early signs include isolation from the flock, reduced appetite, and a slightly dull expression. Advanced cases show obvious neurological symptoms: head pressing, circling, blindness, or inability to stand. Once symptoms appear, you’re racing against time.
Propylene glycol provides glucose without requiring digestion. A ewe too sick to eat can still absorb this energy source and potentially reverse the metabolic crisis before permanent damage occurs.
Understand that propylene glycol treats the symptom, not the cause. A ewe receiving propylene glycol needs veterinary attention to address whatever drove her into crisis, inadequate nutrition, stress, parasite load, or dental problems preventing adequate feed intake.
Proper Dosage and Administration
Standard dosage runs 60-120 milliliters twice daily for adult ewes showing early symptoms. Use a drenching gun or large syringe to deliver the liquid slowly into the side of the mouth, allowing the ewe to swallow between doses.
Never force propylene glycol quickly. Ewes can aspirate the liquid into their lungs if they can’t swallow properly, particularly if neurological symptoms have progressed. Take your time and let the ewe control the pace.
Continue treatment for three to five days or until the ewe’s appetite returns and she’s eating normally. Combine propylene glycol with easily digestible feeds like soaked beet pulp or alfalfa pellets to help restore normal metabolism.
Some shepherds give propylene glycol preventively to thin ewes or those carrying triplets during the final two weeks. The dosage drops to 30-60 milliliters once daily as a preventive rather than treatment dose. This approach works, but fixing the underlying nutrition problem works better.
Keep propylene glycol in your barn pharmacy even if you never expect to need it. The product stores indefinitely at room temperature and costs little compared to losing a ewe or her lambs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best energy boosting treats for ewes before lambing?
The top energy-boosting treats for pre-lambing ewes include molasses-based energy blocks, beet pulp shreds, high-protein grain mixes, alfalfa pellets or cubes, and propylene glycol drench for emergencies. These supplements provide concentrated energy when ewes carrying multiples can’t consume enough regular feed.
How much grain should I feed ewes during pre-lambing?
Start with half a pound daily six weeks before lambing, gradually increasing to one to one-and-a-half pounds daily by two weeks pre-lambing. Ewes carrying twins or triplets may need up to two pounds daily, while those with singles need about three-quarters of a pound.
What is pregnancy toxemia in sheep and how can I prevent it?
Pregnancy toxemia (twin lamb disease) occurs when energy demands exceed intake, causing ewes to burn body fat too rapidly. Prevent it by providing concentrated energy treats like molasses blocks, beet pulp, and grain mixes during late pregnancy, especially for ewes carrying multiples.
Why is beet pulp good for pregnant ewes?
Beet pulp provides highly digestible fiber and residual sugars that deliver sustained energy without grain overload risks. It’s especially beneficial for ewes carrying multiples because it offers more calories than hay without filling limited rumen capacity during late pregnancy.
When should I start supplementing ewes before lambing season?
Begin offering energy supplements like molasses blocks at least four weeks before your first expected lambing date. Start grain supplementation six weeks before lambing at low amounts, gradually increasing as lambing approaches to avoid sudden dietary changes and metabolic issues.
Can alfalfa pellets replace hay for pregnant sheep?
Alfalfa pellets should supplement, not completely replace, regular hay rations. Feed one-half to one pound daily in addition to hay during the final month of pregnancy. Pellets provide concentrated protein and calcium but ewes still need long-stem fiber for proper rumen function.
