Sheep containment feeding is becoming an increasingly important tool for producers. It can be used to manage feed shortages, protect valuable pasture and maintain livestock performance during challenging seasons.
The MLA Producer Demonstration Site project Sheep Containment in Focus explored how containment feeding can be used within commercial sheep enterprises. It also explored what factors contribute to successful outcomes.
Led by Elders Senior Livestock Production Advisor David Trengove, the project worked with producers in the Cowra region of New South Wales. Across three demonstration sites they monitored:
- ewe condition score,
- liveweight,
- reproductive performance and
- pasture availability.
“One of the biggest lessons from the project was that containment is not something you have to use every year; it is another tool in the toolbox,” David said.
“The value comes from recognising when conditions justify using it and having the system and management in place before you need it.”
Across the demonstration sites, the project showed that containment can help maintain ewe condition while reducing grazing pressure on valuable pasture. It also reinforced the importance of feed budgeting, condition score monitoring, water supply and having clear plans for when sheep should enter and leave containment.
While favourable seasons during the project reduced the need for widespread use of containment, they reinforced the key message: containment is a tool to use when conditions call for it, rather than something that needs to be adopted every year.
Through the course, participants also improved their understanding of:
- ewe nutrition,
- feed budgeting,
- condition score management,
- pasture monitoring.
Importantly, they also gained greater confidence in deciding when containment is likely to add value within their own businesses.
For producers, the takeaway is simple. Sheep containment is not a silver bullet, but it can be a valuable management option to help protect pastures, maintain livestock performance and improve flexibility when feed becomes limited. Having the knowledge and capability to use it effectively means producers are better prepared when seasonal conditions become challenging.
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Read more from David
David is a senior livestock production specialist and has written several articles about sheep production. Read them now.