Lamb Feedlot Management Guide

It allows producers to maintain production when lush pasture is not available, to achieve rapid growth with a balanced ration of grains and alfalfa-grass dry hay, to generate a year-round cash flow, and to value-add ration components. Through good management, preventative veterinarian practices, and balanced rations, the cost per kilogram of weight gain can be less than the traditional feeding methods of feeding lambs after weaning in Iraq. Economic considerations are crucial in determining the viability of a lamb feedlot. A careful financial analysis is necessary to assess the profitability of a lamb feedlot program. This involves determining the feed requirements for a specified daily rate of gain, the cost of that feed daily, the market weight being targeted, the estimated market price when finished, and the break-even costs to achieve a return on capital investment. Ration cost is the major issue within a feedlot operation, as most lambs require 10-14 kg of feed to produce 2 kg of live weight. The amount of feed required will depend on the weight and health of the starting lambs, the quality of feed and a balanced nutritional ration, the genetics of the lamb, the feed conversion ratio, and the target market weight. Most lambs will need to be fed within a feedlot for 3 to 5 months when feeding for growth rate is the primary goal. A diet of straw and poor pasture will result in very little or no weight gain. If quality feed is not available, it is better to sell the lambs at weaning before starting to lose money. When buying feeds, quality, continual availability, and price are essential considerations. The major feed components, especially alfalfa-grass hay, should be tested for energy and protein. Grains like barley or wheat do not vary in feed nutrients much, but hay can lose nutrient value by poor post-harvest methods. The protein in hay is in the leaves, so look for lots of leaves in alfalfa hay. Contracting hay purchases and grain purchases for both price and quality with a reputable feed mill, feed depot, custom hay maker, or large hay producer with the equipment to properly harvest and handle hay after harvest is recommended. Alfalfa-grass fields should be cut when the alfalfa is just starting to bloom. With the hot dry weather in Iraq, the green hay should be mowed into a windrow with a mower conditioner and left in the windrow without disturbing it until it is 15% moisture. The hay provider needs to have the training and equipment to make high-quality hay. Alfalfa-grass hay will provide the lowest cost protein available in Iraq, and protein is an essential nutrient for rapid and efficient weight gain.