Before switching to Duynie, the farm’s pre-lambing ration comprised of a protein blend and citrus pulp. However, there had previously been problems with twin lamb disease. A decision was made to change the pre-lambing ration to give the ewes the essential nutritional support they needed in the late stages of pregnancy.

Duynie’s starting point was to comprehensively analyse the farm’s forage, including checking for mineral levels. A ration was then formulated that complemented the forage with a tailored moist mix including a bespoke mineral blend to reduce the chance of metabolic diseases such as milk fever. As Duynie Advance Mix contains brewers grains, distillery syrups and rapeseed meal, it’s a reliable way to boost low-protein forage diets with fermentable energy sources that meet the ewe’s needs.

The farm stores the moist blend in a bale bunker under plastic sheeting. A preservative in the mix keeps it fresh and means it can last up to eight weeks if it’s kept under recommended conditions. To make a total mixed ration, the moist blend with minerals and chopped hay are combined in a mixer wagon. As the ration is ready formulated and volumes are calculated by a Duynie nutritionist expert, it is easy to ensure the correct volumes are fed during the critical six weeks running up to lambing. It also ensures the nutritional balance remains consistent and targeted.

As lambing approaches, the ewes are penned in groups of singles, doubles and triplets. To avoid over-feeding, the singles are given the ration once a day, along with ad-lib hay, while the doubles and triplets get two feeds. To stay on top of twin lamb disease, especially in older ewes carrying triplets, a high-energy lick bucket is introduced no later than two weeks before the first lambs are due.