Nutritional requirements change significantly at each stage. Ewes in good condition on good forage need only a cost-effective supplement such as Flockmaster Nuts. Ewes in late pregnancy and lactation - particularly those carrying multiples - need a high-DUP, high-energy diet such as Super Ewe 18% Nuts. Lambs move from a creep/weaning pellet at birth through to a high-cereal finisher diet from 12 weeks. Pre-tupping conditioning (flushing) 6 weeks before the ram goes in can improve scanning results.

Sheep must never be fed cattle products. Sheep accumulate copper in the liver far more readily than cattle, and copper levels safe for cattle can cause fatal copper toxicity in sheep. All BATA sheep feeds carry no added copper and are formulated specifically for the heightened copper sensitivity of sheep.

Urinary calculi form when high-concentrate, low-fibre diets reduce saliva production and increase urinary phosphorus. BATA lamb pellets contain Ammonium Chloride, which acidifies the urine and reduces the formation of phosphate salts. Always feed alongside forage or roughage, and ensure lambs have continuous access to fresh water - this is important for both calculi prevention and rumen health.

Grass staggers (hypomagnesaemia) is a risk when lactating ewes graze fresh spring grass, which is often low in magnesium and high in potassium, which inhibits magnesium absorption. Flockmaster 18% Nuts contains boosted magnesium levels to help maintain blood magnesium and reduce the risk of this potentially fatal condition.

Always build concentrate levels up gradually over 7-10 days, starting at a low rate and increasing progressively to the target feeding level. This is particularly important with high-cereal finishing diets, where rapid introduction can cause bloat or acidosis. Always feed alongside a roughage or forage source throughout.