Back in 2019, a research project by the MLA was conducted in Victoria, focusing on increased growth in lambs. Over two years, the demonstration project on two local farms dug into the nitty-gritty relationship of lamb growth, ewe condition, and pasture quality. The results? A few surprises, some solid confirmation of what many already suspected, and a clearer picture of how feed gaps are shaping flock performance.

Setting the Scene
The project ran across two properties using eID tags and regular checks on pasture and ewe condition. The aim was to pinpoint where feed gaps were hurting growth—and how to manage them better.

Year One: What the Numbers Told Us
Lambs grew well early on, but the data also revealed a consistent feed gap from late pregnancy to marking. Ewes that were coming into lambing lighter than a score of 3.0 to 3.5 affected lamb growth performance.
One mob that stood out, due to lower growth rates, lined up with poorer feed quality early in lactation. After the spring flush, growth rates dropped off sharply, but where higher-quality feed was available, lambs kept gaining.

Year Two: A Closer Look at Nutrition
In the second year, lambs were split into four mobs: singles and twins from both maiden and adult ewes. The plan was to trial creep-feeding in paddocks with poorer feed, but an unusually wet winter made that impossible. Still, one mob—singles from maiden ewes—struggled. They started behind due to lower feed quality early on and never quite caught up. It was a clear reminder: early nutrition sets the pace. This underperforming mob never made up the difference.

Key Take-aways for Your Operation
Here’s what the demonstration made clear:

• Nutrition before lambing matters. Ewes need to be in good condition and receiving good quality feed to support strong lamb growth.
• Early lactation is critical. If lambs fall behind early, they rarely catch up.
• Growth rates drop fast after spring. If you’re holding lambs longer, weigh up the trade-off between heavier carcasses and falling prices to decide when to supplement feed.
• Replacement ewe lambs need more than weight. Timing, nutrition, and breed traits all play a role in joining success.

Bottom line? Mind the feed gap. Whether it’s late pregnancy or early lactation, those windows can make or break your lamb crop. And with tools like eID and regular pasture monitoring, it’s easier than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Ewe energy demand significantly increases during early lactation. Providing enough energy intake to support optimum lactation is critical for lamb growth.

This is where Milne EasyOne® fits - Consistent nutrition when it matters most
Milne EasyOne® is a high-energy, balanced feed designed to support ewes and lambs during the most nutritionally demanding periods. Whether pasture quality is lagging or the weather throws a curveball, EasyOne® delivers the nutrients needed to maintain ewe condition and support lamb growth.

For more information on how EasyOne® can fit into your feeding program, call Paul Nenke on 0407 720 040.

Source: MLA. Project code: E.PDS.1410 & L.PDS.1803. Prepared by:
Ian Gamble – Agriculture Victoria
Gervaise Gaunt – Agriculture Victoria
Kirsty Howard – Inspiring Excellence

Read the full paper here.

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