If you take care of livestock on a farm, you understand how much more involved the care of living, breathing animals is when compared to crops. For example, if there are sheep on your property, you’ll have to ensure they’re eating enough to maintain a healthy weight, so they can continue to make valuable contributions to your farm. Here are a few signs your sheep are underweight, as well as how you can use feed supplements to nurse them back to health.

What Are Some Signs Your Sheep Are Underweight?

In some cases, you can assess your sheep’s well-being just by being observant. When their wool is short after shearing, look at the shape of their backbone. If it appears to stick out from the rest of their physique, your sheep are likely underweight. However, when their wool is long, you’ll need to feel the animals with your hands to know how they’re doing. Use your palms and fingers to massage along the middle of each sheep’s back, between the last rib and the hip bone.

If your sheep are losing too much weight, you may notice their spine feels prominent and they have very little fat around their back. If they are emaciated, the sharp curves of their bones will be immediately felt under the skin, indicating an absence of fat cover. These conditions will hinder your sheep’s ability to breed, carry their offspring, and lactate comfortably, leaving them weak and in pain. Also, it will interfere with your ability to show the animals to other farmers or breeders, as the sheep will appear lethargic and malnourished. 

How Can You Address This Issue?

If your sheep are underweight because of eating poisonous plants or contracting a metabolic disease, you’ll need to take them for professional medical attention. However, in most cases, they simply need a feed supplement to encourage them to have a heftier appetite.

With Final Secret products, you can make use of supplements for all your livestock, both male and female. These additives contain vitamins, minerals, and proteins to strengthen your sheep’s muscles and bones, as well as pre- and probiotics, microbials, and digestive enzymes to allow their digestive systems to process the feed better. Final Secret products also contain beta-glucans, a plant-based substance that aids in immune system functionality—without the need for prescription medications.

If you’d like to learn more about how feed supplements can contribute to a healthier farm, get in touch with Show Stopper Equipment by Vittetoe, Inc. in Keota, IA, or visit the Final Secret website. What began as a slat flooring manufacturer in 1965 has since expanded to offer a wide variety of agricultural solutions. Whether you’re taking care of livestock, crops, or both, their high-quality supplies and accessories will help your business function more smoothly. To learn more about their impressive selection, visit their website, or call (641) 636-2259 to inquire about feed supplements for your sheep.