I would start with a good quality ration with 16 to 18 percent protein and at least 12 to 15 percent crude fiber. Feed this ration until the lambs reach 100 pounds. As soon as they reach 100 pounds, feed the black face lambs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of feed twice a day. Feed all other breeds 3/4 to 1 pound twice a day. This feeding rate should allow you to maintain and add growth until the lambs go to market.

Handle your lambs often to check their finish. This will give you the experience you need to determine the lamb's physical condition (whether it's too fat or too thin). Just remember, if a lamb is too fat, cut the total amount of daily feed and increase the amount of protein. If a lamb is too thin, decrease the amount of protein and increase the amount of fat (energy) in the ration. Do not increase the volume of feed unless it's necessary.

Weigh your lambs weekly to determine weight gain. This will help you determine whether to adjust your feeding program. There are minimum and maximum weights for show lambs. Each area is a little different so know the requirements for the show or shows you plan to attend. Also, try to feed on a fixed time schedule. Give your lambs a little hay once or twice a week to promote a healthy digestive system. And make sure your lambs have a good source of fresh water at all times.

If you are going to be more than six hours late on your normal feeding schedule, either feed half the normal amount or completely skip that feeding. You can skip one feeding every seven to ten days with only a slight loss in performance. Any feed that looks or smells abnormal should be thrown away or returned to your feed dealer.

Feed Additives

Feed additives are a necessary part of any successful feeding program. There are a variety of additives on the market today. Some work and some do not. Continue feeding one or more of these additives as long as you see good results. However, if you are not satisfied, try something different. It is best not to try all of your lambs on a new feed additive at the same time in case it does not work. These are the additives we use and how we feed them:

1. showbloom! - Start feeding showbloom! as soon as you put your lambs on feed. Feed 1/4 cup for one week, then gradually increase to 1/2 cup per feeding. Continue feeding 1/2 cup per feeding until the lambs reach 100 pounds, then gradually increase to 3/4 cup per feeding. Lambs that weigh more than 130 pounds should receive 1 cup per feeding. Continue feeding at these rates until the lambs are sold.

2. Flash Dried Blood Meal - Feed only after the lambs have started to gain fat on their ribs. Start out top dressing 1/2 ounce per feeding and gradually increase to 1 1/2 ounces per feeding. This should be fed until the lambs go to market.

3. B-12 Crumbles - Feed 1 teaspoon per feeding.

4. Fastrack - Feed 1 teaspoon per feeding.