The effects on animal welfare, production and economy when using feed blocks for sheep

Abstract: Feed blocks are a feed product where certain ingredients are mixed together, to createa solid block. The goal is to provide the animals with a small supply of nutrients at atime, such as energy, protein and minerals. In large sheep countries like the UK, thefeed blocks fill a function under certain conditions. According to manufacturers offeed blocks there is a growing interest among Swedish sheep farmers today to learn more about these feed blocks. The goal of this study was to contribute with useful information about feed blocks and their positive and negative effect on sheep. This study involved qualitative interviews with two feed advisors and seven Swedishsheep farmers that use feed blocks for their herds. The aim with the farm interviews was to get a deeper understanding of how the farmers experienced using feed blocks and what possible pros and cons this may lead to. Furthermore, example feedrations were calculated to see what effects it may have to include feed blocks in a feed ration, both on a nutritional and financial level. In the interviews with the feed advisors, both agreed that the feed blocks shouldbe used as a complementary feed and not as a replacer of concentrate. They both mentioned the difficulty of products that are imported, since there is no proven effect here in Sweden, an unclear nutrient content of the blocks and the fact that the blocks are expensive. A positive aspect is that the blocks are easily provided. Depending if they are used correctly and in combination with the other feed stuffs, the advisors think feed blocks may prove as a good option. The farmers all started using feed blocks due to the stress they experienced duringthe feeding of concentrate. The blocks were most commonly used for ewes aroundlambing, but the blocks were commonly also used for slaughter lambs. All farmerswere of the opinion that the blocks provide a more evenly distributed feed intake forall sheep. Less stress and an easier workload were also factors all these farmers mentioned.The majority of farmers mentioned that the blocks were in fact an expensive way to feed sheep. The feed rations were calculated for a ewe weighing 70 kg with two lambs and prove that all the requirements cannot be fulfilled with a medium quality roughageand a feed block during late pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, the feed rations with the blocks proved more expensive, both per day and per MJ, than using concentrate feed. The feed rations with the feed block were calculated to show the differences in nutrient values and price, but according to the manufacturers the blocks should be used as a complement and not a replacer of concentrate.