Improved nutrition can increase the resistance and resilience of sheep to worm infection. Protein supplementation is currently considered most effective in improving resistance of sheep to worms. Protein and energy supplementation are effective at increasing resilience to worm infection in sheep.

Young growing sheep should be given priority access to high quality pasture. If this is not possible, supplement during critical periods with feed rich in bypass protein. Supplement ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation with feed rich in bypass protein.

Under grazing conditions, the effectiveness of protein and/or energy supplementation will depend on the quality and availability of forage.

In many production systems, supplementary feeding is currently considered more expensive than the use of drenches. However, as drench resistance becomes more widespread, provision of high quality forages and/or supplementary feeding will become a financially-viable option for many producers. Even now, the economics of supplementary feeding may appear attractive if it allows an increase in lamb marking rates, wool growth or year-long stocking rates.

A professional advisor can help you develop an integrated nutritional program for your property.