B580
Nutrition - Feeding Sheep and Goats

Factors determining the nutritional needs of the breeding ewe/doe:

1. What is her age, body size, and body condition?
2. What amount of confinement vs extensive grazing will she experience?
3. What is her stage of production (maintenance, pregnancy, lactation, etc.)?
4. If pregnant, what trimester of pregnancy is she in and how many fetuses is she carrying?
5. If lactating, how many lambs/kids is she nursing?
6. Is the mother on an accelerated lambing/kidding program, or is she on the conventional once-per-year lambing/kidding cycle?
7. What is the quality of available feedstuffs, and in what form will they be fed?
8. What is the health status of the ewe/doe? Has she been de-wormed and vaccinated?
9. What season of the year (i.e. summer vs winter) is it?

Life-Cycle Feeding of the Ewe or Doe: Successful small ruminant production depends on proper management of the "biological cycle" or the "life-cycle" of the flock/herd to maintain production stability and good flock/herd health. The nutritional requirements of the ewe/doe correspond to her biological cycle, and a thorough understanding of the cycle will allow producers to develop a sound feeding management program. Feeding programs must be managed to coincide with the mother’s biological needs. The biological or life-cycle of the ewe/doe is well defined and centers around the average lengths of gestation and lactation. The life-cycle may vary slightly depending on breed, and the following table most appropriately fits the biological cycle of a ewe or non-dairy doe.

Maintaining the proper body condition is essential during this period. Excessive body condition at this time means that it is more difficult to satisfy the mother’s feed requirement at late pregnancy, and it may lead to problems at lambing/kidding time due difficult births. Some studies indicate that excessive fatness or body condition will lead to the production of small newborns. On the other hand, because the pregnant ewe/doe is less able deal with periods of feed shortages that occur through the winter, they need to be fed a quality ration and maintain an optimal body condition. This optimal level of condition or body condition score (BCS) will vary depending on winter weather conditions and range (or pasture) growth characteristics, but should be around a (3) three. (See page C85 for additional information on body condition scores.) The condition of the ewe/doe during this time is largely determined by her condition prior to mating.

1. Low birth weights.
2. Low fat reserves in newborns, leading to more losses after birth.
3. Low fiber (wool or mohair) production as adults.
4. Shortened gestation period.
5. Increased chances of ewes/does getting pregnancy toxemia (pregnancy paralysis or ketosis). See page F650 for additional details.
6. Ewes/does are slower to come into lactation (milk) and produce less milk during their lactation.
7. Production of "tender" fleeces in the ewes, and possibly a complete "break."
8. An increased chance of developing hypocalcemia (see page F338).

It is during this time that the unborn fetus experiences most of its growth. This growth increases the space that the uterus occupies and restricts the space available for the rumen and intestines in the abdomen of the ewe/doe. This means that the ewe/doe may not be able to eat large quantities of a bulky feed during the latter stages of gestation. Instead they require some density (less long stem roughage) in their diet, and/or energy supplementation. A ewe/doe that is excessively fat (a BCS of 4-5) during this time will also lack sufficient room in the abdomen for adequate feed intake.

The last 6 weeks of gestation are very important for mothers with twins/triplets, and the last 4 weeks are important for mothers with single fetuses. If sufficient energy (carbohydrates and fats) levels are not present in the diet, the ewe/doe must increase her feed intake and/or draw on her body reserves (body condition). As mentioned earlier, most ewes/does are unable to increase their intake of a low-quality feed to a level necessary to provide sufficient energy for her and the fetus(es). These mothers will begin to draw on their own body protein (tissue) to make up the deficiencies. These animals will become malnourished unless a high quality, high energy feed is made available.

It is important to realize that under-nutrition in the ewe/doe in late pregnancy is somewhat relative. A diet providing just enough energy for the ewe/doe in medium condition will be in excess for the ewe/doe in fat condition. Also, a diet just adequate for a ewe/doe carrying only one fetus is completely inadequate for a ewe/doe bearing twins or triplets.

In assessing the status of a pregnant ewe/doe, it is important to realize that body condition means more than body weight. Further, the most important indication of the nutritional state of the ewe/doe is whether condition is being gained or lost. Ewes/does should be fed so that a body condition score of 2.5-3 is maintained during the last 2 months of gestation. To accomplish this, they should be fed about 1-2 lbs. of a cereal grain supplement (corn, oats, etc.) in addition to a high quality roughage.

1. Take ewes/does completely off feed and water 12 hours before weaning the lambs/kids, but allow lambs/kids continued access to creep feed.
2. Wean the lambs/kids early in the morning. Move the ewes/does completely away from the lambs/kids to a dry corral of poor quality pasture or range without water.
3. After 24 hours without water or feed, give the ewes/does water once in the morning. Give them light feed of poor quality roughage such as straw or low quality grass hay, or continue on poor quality pasture or range.
4. Continue the ewes/does on once-per-day watering and a restricted quantity of low quality feed or pasture for approximately 1 week.

Nutrition Just Prior to Breeding:
Flushing: A nutritional management practice often used in sheep/goat production is called flushing. It can increase the number of eggs that are ovulated. Flushing is accomplished by placing animals that are in fair to poor condition on an increased plane of nutrition for 2 to 3 weeks prior to the start of the breeding season. Giving additional feed to animals already in good or fat condition does not usually result in the desired flushing response. Unlike adult animals, yearling replacements do not generally respond to the nutritional flush. Methods of flushing vary, depending upon local and regional conditions and the flock/herd under consideration. If the animals are on average or poor pasture prior to the breeding season, changing them to an excellent or good pasture 2 to 3 weeks prior to turning in the males will usually provide the desired response. If the females are not on pasture or better pasture is not available, the flushing response can be acquired from a wide selection of supplement feedstuffs, i.e. corn, barley, oats, or milo, fed at the rate of 0.5 to 0.75 pounds/head/day.

Sample Diets: The following table identifies the amount of alfalfa hay and shelled corn that are required to meet the nutrient requirements of different sized ewes during different stages of production:

Generally, most adult rams/bucks should be maintained in a good, thrifty condition or a body condition score (BCS) between a high 2 and 3. About 4-6 weeks prior to the breeding season, males should have a BCS of at least a 3, maybe even a (4) four. This will compensate for the 10% weight loss that commonly occurs during breeding. Males being used on a heavy breeding program may require 1-2 lbs. of concentrate prior to, during, and after the breeding season.

Young males should be feed plenty of good quality forage. In some cases, it may be necessary to feed 0.75-1.0 lbs. of supplemental grain to help the male mature to an adequate body size and condition.

1. Increases weight gains (especially in multiple births).
2. Provides a more efficient feed conversion.
3. Promotes early development and allows for early marketing.

Feed a simple grain mixture for the concentrate portion of the diet, with quality alfalfa hay for roughage. For rumen development, the daily creep diet should contain a minimum of 25-30% alfalfa hay. Soybean oil meal or cottonseed oil meal in a starter diet enhances and increases the palatability and adds needed protein. Rolled oats and loose dried beet-pulp molasses are both palatable and add carbohydrates. However, feeding too much dried beet-pulp molasses can increase the probability for lamb dysentery or scours. Following are three sample concentrate mixtures for creep feeding:

1. 50% rolled barley, 25% dried beet-pulp molasses, and 25% rolled oats.
2. 70% rolled barley and 30% dried beet-pulp molasses or rolled oats.
3. 80% shelled whole corn, 10% rolled oats, and 10% soybean oil meal or cottonseed oil meal.

Ad libitum or free choice feeding of a whole, rolled, or completely pelleted ration is recommended. Avoid finely ground and dusty feeds. Because lambs/kids can sort and check, replace the creep feed daily with fresh, palatable feed. Any leftovers can be fed to the adult animals. Lambs/kids should eat about 0.5-1.0 lb. of a creep diet per day. When the animal is very young, it will often only nibble at the creep feed; however, as the animal nears weaning time, it should be consuming around 0.5 lb. of creep feed per day.

Concentrates or Grains: Establish an optimum level or limit for energy (TDN, NE, etc.) in the diet. Develop a feeding program around these levels using available and cost effective feed sources. Specific limits on certain ingredients may also need to be established. Corn and/or barley can be used to supply the total grain component of the diet for lambs/kids. Wheat is also a good choice and generally gives the most consistent results when it makes up 50 percent or less of the concentrate portion of the diet. Dried beet-pulp molasses and oats may also be fed to lambs/kids. Both add bulk to grain diets and this may be beneficial in certain feeding regimes. Peas, beans (lima, navy, pinto, kidney, etc.), rye, and other energy sources may also be utilized in formulating diets. These can be used in limited amounts, if costs warrant their consideration for use. In general, a lamb/kid should be offered about 1-2% of its body weight in concentrate when first weaned. This amount can be increased gradually.

Molasses and fat (animal tallow) may be used in limited amounts to reduce dust and bind fine feed particles together. Molasses also increases palatability of the feed ration. Fat is seldom added solely as a source of energy.

Finishing Lambs and Kids: Lambs are often finished in a feedlot environment, while goats are often slaughtered by the consumer after being on a forage-based diet with little concentrate. No matter the finishing system utilized, lambs and kids should be introduced slowly to a finishing diet over a period of 2-4 weeks. To start with, the diet should be about 13-20% concentrate and the rest roughage. Increase the concentrate and decrease the roughage gradually until they are eating about 60% concentrate and 40% roughage. By the end of the finishing period, a diet containing 80% concentrate and 20% roughage can be consumed in some cases. If silage is used, let it replace roughage at 3 lbs. of silage for each 1 lb. of roughage.

Methods of Feeding Lambs and Kids: The most efficient method of feeding weaned animals depends upon facilities, flock/herd size, and the cost and availability of both labor and equipment. Elaborate feeding and/or feed-processing facilities are not usually needed. Most producers often "hand-feed" small groups or numbers of lambs/kids, feeding given amounts of grain and roughage separately. Under these conditions, processing the feed ingredients is most often not justifiable.

When diets are self-fed or free choice (ad-libitum), the feed ingredients should be processed or mixed to prevent sorting by the lambs/kids. Processing and mixing will allow the diet to "feed out" of feeders and will discourage separation of the feeds, preventing losses from wind and other weather conditions. Fat or molasses (even water, in rations fed daily) are often used to bind the feed ingredients together to reduce dust and waste. Self-feeders can be used for both storage and feeding of complete diets purchased from feed stores, feed mills, etc. If processing equipment and labor are available on the ranch or farm, semi-automated hand-feeding twice daily in fence-line feeders may be the most economical feeding system available.

Facilities: For feeding, watering, and housing weaned lambs/kids, the following are required:

1. Fence-line feeders, 12 inches per lamb/kid.
2. Self-feeders, 1-3 inches per lamb/kid.
3. Dirt feedlot, 20 square feet per lamb/kid.
4. Paved feedlot, 10 square feet per lamb/kid.
5. Barn area (winter), 10-12 square feet per lamb/kid.
6. Shade (summer), 4-6 square feet per lamb/kid.
7. Fresh water, 0.5 gallon per lamb/kid per day. Allow 1 foot of open tank or 1 automatic bowl per 20-25 head.

Feeding Show Animals: Most lambs and kids for show should be fed a diet containing around 30-40% roughage and 60-70% concentrate. Adult animals that will be used for show should be fed about 2-5 lbs. of concentrate per day, depending on their size. All show animals should be in good condition, but not fat. Regular exercise is important in maintaining proper conditioning.

Feeding for Wool and Mohair Production: Wool and mohair production can be influenced by the nutritional status of the sheep or goat. Because of this, it is recommended that additional energy and protein be provided for those animals that are involved fiber production. The additional net energy (NE) for angora goat mohair production is approximately 0.03 Mcal for every 4.5 lbs. of mohair produced. The production of cashmere does not seem to be affected by changes made to the diet.

The following guidelines and suggestions are important to consider when trying to evaluate or correct a diet:

1. The amount of hay and grain being fed to a particular animal should be weighed to determine the exact amount. In general, one gallon of grain typically weighs 4 pounds.
2. The average sheep or goat will consume 2.0-4.0% of its of its live weight in air-dried feed per day.
3. All animals, and especially lactating ewes or does, should have access to fresh, clean water at least once per day or at all times, if feasible.
4. Body Condition Scores (BCS) should be carefully evaluated. Ewes and does should have a score between 2 and 3 (on a 1-5 scale) just prior to lambing or kidding. Animals that are too thin when they give birth will have weak offspring, not provide enough milk, and will take longer to heal reproductively. Animals that are too fat at parturition are at a higher risk of having dystocia (birthing difficulty). Approximately six (6) weeks prior to lambing or kidding, the pregnant ewes or does should be sorted by body condition. This will permit additional feeding of supplements to those females with a low BCS. Those females with a BCS 4-5 should be placed on a diet with less energy and less grain supplementation. Depending upon the year, season, and cost of supplementary feeds, the females that are moderately heavy to heavy can be permitted to drop a BCS without compromising reproductive goals. For example, a pregnant ewe in her last trimester of gestation that has a BCS of 2 will need approximately 4.5 lbs. of hay/pasture and 0.75 lb. of grain supplement (both with a crude protein content of 11.5% and TDN of 65%.) per day in order to reach a body condition score of 3 in 50-60 days. A pregnant ewe in her last trimester of gestation that has a BCS of 4 will need 4.5 lbs. of hay/pasture (crude protein content of 11.5%) and no grain supplement to drop to a BCS of 3 over a 60 day period.

Note: Nutritional requirements vary greatly from animal to animal. There is also a great amount of difference in the nutrient values between feeds. Because of this, the following tables should only be used as a guide. Use BCS to determine individual animal needs. See page C85 for additional help on body condition scoring (BCS). A general rule of thumb that can be used as a starting point is that most farm animals eat the equivalent of 2-4% of their live weight in air-dried feed per day.

The numbers used in the following examples are taken from these tables. Protein and energy levels can also be found on the tag or label of many grain based products. Use these tables and the equations found in the following examples to help make adjustments to specific rations.

Table #2: Nutritional Requirements for Sheep (Dry matter basis)

Example A: Using the information found in the previous tables, determine the nutritional needs of a 121 pound replacement ewe lamb during week 10 of gestation with a 2.0 body condition score (BCS). This ewe is currently being fed 3.5 lbs. of alfalfa hay, with no extra supplement. The hay has a crude protein content of 14% and a net energy (NE) of 0.44 Mcal per pound (taken from a forage analysis or from table #1). A barley grain supplement is also available, but not fed. The grain has a crude protein content of 11% and a net energy (NE) of 0.85 Mcal per pound. Using information from Table #2, note that this ewe at this stage in production requires approximately 10.6% crude protein and a net energy (NE) of 0.54 Mcal/lb of feed (1.86 Mcal NE total). Both of these requirements will greatly increase over the next few weeks and months.

Step #1: Determine the approximate amount of feed the ewe will consume per day. Determine the amount of feed she consumes by using the following information and equation:

Most ewes/does consume 2.0 - 4.0% of their body weight per day in feed.

Multiply the body weight of the ewe by 2.0 - 4.0%

121 X 2.0% 121 X 4.0%
121 X 0.02 = 2.4 lbs. 121 X 0.04 = 4.84 lbs.

In this example, the ewe is fed 3.5 lbs. of feed and consumes this amount on a daily basis. This seems to be the limit on what she can consume in a day.

Step #2: Calculate the net energy provided by the alfalfa hay to the ewe lamb. This is done by multiplying the Mcal/lb NE of the alfalfa by the amount the ewe is consuming.

0.44 Mcal/lb X 3.5 lbs = 1.54 Mcal total per day

Conclusion: Based on the fact that the ewe lamb has a BCS of 2.0 and her Mcal NE requirement is 1.86, she requires additional energy. As the fetus or fetuses develop, her capacity to consume and process large amounts of roughage will also decrease. Because of this, the amount of roughage being fed should decrease, and additional energy supplementation in the form of concentrate is needed to meet these demands.

Step #3: Add in the barley grain supplement in the proper amounts to meet the energy requirements for this ewe lamb. To determine the exact amounts of hay and barley grain to feed, a Pearson square method is being used:

#1: Draw a square similar to the one found below.

#2: Place the desired nutrient amount or percentage (TDN, NE, protein, etc.) needed to balance the requirements of a specific animal in the center of the square. In this example (according to table #2), 0.54 Mcal per pound of feed is her net energy (NE) requirement.

#3: Place the name and nutrient amount of the primary feed being fed (usually range, pasture, hay, etc.) in the lower left hand corner, and the name and nutrient amount of the supplemental feed in the top left hand corner.

* Note: If the nutrient requirement amount or percentage in the center of the square is lower than the primary feed, the primary feed is adequate and no supplementation is necessary. However, if it is higher, then proceed to #4.

#4: Calculate the difference between the feedstuff to be fed and the basic nutrient requirement in the center of the square. This number should be placed in the opposite corner following the arrows. In this example, 0.85 minus 0.54 = 0.31, and 0.44 from 0.54 = 0.10.

#5: The numbers to the right of the square indicate how many parts of the total ration should be barley grain (0.10) and alfalfa hay (0.31). The numbers 0.10 and 0.31 added together indicate that the total ration contains 0.41 parts.

#6: Now the total amount to be fed of both the grain and hay can be calculated. In this example, we are feeding 3.5 lbs. of feed per day.

Amount to feed:

• Take the total parts alfalfa hay (or barley grain) and divide it by the total parts in the ration.

Alfalfa: 0.31/0.41 X 100 = 76% of the total ration should be hay
Barley: 0.10/0.41 X 100 = 24% of the total ration should be grain

• Take the percent of the ration that should be alfalfa hay and multiply that by the total amount of the ration in pounds. Do the same for the barley grain.

Alfalfa hay: 0.76 X 3.5 = 2.66 lbs hay on a dry matter (DM) basis
Barley grain: 0.24 X 3.5 = 0.84 lbs grain on a dry matter (DM) basis

• Take the Mcal/lb NE of the alfalfa hay and multiply it by the amount of alfalfa in the diet. Do the same for the barley grain. Add both amounts together and this gives the total Mcal NE in the ration.

Alfalfa hay: 0.44 Mcal/lb NE X 2.66 lbs = 1.17 Mcal NE
Barley grain: 0.85 Mcal/lb NE X 0.84 lbs = 0.71 Mcal NE
Total Mcal NE: 1.17 + 0.71 = 1.88 Mcal NE total

Conclusion: The ration now meets the energy requirements for this ewe lamb.

Step #4: Now determine if this new ration meets the protein requirements for this ewe. The amount of crude protein being fed using this NEW diet (2.66 lbs. alfalfa hay and 0.84 lbs. barley grain) can be calculated as follows:

Multiply the amount of hay being fed by the hay’s crude protein content. Do the same for the grain.

Crude protein per day from alfalfa hay:

14% crude protein X 2.66 lbs. = 0.37 lbs of protein

Crude protein per day from barley grain:

11% crude protein X 0.84 lbs. = 0.09 lbs of protein

Total protein from both hay and grain:

0.37 + 0.09 = 0.46 lbs. crude protein per day

Divide the total crude protein (0.46 lbs) by the total ration in pounds (3.5 lbs)

0.46/3.5 = 13.1% protein for 3.5 lbs of feed on a DM basis

Conclusion: 13.1% total crude protein is in excess of what the ewe needs at this time according to table #2. A hay or roughage that is lower in crude protein, but has roughly the same NE could be fed for the next little while. Realize that her crude protein needs will actually increase to (12.8-13.7%) over the next few weeks to months. Some producers may choose to stop here.

Example B: Using the same ewe and the new diet from Example A, drop the crude protein by substituting some of the alfalfa hay for oat hay that has 8.1% crude protein and a 0.47 Mcal/lb NE.

Step #1: Determine the total amount of protein required in pounds by this ewe lamb. This is done by taking the percent of crude protein table #2 says that she requires (10.6%) and multiplying it by the total pounds of the ration being fed (3.5 lbs).

0.106 X 3.5 = 0.37 lbs of protein is required

We already determined that the barley portion of the diet will provide 0.09 lbs of this protein (see step #4 above). This means that the alfalfa and oat hay portion of the diet of the diet needs to provide the remaining 0.28 lbs (0.37 - 0.09 = 0.28) of protein. The 0.28 lbs of protein required can be converted into a percentage and then used in the Pearson square. To do this, take the amount of protein that must be supplied by the alfalfa and oat hay, and divide it by the amount of the diet that is alfalfa and oat hay (2.66 lbs).

0.28 lbs / 2.66 lbs = 0.105; (multiply by 100 = 10.5%)

This is where the Pearson square method can help determine how much alfalfa hay and how much oat hay should be given.

The numbers 3.5 and 2.4 added together indicate that the total ration contains 5.9 parts. Now the total amount to be fed of both the alfalfa and oat hay can be calculated. In this example, we are feeding 2.66 lbs of these two feeds per day.

Amount to feed:

• Take the total parts alfalfa hay or oat hay and divide it by the total parts in the ration.

Alfalfa hay: 2.4/5.9 = 41% of the 2.66 lbs should be alfalfa hay
Oat hay: 3.5/5.9 = 59% of the 2.66 lbs should be oat hay

Alfalfa hay: 0.41 X 2.66 = 1.09 lbs of alfalfa on a DM basis
Oat hay: 0.59 X 2.66 = 1.56 lbs of oat hay on a DM basis

• Take the percent protein of the alfalfa hay and multiply it by the amount of alfalfa in the diet. Do the same for the oat hay and for the barley grain (already calculated in Example A). Add all three amounts together and then divide the total by the amount of diet in pounds being fed.

Alfalfa hay: 14% X 1.09 lbs = 0.15 lbs
Oat hay: 8.1% X 1.56 lbs = 0.13 lbs
Barley grain: 11% X 0.84 lbs = 0.09 lbs
Total protein: 0.15 + 0.13 + 0.09 = 0.37 lbs / 3.5 lbs = 10.5% protein

• Take the Mcal/lb NE of the alfalfa hay and multiply it by the amount of alfalfa in the diet. Do the same for the oat hay and for the barley grain. Add all three amounts together.

Alfalfa hay: 0.44 Mcal/lb NE X 1.09 lbs = 0.48 Mcal NE
Oat hay: 0.47 Mcal/lb NE X 1.56 lbs = 0.73 Mcal NE
Barley grain: 0.85 Mcal/lb NE X 0.84 lbs = 0.71 Mcal NE
Total Mcal NE = 0.48 + 0.73 + 0.71 = 1.92 Mcal NE total

Step #2: Because very few feeds are actually 100% dry matter (DM), convert the above amounts of hay and grain from a DM basis to an as-fed basis. To do this, simply divide each amount of hay and grain dry matter by the percent of dry matter in that feed (taken from table #1).

Alfalfa hay: 1.09 lbs / 87.7% DM = 1.24 lbs of hay as fed
Oat hay: 1.56 lbs / 88.2% DM = 1.77 lbs of hay as fed
Barley grain: 0.84 lbs / 89.0% DM = 0.94 lbs of grain as fed

Conclusion: This means that the ewe really requires 1.24 lbs of alfalfa hay, 1.77 lbs of oat hay, and almost 1 lb of barley grain in the manger to fill her nutritional requirements.

Conclusions for Examples A and B: The ration now meets the current requirements for this ewe lamb in both energy and protein.

Step #1: The barley grain was determined to make up 24% of the diet and the alfalfa hays will make up the rest (76%). Using these numbers, the barley which is 11% protein will supply 2.6% of the protein (0.11 X 0.24 X 100 = 2.6%). This leaves a 12% (14.6% - 2.6%) deficiency that must be supplied by the 76% of the diet that is made up of the two alfalfa hays. To determine the percentage that must go in the middle of the Pearson square, divide the percent deficiency (12%) by the amount of the diet that will be the alfalfa hay (76%) and multiply by 100. Thus, 12 / 76 X 100 = 15.8% protein is needed.

With 2.6 total parts to the ration, 1.84 lbs (1.8 / 2.6 X 2.66 = 1.84) alfalfa hay¹ should be fed and 0.82 lbs (0.8 / 2.6 X 2.66 = 0.82) of alfalfa hay² should be fed. Do not forget the 0.84 lbs of barley grain or to convert these to as-fed amounts.