Forage Is the Foundation
Sheep are ruminants built to thrive on pasture and hay, and good quality forage should make up the majority of the diet for most sheep in most life stages. Understanding when and how to supplement beyond forage is key to keeping a flock productive without overspending on feed.
Feeding the Maintenance Ewe
A dry, non-pregnant ewe in good condition usually needs nothing more than quality pasture or hay, plus access to a sheep-specific mineral supplement. Sheep minerals must be formulated without added copper, since sheep are highly sensitive to copper toxicity, unlike goats and cattle.
Feeding During Late Gestation
Nutritional needs rise sharply in the last six weeks of pregnancy as the majority of fetal growth occurs, particularly for ewes carrying multiples. Underfeeding during this window is a leading cause of pregnancy toxemia and weak, low-birth-weight lambs.
Feeding During Lactation
A nursing ewe, especially one raising twins or triplets, has the highest nutritional demands of her entire production cycle and often needs additional grain or high-quality hay to maintain condition while producing enough milk. Body condition scoring during this period helps you catch ewes that are falling behind before it becomes a serious problem.
Feeding Growing Lambs
Creep feeding lambs, giving them access to a separate, higher-quality feed area their mothers can’t reach, helps growing lambs reach market weight faster and reduces stress on ewes. This is especially valuable for meat breeds being raised for a specific market weight and timeline.
Feeding for Wool Production
Wool quality and growth are directly influenced by nutrition, with protein deficiency in particular causing weak, breakable fibers known as wool break. Consistent nutrition throughout the year produces stronger, more valuable fleeces than diets with major seasonal swings.
Shop our full range of feed and nutrition products formulated for sheep at every life stage, and browse sheep for sale if you’re expanding your flock. For detailed nutrient requirement tables, the Cooperative Extension System is a trusted resource.
