Feeding Ewes Better for Increased Production and Profit

Sheep nutrition and feeding is extremely critical to the success or failure of the ewe flock enterprise. As shepherds our task is to provide balanced rations to the ewes that meets their nutrient requirements on the least costly basis. Feed costs account for half the cost of producing lamb and wool. Therefore, cost control must always be foremost in the shepherd’s mind. Sheep enterprises face a greater challenge in meeting needs of the flock because of the large within flock and between flock variation. This factor is best demonstrated by the requirements of ewes nursing singles, twins or triplets listed in table 1. This paper reflects the general guidelines for feeding ewes; however, each operation must adapt and modify these guidelines for their specific operation