Feeding Sheep

Author: Steven H. Umberger, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech

Publication Number 410-853, June 1996

Table 1. Changes in the Daily total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and Protein Requirements of a Ewe from Maintenance through Early Lactation

Ewe weight

130 lb (1) 155 lb (1) 175 lb (1) 200 lb (1)

TDN Protein TDN Protein TDN Protein TDN Protein

Stage of Production lb

Maintenance 1.30 0.23 1.50 0.25 1.60 0.27 1.70 0.29

Early pregnancy 1.60 0.27 1.70 0.29 1.80 0.31 1.90 0.33

Late pregnancy (2) 2.60 0.45 2.80 0.47 2.90 0.49 3.00 0.51

Early lactation, single 3.30 0.70 3.60 0.73 3.70 0.76 3.80 0.78

Early lactation, twins 3.70 0.89 4.00 0.92 4.30 0.96 4.60 0.99

Early lactation, triplets (3) 3.90 0.99 4.20 1.02 4.60 1.06 5.00 1.10

	Ewe weight
	130 lb (1)	155 lb (1)	175 lb (1)	200 lb (1)
	TDN	Protein	TDN	Protein	TDN	Protein	TDN	Protein
Stage of Production	lb
Maintenance	1.30	0.23	1.50	0.25	1.60	0.27	1.70	0.29
Early pregnancy	1.60	0.27	1.70	0.29	1.80	0.31	1.90	0.33
Late pregnancy (2)	2.60	0.45	2.80	0.47	2.90	0.49	3.00	0.51
Early lactation, single	3.30	0.70	3.60	0.73	3.70	0.76	3.80	0.78
Early lactation, twins	3.70	0.89	4.00	0.92	4.30	0.96	4.60	0.99
Early lactation, triplets (3)	3.90	0.99	4.20	1.02	4.60	1.06	5.00	1.10

(1) Based on ewe weight at breeding time.

(2)National Research Council recommendations for ewes expected to have a 180-to 225-percent lamb crop. If 130-to 150-percent lamb crop is expected, then you can reduce total digestible nutrients by 0.4 pound and protein by 0.05 pound.

(3)Estimates made by adding on one-half of the difference between ewes nursing singles and twins to the amount indicated for ewes nursing twins.

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