A Complete Guide to Sheep Dietary Requirements for New Owners

Sheep are hardy animals with simple needs, but getting their diet right is essential for their health, productivity, and happiness. Whether you’re raising sheep for wool, meat, or as pets, understanding their dietary requirements is key to ensuring they thrive. This guide covers everything a new sheep owner needs to know about feeding sheep, from basic nutrition to special considerations.

Understanding Sheep Nutrition

Sheep are ruminants, meaning they have a specialised digestive system that allows them to process fibrous plant material efficiently. Their diet should mainly consist of forage, but they may require supplements at certain times of the year or at different life stages.

The key components of a sheep’s diet are:

1. Forage (Grass, Hay, and Silage)

The majority of a sheep’s diet should be forage-based.

• Grass: Sheep graze on grass for most of the year. Ideally, they should have access to well-maintained pasture that provides sufficient nutrition. Aim for at least 0.5 acres of grazing land per sheep.
• Hay: When grass is limited (particularly in winter), hay is the next best option. Good quality hay should be dry, clean, and free from mould.
• Silage: Silage (fermented grass or crops) can also be fed to sheep, but it must be of high quality to avoid health issues such as listeriosis.

Tip: Always ensure your pasture is free from toxic plants such as ragwort, yew, and bracken.

2. Water

Fresh, clean water should be available to your sheep at all times. A sheep can drink anywhere between 4-10 litres of water per day, depending on factors such as weather, age, and whether they are lactating.

In cold weather, ensure water troughs don’t freeze, and in hot weather, check they have ample supply.

3. Concentrates (Grain and Pellets)

Concentrates are often used to supplement a sheep’s diet when additional energy or nutrients are needed, particularly during:

• Late pregnancy
• Lactation
• Harsh weather
• Growth periods

Common types of concentrates include:

• Sheep-specific pellets
• Oats, barley, or maize

Important: Do not overfeed grain. Too much can cause acidosis, a serious digestive issue. Introduce concentrates gradually to avoid upsetting the sheep’s digestive system.

4. Minerals and Supplements

Sheep have specific mineral requirements that can’t always be met through forage alone. The most important minerals include:

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Important for bone development.
• Magnesium: Prevents grass staggers (hypomagnesemia), particularly in early spring when grazing lush grass.
• Copper: Sheep have a very low tolerance for copper, so ensure any mineral supplement you use is specifically formulated for sheep. Excess copper can be toxic.
• Salt: Sheep need a source of salt, which can be provided through a mineral lick or block.

Always choose supplements designed for sheep, not cattle or other livestock.

5. Seasonal Feeding Needs

The dietary needs of sheep can vary depending on the time of year:

• Spring and Summer: Sheep typically graze on pasture during these months. Ensure the grass is not too rich to avoid digestive upsets, and keep an eye on their body condition.
• Autumn: As pasture quality declines, consider introducing hay or silage to maintain their condition.
• Winter: When grass is limited, hay or silage should make up the bulk of their diet. In colder months, sheep will need more energy to maintain their body temperature.

Special Dietary Considerations

1. Feeding Ewes (Pregnant and Lactating Sheep)

Pregnant ewes need more energy and protein in the last six weeks of gestation as the lambs grow rapidly during this time.

• In late pregnancy, introduce a concentrate feed to provide extra energy.
• Lactating ewes have increased nutritional needs to produce milk for their lambs.

2. Feeding Lambs

Newborn lambs should drink colostrum from their mothers within the first few hours after birth.

• Creep feeding: As lambs grow, you can introduce a creep feed (a high-protein concentrate feed) to support their development.

3. Feeding Rams

Rams generally require less feed than ewes and lambs. However, during breeding season, they may need more energy. Ensure rams don’t become overweight, as this can affect their fertility.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfeeding Grain: Excessive grain can cause digestive issues such as bloat and acidosis.
2. Feeding the Wrong Minerals: Ensure mineral supplements are specifically formulated for sheep to avoid copper toxicity.
3. Sudden Dietary Changes: Always introduce new feeds gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system.
4. Inadequate Forage: Sheep need access to fibrous forage to maintain good digestion.

Monitoring Sheep Health Through Diet

A well-fed sheep will have:

• A healthy coat and bright eyes.
• Good body condition (neither too thin nor overweight).
• Normal behaviour (alert and active).

Regularly monitor your sheep’s body condition score (BCS) to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight. If they appear underweight or overweight, adjust their diet accordingly.

Toxic Plants to Watch Out For

Some common plants that are toxic to sheep include:

• Ragwort
• Yew
• Bracken
• Foxglove
• Oak (acorns)
• Rhododendron

Ensure your pastures are free from these plants, and check any hedgerows or boundaries for toxic plants that sheep might nibble on.

Final Thoughts

Feeding sheep doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require attention to their specific needs. By providing a forage-based diet, clean water, and the right supplements, you can ensure your flock stays healthy and productive.

Remember to adjust their diet based on their life stage, season, and body condition to give them the best possible care. Happy sheep make for happy owners!