Sheep Flock Nutrition: Seasonal Feeding Calendar and Body Condition

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) on a 1-5 scale is the primary tool for adjusting sheep feeding, with target scores of 3.0-3.5 for mating and lambing, and ≥2.5 at weaning.
The critical feeding window is late pregnancy (final six weeks), accounting for 70% of fetal growth and dictating colostrum quality and milk production.
Nutrient demand varies significantly across five distinct feeding periods: post-weaning, pre-mating/flushing, early-mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, and lactation.
Gradual feed transitions over 7-10 days are essential to prevent acidosis, a potentially fatal condition caused by sudden dietary changes, particularly with grain introduction.
Water quality and consistent access are integral to the feeding program, with daily intake ranging from 1-2 gallons in cool weather to up to 4 gallons during lactation or hot conditions.
Ewes in optimal condition at weaning require less compensatory feeding during the dry period compared to thin ewes, highlighting the economic benefit of proactive condition management.

Planning a year of sheep feeding starts with one simple truth: the sheep nutrition calendar drives everything else on the farm. Lambing rates, wool quality, weaning weights, and flock health all trace back to what ewes ate in the months before. This guide lays out a practical seasonal feeding schedule, explains how to use body condition score sheep as your primary monitoring tool, and gives clear decision thresholds for adjusting feed as conditions change. It is written for commercial sheep producers, small flock owners, and farm managers who want a workable system for matching feed inputs to flock needs across the full production year.

At a Glance

Body condition scoring is the single most reliable tool for adjusting the sheep feeding schedule. Score ewes at weaning, pre mating, mid pregnancy, and late pregnancy.
Target body condition scores vary by production stage: 3.0 to 3.5 at mating, 3.0 to 3.5 at lambing, and 2.5 or higher at weaning.
The sheep nutrition calendar has five distinct feeding periods: post weaning, pre mating and flushing, early to mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, and lactation.
Late pregnancy is the most critical feeding window. The final six weeks before lambing drives 70 percent of fetal growth and sets up colostrum quality and milk production.
Pasture quality changes faster than most producers expect. Test hay and silage before winter feeding and recheck body condition every two to four weeks during critical periods.
Ewes in good condition at weaning cost less to maintain through the dry period than thin ewes that need compensatory feeding later.
Feed changes should be gradual over 7 to 10 days. Sudden grain introduction causes acidosis and can kill sheep.
Water quality and access are part of the feeding program. Sheep drink 1 to 2 gallons per day in cool weather and up to 4 gallons in hot weather or during lactation.

Why a Seasonal Feeding Calendar Matters

Sheep are seasonal animals with predictable patterns of body weight change, nutrient demand, and pasture availability. A sheep feeding schedule that ignores these patterns either overfeeds and wastes money or underfeeds and loses production. The ewe nutrition cycle follows a rhythm: she gains condition on summer pasture, loses some condition through pregnancy and lactation, then rebuilds after weaning. Your job as the manager is to smooth out the peaks and valleys so the ewe never drops below a body condition score that compromises her health or her lambs.

The economic case for a planned feeding calendar is straightforward. Feed is the largest variable cost in most sheep operations, often 40 to 60 percent of total production costs. Wasted feed from overfeeding, spoiled hay, or poorly timed supplementation is money that could have gone to profit. Underfeeding costs even more in the long run through lower lamb survival, reduced weaning weights, delayed rebreeding, and higher veterinary bills. A disciplined approach to seasonal feeding protects both sides of that equation.

The biological case is equally clear. A ewe that enters late pregnancy in poor condition cannot compensate with extra feed in the final weeks. She simply does not have enough time to convert feed into fetal growth, colostrum, and early milk production. Conversely, an overconditioned ewe at mating has lower conception rates and a higher risk of pregnancy toxemia and lambing difficulty. The feeding calendar exists to keep ewes in the right condition at the right time, not to maximize condition at any single point.

Understanding Body Condition Score Sheep

Body condition scoring is a hands-on method for assessing the fat and muscle reserves of a sheep. It is more accurate than weight alone because it accounts for frame size, gut fill, and pregnancy status. A 150 pound ewe can be fat or thin depending on her frame. Body condition scoring removes that guesswork.

How to Body Condition Score

Stand behind the sheep and place one hand on the spine at the loin area, which is the region just in front of the hip bones. Use your fingers to feel the spinous processes, the vertical bones of the spine, and the transverse processes, the horizontal bones that stick out to the sides. Apply gentle pressure to assess the amount of fat and muscle covering these bones.

The standard scale runs from 1 to 5, with half point increments used in practice:

Score 1: The spinous processes are sharp and prominent. The transverse processes are also sharp and easily felt. There is no fat cover and the loin is concave. The sheep is emaciated.
Score 2: The spinous processes are prominent but feel rounded rather than sharp. The transverse processes are rounded and can be felt with pressure. The loin is slightly concave. The sheep is thin.
Score 3: The spinous processes are smooth and rounded. They can be felt only with firm pressure. The transverse processes are smooth and covered by fat. The loin is full and slightly convex. This is the ideal condition for most production stages.
Score 4: The spinous processes can be felt only with firm pressure and feel like a smooth ridge. The transverse processes cannot be felt. The loin is full and convex. The sheep is fat.
Score 5: The spinous processes cannot be felt even with firm pressure. There is a deep fat cover and the loin is very full and convex. The sheep is very fat.

Practice matters. Body condition scoring takes time to learn because every sheep feels slightly different. Work with an experienced producer or extension agent to calibrate your hands. Score the same sheep several times to check your consistency. Most producers find they become reliable after scoring 50 to 100 sheep.

When to Score

The sheep feeding schedule should include body condition scoring at five key points in the production year:

Weaning: This tells you how much condition the ewe lost during lactation and what she needs to recover before mating.
Pre mating, about four to six weeks before ram introduction: This gives you time to flush thin ewes or reduce feed for fat ewes.
Mid pregnancy, about 60 to 70 days after ram removal: This confirms ewes are on track and lets you correct problems before the rapid fetal growth phase.
Late pregnancy, about four to six weeks before lambing: This is your last chance to adjust feeding before lambing and lactation.
At lambing: This provides a baseline for the upcoming lactation period and helps you identify ewes that need extra attention.

Record every score. A simple notebook or spreadsheet with ewe identification numbers and scores at each checkpoint lets you track trends over multiple years. Ewes that repeatedly lose excessive condition may have underlying health problems such as dental issues, foot problems, or internal parasites.

The Sheep Nutrition Calendar: Five Feeding Periods

The annual feeding cycle divides into five periods, each with distinct nutrient requirements and management goals. The exact dates shift with your lambing season, climate, and pasture conditions, but the sequence remains the same.

Period One: Post Weaning and Dry Period

The post weaning period runs from lamb removal until about four weeks before mating. This is the lowest nutrient demand phase of the ewe nutrition cycle. The ewe is not lactating, not pregnant, and not growing. Her energy requirement drops by 30 to 40 percent compared to late lactation.

The primary goal in this period is to restore body condition lost during lactation. Ewes should be gaining weight at a modest rate, about 0.2 to 0.4 pounds per day, depending on how thin they are. Thin ewes need more feed and more time. Fat ewes can be maintained or even allowed to lose a small amount of condition.

Good quality pasture alone usually meets the needs of dry ewes. If pasture is short or dry, supplement with hay or a small amount of grain. The exact amount depends on pasture quality and ewe condition. A general starting point is 1 to 2 pounds of grass hay per ewe per day when pasture is limited, adjusted based on body condition scores.

Internal parasite control is critical during this period. Worms thrive in warm moist conditions and can prevent ewes from gaining condition no matter how much you feed. Work with your veterinarian to develop a targeted deworming program based on fecal egg counts and pasture management. Do not deworm every ewe blindly. Reserve treatments for ewes that need it and use refugia strategies to slow resistance.

Period Two: Pre Mating and Flushing

The pre mating period covers the four to six weeks before ram introduction. This is the flushing window. Flushing is the practice of increasing ewe nutrition to raise ovulation rate and improve conception. The effect is real but easily misunderstood.

Flushing works by improving the body condition of ewes that are below optimal. Ewes at body condition score 2.5 or lower respond strongly to increased nutrition before mating. They produce more eggs, conceive earlier in the breeding season, and have higher lambing rates. Ewes already at condition score 3.5 or higher show little or no response to flushing. The extra feed simply makes them fatter, which can reduce conception and increase lambing problems.

The flushing strategy depends on your starting point:

Thin ewes at condition score 2 or below: Feed 0.5 to 1 pound of grain or high quality hay per ewe per day for four to six weeks before mating. Aim to raise condition by at least half a point before ram introduction.
Moderate ewes at condition score 2.5 to 3: Provide access to good quality pasture or lush regrowth. This level of flushing often improves ovulation rate without excessive weight gain.
Fat ewes at condition score 3.5 or above: Do not flush. Maintain on moderate quality forage and allow them to hold condition or lose slightly.

The flushing effect is most pronounced in the first two to three weeks of the breeding season. Ewes that are thin at mating may cycle later and conceive later in the season, which spreads out lambing and creates uneven lamb crops. Starting the breeding season with ewes in proper condition is always better than relying on flushing to fix problems.

Ram nutrition matters too. Rams should be in body condition score 3 to 3.5 at mating. Overfat rams are lazy and may not breed enough ewes. Thin rams lack stamina and sperm quality can suffer. Feed rams a balanced ration and check their condition at the same time you check the ewes.

Period Three: Early to Mid Pregnancy

Early pregnancy runs from ram removal until about 60 to 70 days before lambing. This is a low demand period for most ewes. The fetus is small and grows slowly during the first two thirds of gestation. Total fetal weight at day 100 is only about 20 percent of birth weight.

The feeding goal in early pregnancy is maintenance with a slight gain. Ewes should hold body condition or gain very slowly. Most ewes can meet their needs on good quality pasture or hay alone. Supplementation is rarely needed unless pasture is very poor or ewes are carrying multiple lambs.

There is one management decision that matters more than feed during this period: pregnancy scanning. Ultrasound scanning at 60 to 90 days of gestation tells you how many lambs each ewe is carrying. This information lets you sort ewes into feeding groups for late pregnancy. Ewes carrying twins or triplets need 20 to 30 percent more energy in late pregnancy than ewes carrying singles. Without scanning, you are feeding blind and will either underfeed the multiple bearing ewes or waste feed on the single bearing ewes.

Work with your veterinarian or an accredited scanner to set up a pregnancy scanning program. The cost of scanning is usually recovered many times over through better feed allocation and reduced lamb losses.

Period Four: Late Pregnancy

Late pregnancy is the final six weeks before lambing. This is the most critical feeding period in the entire sheep nutrition calendar. The fetus does 70 percent of its growth during this window. The ewe also develops her udder and begins producing colostrum. Nutrient requirements jump by 50 to 75 percent above maintenance for ewes carrying singles and by 100 percent or more for ewes carrying twins.

The energy requirement in late pregnancy is the number one nutritional challenge. A ewe carrying twins needs roughly 3.5 to 4 pounds of total digestible nutrients per day in the final weeks. High quality hay alone often cannot meet this requirement. Most producers need to introduce grain or other concentrates at 0.5 to 1 pound per ewe per day, increasing gradually to 1 to 1.5 pounds per ewe per day by the last two weeks before lambing.

The exact grain amount depends on forage quality, ewe size, and litter size. Use body condition scores and fecal or manure consistency to gauge whether ewes are getting enough. Ewes that are losing condition or producing hard dry manure need more energy. Ewes that are gaining excessive condition or producing loose manure need less.

Introduce grain gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start with 0.25 to 0.5 pound per ewe per day and increase by small increments. Sudden grain introduction causes acidosis, which can be fatal. Watch ewes carefully during the transition and back off if any show signs of digestive upset.

Calcium and phosphorus balance becomes important in late pregnancy. Ewes need adequate calcium for bone development in the fetus and for colostrum production. Most balanced rations provide enough, but if you are feeding primarily grain and low quality hay, consider a mineral supplement designed for pregnant ewes. Work with your veterinarian or a livestock nutritionist to formulate a mineral program for your specific forage.

Water is critical in late pregnancy. Ewes carrying twins have high water demands, and dehydration can trigger pregnancy toxemia. Provide clean unfrozen water at all times. In winter, check water sources twice daily and break ice or replace frozen waterers.

Pregnancy toxemia is the main metabolic risk in late pregnancy. It occurs when ewes cannot consume enough energy to meet the demands of the growing fetuses. Fat ewes and ewes carrying multiples are at highest risk. Symptoms include depression, staggering, teeth grinding, and eventual recumbency. Prevention through proper body condition at mating and adequate feeding in late pregnancy is far more effective than treatment. If you suspect pregnancy toxemia, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait to see if the ewe improves on her own.

Period Five: Lactation

Lactation is the second most demanding period in the ewe nutrition cycle. A ewe nursing twins produces 4 to 6 pounds of milk per day at peak lactation, which is about 10 to 14 days after lambing. She needs 50 to 75 percent more energy than a dry ewe and up to 100 percent more protein.

The feeding program during lactation has two goals: support milk production and minimize body condition loss. Even with excellent feeding, most ewes lose some condition during lactation. The trick is to limit the loss so ewes are not too thin at weaning.

Feed high quality forage free choice during lactation. Alfalfa or other legume hay is ideal because it provides both energy and protein. Add grain at 1 to 1.5 pounds per ewe per day for ewes nursing singles and 1.5 to 2 pounds per day for ewes nursing twins. Adjust based on pasture quality, ewe condition, and lamb growth rates.

Lamb growth is your best indicator of milk production. Weigh lambs at birth and again at 30 and 60 days. Lambs should gain 0.5 to 0.75 pound per day for singles and 0.4 to 0.6 pound per day for twins. If lambs are growing below these rates, the ewe is likely not producing enough milk. Check her body condition and feed intake, and consider creep feeding the lambs.

Creep feeding lambs during lactation takes pressure off the ewe and improves weaning weights. Provide a high quality lamb starter grain in a creep area that lambs can access but ewes cannot. Lambs will begin eating creep feed at 2 to 3 weeks of age. This early grain intake trains their digestive systems for the post weaning diet and reduces the growth check at weaning.

Ewes that are milking heavily need extra attention to water intake. Milk is 85 percent water. A ewe producing 5 pounds of milk per day needs 3 to 4 gallons of water daily. Provide clean water within easy reach of the lambing and lactation areas.

Building the Sheep Feeding Schedule

A practical sheep feeding schedule combines the five feeding periods with your specific lambing season and available feed resources. The following example assumes a spring lambing flock on a typical pasture based system. Adjust the timing for fall lambing, accelerated lambing, or confinement operations.

Spring Lambing Example

August to September: Wean lambs. Score ewes and sort into condition groups. Thin ewes go to the best pasture. Fat ewes go to moderate pasture. Begin parasite monitoring and treatment.
October to November: Pre mating period. Flush thin ewes with grain or high quality pasture. Check ram condition. Introduce rams in early to mid November.
December to January: Early pregnancy. Maintain ewes on good quality hay or stockpiled pasture. Pregnancy scan at 60 to 90 days after ram removal. Sort ewes by litter size.
February to March: Late pregnancy. Begin grain supplementation six weeks before lambing. Increase gradually. Monitor body condition and manure consistency. Prepare lambing pens and supplies.
March to April: Lambing and early lactation. Provide high quality forage and grain for lactating ewes. Creep feed lambs. Monitor ewe condition and lamb growth.
May to July: Peak lactation and early summer pasture. Continue feeding according to pasture quality and ewe condition. Wean lambs at 60 to 90 days of age.

Fall Lambing Example

April to May: Wean lambs. Score ewes and begin the dry period. Use spring pasture growth to rebuild condition.
June to July: Pre mating period. Flush ewes on lush summer pasture or with grain. Introduce rams in late June or early July.
July to August: Early pregnancy. Maintain on summer pasture. Pregnancy scan in September.
September to October: Late pregnancy. The final six weeks before lambing falls in late summer and early fall. Supplement with grain and high quality hay as pasture quality declines.
October to November: Lambing and lactation. Provide high quality forage and grain. Creep feed lambs.
December to March: Late lactation and weaning. Feed hay and supplements as needed through winter. Wean lambs in early spring.

Matching Feed to Forage Quality

The sheep feeding calendar depends heavily on forage quality. A ewe can eat more total feed when forage quality is high because she digests it faster and more completely. Low quality forage fills the rumen but provides less energy and protein per pound.

Test your hay and silage every year. A forage test costs a small fraction of the feed itself and tells you the protein content, energy value, and mineral levels. Use the test results to plan supplementation. Hay that tests below 8 percent crude protein will not meet the needs of pregnant or lactating ewes without protein supplementation.

Forage testing is simple. Take a representative sample from multiple bales using a hay probe. Send the sample to a certified forage testing laboratory. Most agricultural extension services can help you interpret the results and adjust your feeding program.

Pasture quality changes through the season. Spring growth is high in protein and energy. Summer growth is lower in quality, especially if the pasture has gone to seed. Fall regrowth can be moderate to good. Stockpiled pasture in winter is low in quality but provides cheap roughage. The sheep feeding schedule should account for these changes and concentrate supplementation when pasture quality is lowest.

Feeding Different Classes of Sheep

The sheep nutrition calendar must be adjusted for different classes of sheep within the flock. Not all animals have the same requirements.

Ewe Lambs and Yearlings

Ewe lambs that are being bred as yearlings have higher nutrient requirements than mature ewes because they are still growing. They need 20 to 30 percent more energy and protein than mature ewes at the same stage of production. Feed ewe lambs separately from mature ewes whenever possible. They should reach 60 to 70 percent of mature body weight before breeding.

Thin Ewes

Ewes that are thin at any production stage need priority access to the best feed. Sort thin ewes into a separate group and give them higher quality forage and additional grain. Do not expect thin ewes to compete with fat ewes for limited feed. The cost of separating groups is small compared to the cost of lost production from underfed ewes.

Fat Ewes

Ewes that are overconditioned need restricted feeding, especially in late pregnancy. Fat ewes are at higher risk of pregnancy toxemia, lambing difficulty, and prolapse. Reduce their energy intake but do not starve them. The goal is to hold condition or allow a slow loss of 0.5 point over several weeks.

Rams

Rams have different nutritional needs than ewes. During the breeding season, rams may lose 10 to 15 percent of their body weight because they are active and eat less. Feed rams separately before and after breeding to restore condition. Rams should be in condition score 3 to 3.5 at the start of breeding.

Lambs

Lambs have the highest nutrient requirements per pound of body weight of any class of sheep. They need a diet with 15 to 18 percent crude protein for rapid growth. Creep feed and weaning rations should be formulated specifically for lambs. Do not feed lamb rations to ewes or ewe rations to lambs.

Common Mistakes in Sheep Feeding

Several feeding mistakes recur across sheep operations. Recognizing them helps you avoid the same problems.

Mistake One: Feeding by Eye Instead of by Condition

Many producers feed the same amount to every ewe regardless of condition or litter size. This wastes feed on ewes that do not need it and underfeeds ewes that do. Body condition scoring every two to four weeks during critical periods lets you adjust feed to actual need.

Mistake Two: Changing Feed Too Quickly

Sudden changes in feed cause digestive upset, acidosis, and even death. Any change in forage type, grain amount, or feed formulation should happen gradually over 7 to 10 days. This is especially important when moving ewes from dry pasture to lush pasture or from hay to grain.

Mistake Three: Ignoring Water

Sheep need constant access to clean water. Dehydration reduces feed intake, lowers milk production, and can trigger metabolic problems. In winter, frozen water is a common cause of reduced intake. Check water sources daily and provide heated waterers in cold climates.

Mistake Four: Overfeeding Grain in Late Pregnancy

Grain is a useful tool for meeting the high energy demands of late pregnancy, but too much grain causes acidosis and can lead to pregnancy toxemia. The maximum grain allowance for most ewes is 1.5 to 2 pounds per day, split into two feedings. Ewes should always have access to roughage to maintain rumen function.

Mistake Five: Underfeeding Protein

Energy gets most of the attention, but protein is equally important. Low protein intake reduces milk production, lowers lamb growth, and impairs immune function. If forage protein is below 8 percent, supplement with a protein source such as soybean meal or alfalfa hay.

Mistake Six: Not Adjusting for Weather

Cold weather increases energy requirements. A ewe in cold wet conditions needs 20 to 30 percent more energy than the same ewe in mild dry conditions. Wind chill and wet fleece are especially demanding. Provide shelter and increase feed during cold snaps.

Mistake Seven: Forgetting Mineral Supplementation

Sheep need specific minerals and vitamins that may be lacking in local forages. Selenium, copper, zinc, and vitamin E are common deficiencies in many regions. Provide a loose mineral formulated for sheep in your area. Do not use cattle minerals, which contain copper levels that are toxic to sheep.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping

A successful sheep feeding schedule depends on consistent monitoring and good records. The information you collect guides every feeding decision and helps you spot problems before they become costly.

Body Condition Records

Record body condition scores for every ewe at each of the five checkpoints. Track individual ewes by ear tag or electronic identification. Review the records at the end of each production cycle to identify ewes that consistently lose excessive condition. These ewes may need culling or special management.

Feed Records

Keep a simple log of what you feed, how much, and when. Note the type of forage, grain amount, and any supplements. Record feed costs and compare them to lamb prices and wool income. This information tells you whether your feeding program is profitable.

Lamb Growth Records

Weigh lambs at birth, 30 days, 60 days, and weaning. Growth rates tell you whether ewes are producing enough milk and whether the feeding program is adequate. Slow growing lambs may indicate underfed ewes or a health problem in the lambs.

Health Records

Note any cases of pregnancy toxemia, acidosis, or other feed related health problems. Track treatments and outcomes. Recurring problems indicate a flaw in the feeding program that needs correction.

Pasture Records

Keep notes on pasture condition, stocking rates, and forage quality through the season. This information helps you plan next years feeding calendar and decide when to supplement.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most feeding decisions are within the capability of a skilled producer. Some situations require professional help. Call your veterinarian or extension agent when you see any of the following:

Ewes showing signs of pregnancy toxemia: depression, staggering, teeth grinding, or recumbency in late pregnancy. This is an emergency.
Multiple ewes with digestive upset, scouring, or bloat after a feed change.
Body condition scores that do not improve despite increased feeding. This may indicate dental problems, internal parasites, or chronic disease.
Lamb growth rates well below targets for no obvious reason.
Ewes with difficulty lambing that may be related to overconditioning or fetal oversize.
Any unexplained deaths in the flock. Your veterinarian should perform a necropsy to determine the cause.

Extension agents can help with forage testing, ration formulation, and pasture management. They can also connect you with local resources such as feed testing laboratories and livestock nutritionists. Building a relationship with your veterinarian and extension agent before problems occur makes it easier to get help when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I body condition score my ewes?

Score at the five key checkpoints: weaning, pre mating, mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, and at lambing. Between these checkpoints, spot check a sample of 10 to 20 ewes every two to four weeks during critical periods such as late pregnancy and early lactation. More frequent scoring is useful when conditions are changing rapidly, such as during a drought or cold snap.

What is the ideal body condition score for ewes at lambing?

Most ewes should be at body condition score 3.0 to 3.5 at lambing. Ewes carrying twins may be at 3.0, while ewes carrying singles can be at 3.5. The key is to avoid ewes below 2.5, which have reduced lamb vigor and poor colostrum production, and ewes above 4.0, which have higher risk of lambing difficulty and pregnancy toxemia.

How much grain should I feed a ewe in late pregnancy?

Start with 0.25 to 0.5 pound per ewe per day about six weeks before lambing and increase gradually to 1 to 1.5 pounds per ewe per day by the last two weeks. Ewes carrying twins may need up to 2 pounds per day. Split grain into two feedings to reduce the risk of acidosis. Always provide free choice roughage.

Can I flush ewes with pasture instead of grain?

Yes. Lush green pasture or high quality regrowth is an excellent flushing feed. The key is increasing energy intake above maintenance for two to four weeks before mating. Pasture flushing works best when ewes are in moderate condition. Thin ewes may need grain in addition to pasture to gain enough condition before breeding.

How do I know if my hay is good enough for pregnant ewes?

Have your hay tested by a certified forage testing laboratory. For pregnant ewes in late pregnancy, look for hay with at least 8 to 10 percent crude protein and 55 to 60 percent total digestible nutrients. Hay below these levels will not meet the ewes needs without supplementation. Test every cutting and every field separately.

What causes pregnancy toxemia and how can I prevent it?

Pregnancy toxemia is caused by an energy deficit in late pregnancy when the growing fetuses demand more glucose than the ewe can supply from her diet and body reserves. Fat ewes and ewes carrying multiples are at highest risk. Prevention focuses on maintaining proper body condition at mating, avoiding overconditioning, providing adequate energy in late pregnancy, and ensuring constant access to clean water.

How soon after lambing should I increase the ewes feed?

Increase feed immediately after lambing. The ewe begins producing colostrum and then milk within hours of lambing. She needs high quality forage and grain to support milk production. Offer water and a small amount of grain within a few hours after lambing, then increase to full lactation rations within two to three days.

Should I feed the ram differently from the ewes?

Yes. Rams have different nutritional needs and should be managed separately. Before breeding, rams should be at condition score 3 to 3.5. During the breeding season, rams may lose condition because they are active and eat less. After breeding, provide good quality forage and grain to restore condition before winter.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related guides on sheep management, pasture systems, and livestock nutrition when they are published. Check back for updates or browse the farming library for additional resources.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

References

USDA Farm Management: https://www.farmers.gov/
FAO Farm Management: https://www.fao.org/farmer-field-schools/en/
FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.