Sheep Feeding During Drought: Emergency Rations and Management

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

Key Takeaways

• Proactive culling and flock reduction are critical early drought management strategies. Selling non-productive animals (e.g., open ewes, old ewes with poor dentition) before hay prices peak significantly reduces feed demand and conserves limited resources.
• Accurate assessment of flock nutritional requirements is paramount, with a mature ewe needing approximately 3.5 to 4.5 pounds of dry matter daily. This intake requirement varies by production stage, with lactating ewes demanding up to 5.5-6.5 lbs/day for twins, necessitating careful ration formulation.
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) on a 1-5 scale, assessed weekly, is the primary tool for evaluating ration efficacy. A BCS of 3.0-3.5 is generally targeted for pregnant ewes, with deviations indicating a need to adjust energy and protein levels in the diet.
• Water availability is the immediate limiting factor, with sheep unable to survive prolonged periods without it, especially in extreme heat. Ensuring consistent access to clean water is more critical than feed in the short term, as dehydration can rapidly lead to severe health issues.
• Maintaining rumen health through adequate roughage is essential to prevent acidosis, even when supplementing with concentrates. Sudden shifts to grain-only diets can disrupt microbial fermentation, leading to a dangerous drop in rumen pH and potential metabolic disorders.

Drought creates one of the most stressful situations a sheep producer can face. When pasture dries up and hay supplies dwindle, every feeding decision carries real financial and animal welfare consequences. This guide covers how to assess your feed situation, build emergency rations from available ingredients, manage your flock through a feed shortage, and protect the long-term productivity of your breeding program. It is written for commercial sheep producers, small flock owners, and agricultural advisors who need practical, field-ready strategies for feeding sheep when drought limits or eliminates normal grazing.

At a Glance

• Act early. The cheapest feed is the feed you do not have to buy. Cull early, sell non-productive animals, and reduce flock size before hay prices peak.
• Know your numbers. A mature ewe needs about 3.5 to 4.5 pounds of dry matter per day. Feed intake drives everything else.
• Test your feed. A forage test costs far less than a death loss or a weak lamb crop. Protein and energy values vary widely even within the same cutting.
• Body condition scoring is your best tool. Body condition score (BCS) tells you whether your ration is working. Learn to score sheep on a 1 to 5 scale and use it weekly.
• Water is the first limiting factor. A sheep can go days without feed but only hours without water in extreme heat. Never let water access become a bottleneck.
• Roughage keeps the rumen healthy. Sudden shifts to grain-only rations cause acidosis. Introduce concentrates gradually and keep some forage in the diet.
• Pregnant ewes need special attention. The last six weeks of pregnancy drive lamb birth weights and ewe milk production. Do not shortchange ewes at this stage.
• Record everything. Feed weights, costs, body condition scores, and lambing outcomes will guide next year's drought plan.

Understanding the Drought Feed Problem

Drought is not a single event. It is a slow-moving crisis that unfolds over weeks and months. The producer who treats drought as a sudden emergency is already behind. The producer who treats drought as a predictable risk with a written plan will make better decisions at every stage.

The core problem is simple. Sheep need a certain amount of energy, protein, fiber, minerals, and water every day. When pasture growth stops or dies, those nutrients must come from stored feed or purchased feed. Both options cost money, and both require planning.

How Drought Affects Pasture and Forage

Drought reduces pasture growth in two ways. First, it stops new leaf production. Second, it causes existing plants to go dormant or die. The nutritional value of dormant forage is much lower than actively growing forage. Crude protein in dormant grass can drop to 4 to 6 percent, while actively growing grass might contain 12 to 18 percent crude protein. Energy values follow a similar pattern.

Even if some green forage remains, sheep will graze selectively. They eat the most palatable plants first, leaving the less desirable species. Over time, the remaining pasture becomes a mix of weeds, mature stems, and plants sheep will not eat unless they are starving. This selective grazing means that visual assessment of pasture often overestimates what sheep are actually consuming.

The Cost Curve of Drought Feeding

Feed costs rise as drought persists. Hay that was $120 per ton in June might be $250 per ton by September. Grain prices also climb as demand increases. The producer who waits to act pays the highest prices for the lowest quality feed.

The cost curve works against late decision-making in another way. Sheep that lose condition during drought are harder to bring back into good condition. A ewe that drops from body condition score 3 to body condition score 2 needs more feed to recover than she would have needed to simply maintain her condition. The energy cost of gaining condition is higher than the cost of maintaining it.

The Biological Clock of the Flock

Sheep have a reproductive cycle that cannot be paused. Ewes that are bred will lamb on schedule, regardless of whether the feed supply is adequate. The producer must feed for the stage of production the flock is in, not the stage the producer wishes it were in.

The critical periods are:

• Pre-breeding: Ewes need to be gaining weight before breeding to maximize conception rates and litter size.
• Early to mid-pregnancy: Nutritional needs are relatively low, but severe underfeeding can cause pregnancy toxemia or abortion.
• Last six weeks of pregnancy: This is the period of rapid fetal growth. Ewe energy needs increase by 50 percent or more.
• Lactation: A lactating ewe has the highest nutritional demands of any production stage. She needs roughly double the energy of a dry ewe.

A drought that extends through the breeding season or into late pregnancy creates a double problem. The feed supply is short at exactly the time the flock needs more nutrition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Drought Feeding Plan

A drought feeding plan is not a single ration. It is a decision framework that helps you allocate limited resources across the flock over time. The following steps will take you from initial assessment to a working feeding program.

Step 1: Take a Complete Feed Inventory

Before you can decide what to feed, you need to know what you have. Walk every paddock, check every hay shed, and count every bag of supplement.

For pasture, assess:

• How many acres of grazing remain?
• What is the estimated dry matter per acre?
• What is the species composition?
• How much longer will the pasture last at current stocking rates?

For stored feed, weigh or estimate:

• Hay bales, by type and estimated quality
• Silage or haylage, by tonnage
• Grain and concentrates, by weight
• Mineral supplements and feed additives

For crop residues and other feeds, consider:

• Stubble from grain crops
• Failed crops that might be grazed or harvested
• Byproducts from local mills or food processors

Write everything down. A written inventory prevents the common mistake of assuming you have more feed than you actually do.

Step 2: Estimate Flock Requirements

Calculate the total feed requirement for the flock based on number of animals, body weight, and production stage. A simple approach uses dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight.

Table 1. Approximate Daily Dry Matter Intake for Sheep

Multiply the daily intake by the number of animals and the number of days you expect to feed. This gives you the total feed requirement for the drought period.

For example, a flock of 100 dry ewes averaging 150 pounds needs about 325 pounds of dry matter per day. If you expect 90 days of drought feeding, you need roughly 29,250 pounds, or about 14.6 tons, of feed.

This calculation is a starting point. Actual intake varies with temperature, feed quality, and animal condition. But the estimate gives you a planning number.

Step 3: Match Feed Supply to Demand

Compare your inventory to your requirements. If supply exceeds demand, you have flexibility. If demand exceeds supply, you must either find more feed, reduce the flock, or both.

The gap between supply and demand is the core planning problem. Every decision you make should aim to close that gap in the most cost-effective way.

Options for closing the gap include:

• Culling and selling animals. This is usually the fastest way to reduce demand. Sell open ewes, old ewes, and poor performers.
• Purchasing feed. Hay, grain, and byproducts can fill the gap, but at a cost.
• Changing the production calendar. Early weaning reduces the nutritional demand on ewes by removing lactation.
• Using alternative feeds. Crop residues, byproducts, and non-traditional forages can extend the feed supply.

Step 4: Sort the Flock into Feeding Groups

Not all sheep need the same ration. Sorting the flock into groups allows you to feed each group according to its needs, which saves feed and money.

Suggested groups include:

• Group 1: Dry ewes and ewes in early pregnancy. These animals have the lowest nutritional needs. They can be maintained on lower-quality forage.
• Group 2: Ewes in late pregnancy. These ewes need higher energy and protein, especially in the last six weeks.
• Group 3: Lactating ewes. These ewes have the highest requirements and should receive the best feed available.
• Group 4: Lambs and replacement ewe lambs. Growing animals need higher protein to support muscle and bone development.
• Group 5: Rams. Rams are often forgotten during drought. They need to maintain condition for breeding.

If you cannot separate the flock into multiple groups, feed to the most demanding group and accept that some animals will receive more than they need. This is inefficient but safer than underfeeding the high-demand animals.

Step 5: Choose a Feeding Strategy

There are three basic strategies for drought feeding. Most producers use a combination.

Strategy 1: Full hand feeding. All feed is provided in confinement or in a sacrifice paddock. This gives you complete control over intake but requires the most labor and facilities.

Strategy 2: Supplementation on pasture. Sheep continue to graze whatever forage is available and receive supplemental feed to cover the deficit. This works when some pasture remains but is insufficient.

Strategy 3: Strategic grazing of drought-affected pasture. Sheep graze standing forage that has little nutritional value. This is really a form of maintenance feeding and requires careful monitoring to prevent weight loss.

The right strategy depends on the severity of the drought, the amount of pasture remaining, and the facilities you have available.

Step 6: Develop the Actual Ration

A ration is a specific combination of feeds that meets the nutritional needs of a group of sheep. Rations can be simple or complex, but they must always meet requirements for:

• Energy (measured as total digestible nutrients or net energy)
• Protein (crude protein or metabolizable protein)
• Fiber (neutral detergent fiber for rumen function)
• Minerals and vitamins
• Water

For most producers, the practical approach is to start with the forage you have and add supplements to cover the deficits.

If you have good-quality hay (10 percent or higher crude protein): This can be the base of the ration for dry ewes and ewes in early pregnancy. You may need to add grain for ewes in late pregnancy or lactation.

If you have poor-quality hay (below 8 percent crude protein): This will not support pregnant or lactating ewes without supplementation. You will need to add protein and energy.

If you have no hay: You must purchase feed or use alternative forages. Options include grain, complete pelleted feeds, and byproducts.

Sample Rations for Drought Feeding

The following rations are examples. They must be adjusted based on actual feed test results, ewe size, and production stage. Always introduce new feeds gradually over 7 to 10 days.

Ration 1: Dry Ewe Maintenance (150 lb ewe)

This ration provides roughly 3.5 pounds of dry matter, about 2.2 pounds of total digestible nutrients, and 0.28 pounds of crude protein. It should maintain condition in a dry ewe during cool weather.

Ration 2: Ewe in Late Pregnancy (150 lb ewe, last 6 weeks)

This ration provides roughly 4.0 pounds of dry matter, about 2.8 pounds of total digestible nutrients, and 0.55 pounds of crude protein. It supports fetal growth and ewe body condition.

Ration 3: Lactating Ewe with Twins (150 lb ewe)

This ration provides roughly 6.0 pounds of dry matter, about 4.0 pounds of total digestible nutrients, and 1.0 pound of crude protein. It supports milk production for twins.

These rations are starting points. Actual requirements vary with environmental conditions, wool cover, and individual animal variation. Monitor body condition and adjust as needed.

Step 7: Implement the Feeding Program

Once the ration is developed, focus on delivery. The best ration in the world fails if it is not delivered consistently.

Key implementation points:

• Feed at the same time every day. Sheep thrive on routine. Consistent feeding reduces stress and waste.
• Provide enough bunk space. All sheep should be able to eat at the same time. For grain, provide at least 12 to 15 inches of bunk space per ewe. For hay, provide enough feeders so that all animals can access feed simultaneously.
• Reduce waste. Use hay feeders that minimize spoilage. Do not feed on the ground unless necessary.
• Monitor intake. If sheep clean up all feed quickly and still appear hungry, increase the amount. If feed is left over, reduce the amount.
• Keep feed dry. Covered storage and proper feeders prevent mold and spoilage.

Step 8: Monitor and Adjust

A drought feeding program is not static. You must monitor the flock and the feed supply continuously and adjust as conditions change.

Monitor the following weekly:

• Body condition score. Sample 10 to 20 percent of each feeding group.
• Manure consistency. Loose, watery manure may indicate too much grain or poor-quality forage. Dry, hard pellets may indicate inadequate water or protein.
• Feed intake. Are sheep eating all they are offered?
• Water intake. Check water consumption and water quality.
• Behavior. Lethargy, excessive vocalization, or aggressive feeding behavior may indicate problems.

Adjust the ration based on what you observe. If body condition is dropping, increase energy. If sheep are gaining too much condition, reduce feed. If manure is loose, reduce grain and increase forage.

Understanding Feed Analysis

You cannot formulate an effective ration without knowing what is in your feed. Feed testing is affordable, usually $20 to $50 per sample, and provides information that pays for itself many times over.

How to Sample Feed

For hay, use a hay probe to take core samples from at least 10 to 15 bales per lot. Combine the cores into one sample and submit it to a laboratory. Sample each cutting separately, as quality varies between cuttings.

For grain and concentrates, take samples from multiple bags or bins and combine them. For silage, sample after fermentation is complete.

Key Values on a Feed Test

The most important values for sheep feeding are:

• Dry matter. This tells you how much water is in the feed. All other values are expressed on a dry matter or as-fed basis.
• Crude protein. This estimates the protein content. Sheep need 7 to 8 percent crude protein for maintenance and 12 to 15 percent for late pregnancy and lactation.
• Acid detergent fiber. This estimates the fiber content and is inversely related to digestibility. Lower ADF generally means higher energy.
• Neutral detergent fiber. This estimates the total fiber content and relates to intake potential. Higher NDF means the feed is bulkier and intake may be limited.
• Total digestible nutrients. This estimates the energy content. Forage TDN typically ranges from 45 to 65 percent.
• Minerals. Calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals are important, especially for pregnant and lactating ewes.

Using Feed Test Results

Once you have feed test results, you can make informed decisions. For example, if your hay tests 6 percent crude protein, you know you need to supplement protein. If it tests 14 percent crude protein, you may not need additional protein for dry ewes.

Feed testing also helps you compare prices. A $200 per ton hay that tests 12 percent protein is a better value than a $150 per ton hay that tests 6 percent protein, because you need to buy less supplement to balance the ration.

Alternative Feeds for Drought Conditions

When traditional feeds are scarce or expensive, alternative feeds can fill the gap. Some options are well-suited to sheep, while others require careful management.

Crop Residues

Grain stubble, corn stalks, and other crop residues can provide grazing for dry ewes. These feeds are low in protein and energy but can reduce the need for purchased feed.

• Wheat and barley stubble: Provides moderate grazing for dry ewes. Protein is low, around 5 to 7 percent, so ewes need supplemental protein if they are pregnant or lactating.
• Corn stalks: Cattle producers commonly use corn stalks, but sheep can also graze them. The leaves and husks have more nutritional value than the stalks. Ewes will need supplementation.
• Failed crops: A crop that failed due to drought may still have value as grazing or as hay. Check with your crop insurance agent before grazing failed crops, as there may be restrictions.

Byproduct Feeds

Many agricultural byproducts are suitable for sheep. Local availability varies, so check with feed mills, ethanol plants, and food processors in your area.

• Soybean hulls: Moderate protein and high digestible fiber. A good supplement for poor-quality forage.
• Corn gluten feed: Moderate protein and energy. Can replace part of the grain in a ration.
• Wheat middlings: Moderate protein and energy. Palatable and widely available.
• Distillers grains: High protein and energy. Use with caution because sulfur content can be high.
• Cottonseed meal: High protein. Use with caution because gossypol can be toxic to sheep in high amounts.
• Citrus pulp and beet pulp: Moderate energy and highly digestible fiber. Good supplements for poor-quality forage.

When using byproducts, introduce them gradually and monitor for palatability. Some byproducts are high in phosphorus, which can cause urinary calculi in wethers and rams if the calcium to phosphorus ratio is not balanced.

Non-Traditional Forages

Some drought-resistant forages can provide feed when traditional pastures fail.

• Brassicas: Turnips, rape, kale, and swedes are high in energy and grow well in cool conditions. They can be grazed in the fall and winter.
• Teff hay: A warm-season annual grass that produces hay quickly. Quality can be good if harvested at the right stage.
• Millet and sorghum: Warm-season annuals that tolerate drought better than cool-season grasses. They can be grazed or harvested as hay.
• Forage oats or triticale: Can be planted in late summer for fall and winter grazing.

These options require planning and may not be available in all regions. Consult your local extension agent for recommendations adapted to your area.

Managing the Flock During Drought

Feeding is only part of drought management. How you manage the flock affects feed efficiency, animal health, and long-term productivity.

Culling Decisions

Culling is the most powerful tool for reducing feed demand. Every animal you sell or cull reduces the amount of feed you need to purchase.

Priority culling list:

1. Open ewes. Pregnancy check and sell all open ewes. They are costing you feed and producing nothing.
2. Old ewes with bad teeth or poor body condition. These animals will not improve and will consume feed without adequate return.
3. Ewes with a history of poor production. If a ewe has failed to raise a lamb, produced a poor lamb, or had chronic health problems, she is a candidate for culling.
4. Ewes with mastitis or other chronic conditions. These animals require extra care and rarely pay for themselves.
5. Late-born lambs that will not reach market weight. Sell them early rather than feeding them through the drought.

Culling is emotionally difficult for many producers, but it is a business decision. Every animal kept during a drought is a bet that feed prices will fall and pasture will recover. That bet often loses.

Early Weaning

Early weaning is one of the most effective ways to reduce feed demand. A lamb that is weaned at 60 days instead of 100 days reduces the ewe's nutritional requirement significantly.

Lambs can be weaned at 60 days if they weigh at least 25 to 30 pounds and are eating solid feed. Provide lambs with a high-quality creep ration after weaning to support continued growth.

Early weaning also benefits the ewe. She stops lactating and her energy requirement drops to maintenance or early pregnancy levels. This allows you to feed her a cheaper ration.

Pregnancy Management

If you are feeding through a drought, consider the timing of breeding. Options include:

• Delaying breeding. If the drought is expected to be short, delaying breeding by a month can reduce feed demand during the worst period.
• Skipping breeding. In severe drought, it may be better to skip breeding entirely and sell lambs. This preserves the ewe flock for the following year.
• Shortening the breeding season. A shorter breeding season creates a more uniform lamb crop and makes feeding management easier.

These decisions have long-term consequences. The lambs you do not produce this year are income you will not have. But the ewes you keep will be in better condition for next year's breeding.

Ram Management

Rams are often neglected during drought. A ram that loses condition will have reduced fertility and libido. Rams should be kept in good condition, but not fat, before breeding.

During drought, rams can be fed a maintenance ration similar to dry ewes. If they are being used for breeding, increase their feed during the breeding season.

Lamb Management

Lambs are the most vulnerable group during drought. They are growing, which requires high-quality nutrition, and their immune systems are still developing.

If you have lambs during a drought:

• Provide creep feed. A high-protein creep ration supports growth and reduces the nutritional drain on the ewe.
• Wean early if necessary. If the ewe is losing condition, wean the lamb and feed the lamb separately.
• Consider selling lambs early. If feed is scarce and prices are reasonable, selling lambs at lighter weights may be better than feeding them through the drought.

Health Problems Associated with Drought Feeding

Drought feeding creates specific health risks. Understanding these risks helps you prevent problems before they start.

Pregnancy Toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia, also called ketosis or twin lamb disease, occurs when ewes in late pregnancy do not get enough energy. The ewe mobilizes body fat for energy, which produces ketones. Severe cases can be fatal.

Signs include:

• Depression and lethargy
• Teeth grinding
• Staggering or inability to stand
• Sweet-smelling breath (ketones)

Prevention is the best approach. Ensure ewes in late pregnancy receive adequate energy, especially in the last six weeks. Avoid sudden feed changes and stress. If you suspect pregnancy toxemia, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Acidosis

Acidosis occurs when sheep consume too much grain too quickly. The rumen pH drops, and the animal becomes ill. Severe cases can be fatal.

Signs include:

• Reduced feed intake
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Staggering
• Death in severe cases

Prevention involves gradual introduction of grain over 7 to 10 days. Feed grain in multiple small meals rather than one large meal. Ensure adequate fiber in the ration. Provide free-choice baking soda to help buffer the rumen.

Urinary Calculi

Urinary calculi, or water belly, occurs when mineral imbalances cause stones to form in the urinary tract. This is most common in wethers and rams fed high-grain rations.

Prevention involves balancing the calcium to phosphorus ratio in the ration. A ratio of 2:1 is recommended. Provide free-choice salt and ensure adequate water intake.

Polioencephalomalacia

Polioencephalomalacia, or polio, is a neurological disease caused by thiamine deficiency. It can occur when sheep are fed high-sulfur feeds or when the rumen does not produce enough thiamine.

Signs include:

• Blindness
• Head pressing
• Circling
• Recumbency

Treatment involves thiamine injections, but prevention is better. Avoid high-sulfur feeds and ensure adequate roughage in the ration.

Enterotoxemia

Enterotoxemia, also called overeating disease, occurs when sheep consume too much grain and the bacteria Clostridium perfringens overgrow in the gut. This disease can kill sheep quickly.

Prevention involves vaccination with a Clostridium perfringens type C and D toxoid and gradual introduction of grain. Do not allow sheep to gorge on grain.

Parasites

Drought can reduce parasite pressure because the larvae of internal parasites do not survive well in dry conditions. However, when sheep are confined and fed in small areas, parasite eggs can build up in the soil.

Monitor fecal egg counts regularly and deworm as needed. Rotate feeding areas when possible to reduce parasite buildup.

Heat Stress

Drought often coincides with high temperatures. Heat stress reduces feed intake and increases water requirements.

Provide shade for sheep during the hottest part of the day. Ensure adequate water supply. Feed during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and evening.

Water Requirements During Drought

Water is the first limiting factor for sheep. A sheep can survive for weeks without feed but only days without water. During drought, water sources may be limited, and water quality may decline.

How Much Water Do Sheep Need?

Water requirements vary with temperature, feed intake, and production stage. A general guide is:

• Dry ewe, cool weather: 1.0 to 1.5 gallons per day
• Dry ewe, hot weather: 2.0 to 2.5 gallons per day
• Lactating ewe: 2.0 to 3.0 gallons per day, more in hot weather
• Growing lamb: 0.5 to 1.0 gallons per day

These are approximate values. Actual intake depends on the moisture content of the feed. Sheep fed dry hay need more water than sheep grazing lush pasture.

Water Quality

Water quality is as important as quantity. Poor-quality water can reduce intake and cause health problems.

Key water quality parameters:

• Total dissolved solids. Values above 5,000 parts per million can reduce intake. Values above 7,000 parts per million may be toxic.
• Salinity. High salt levels reduce water intake and can cause diarrhea.
• Sulfates. High sulfate levels can cause polioencephalomalacia.
• Algae. Blue-green algae can be toxic to sheep.

If water quality is questionable, test it before allowing sheep to drink.

Managing Limited Water

If water is limited, prioritize lactating ewes and lambs. These animals have the highest water requirements and are most vulnerable to dehydration.

Reduce water loss by providing shade and feeding during cooler parts of the day. Avoid moving sheep long distances to water, as this increases water loss through panting.

Recordkeeping and Monitoring

Records are essential during drought feeding. They help you track feed usage, costs, and animal condition, and they provide data for future planning.

What to Record

Keep the following records:

• Feed inventory. Track all feed on hand, including hay, grain, and supplements.
• Feed purchases. Record the date, type, amount, and cost of all purchased feed.
• Feed usage. Record how much feed is fed each day or week.
• Body condition scores. Record BCS for each feeding group weekly.
• Animal numbers. Track the number of animals in each feeding group.
• Health problems. Record any illness, death, or treatment.
• Lambing data. Record birth weights, lamb survival, and ewe condition at lambing.

How to Use Records

Records help you make decisions. If body condition is dropping, you know to increase feed. If feed costs are exceeding your budget, you know to cull more animals. If lamb birth weights are low, you know the late pregnancy ration was inadequate.

Records also help you plan for next year. If you know how much feed you used during a drought and how much it cost, you can budget more accurately for future droughts.

Body Condition Scoring

Body condition scoring is the single most useful monitoring tool for drought feeding. It is simple, inexpensive, and provides immediate feedback on nutritional status.

The 1 to 5 scale is standard:

• Score 1: Very thin. Spine is sharp and prominent. No fat cover.
• Score 2: Thin. Spine is prominent but has some fat cover.
• Score 3: Moderate. Spine is smooth and rounded. Fat cover is adequate.
• Score 4: Fat. Spine is difficult to feel. Fat cover is thick.
• Score 5: Very fat. Spine cannot be felt. Excessive fat cover.

To score, place your hand on the sheep's backbone and feel for the spinous processes. Use your thumb and fingers to feel the fat cover over the ribs and the loin area.

Score sheep at the same time each week. Sample at least 10 to 20 percent of each feeding group. Record the scores and track changes over time.

The target BCS depends on production stage:

• Pre-breeding: 3.0 to 3.5
• Early pregnancy: 3.0
• Late pregnancy: 3.0 to 3.5
• Lactation: 2.5 to 3.0

If BCS drops below these targets, increase feed. If BCS rises above these targets, reduce feed.

Decision Thresholds

Drought feeding requires a series of decisions. The following thresholds can help you decide when to act.

When to Start Feeding

Start supplemental feeding when:

• Pasture is gone or nearly gone. If sheep are eating bare ground, they are not getting enough nutrition.
• Body condition drops below 2.5. If ewes are losing condition despite grazing, they need supplemental feed.
• Ewes are in late pregnancy. Even if some pasture remains, ewes in the last six weeks of pregnancy need supplemental feed to support fetal growth.
• Lactating ewes are losing condition. Lactation is the most demanding period. If ewes are losing weight, they need more feed.

Do not wait until sheep are visibly thin. By the time you can see ribs, the ewes have already lost significant condition.

When to Cull

Cull animals when:

• Feed supply is inadequate for the current flock size. If you cannot feed all animals, cull the least productive ones.
• Feed prices are high and expected to rise. Selling animals early may be more profitable than feeding them through a drought.
• Animals are in poor condition and unlikely to recover. Old ewes, ewes with bad teeth, and chronically ill animals should be culled.
• Open ewes are identified. Pregnancy check and cull open ewes immediately.

When to Sell Lambs

Sell lambs when:

• Feed is scarce and expensive. It may be cheaper to sell lambs at light weights than to feed them to heavier weights.
• Lamb prices are strong. If market prices are good, selling early locks in revenue.
• Lambs are old enough to sell. Lambs can be sold at 90 to 120 days if they weigh at least 50 to 60 pounds.

When to Consider Reducing the Flock

Consider selling breeding stock when:

• The drought is expected to last more than one season. A multi-year drought requires drastic action.
• Feed costs exceed the value of the lamb crop. If you are spending more on feed than you will receive for lambs, you are losing money.
• Pasture recovery will be slow. Overgrazing during drought damages pasture for years. Reducing stocking rates helps pasture recover faster.

Reducing the breeding flock is a painful decision, but it may be the right one. A smaller flock that is well-fed will produce more lambs per ewe than a large flock that is starving.

Common Mistakes in Drought Feeding

Producers make predictable mistakes when feeding through drought. Recognizing these mistakes helps you avoid them.

Waiting Too Long to Act

The most common mistake is waiting too long to start feeding or culling. Producers hope for rain, and rain does not come. By the time they act, the sheep have lost condition, feed prices have risen, and the financial damage is done.

Act early. If you are wondering whether to start feeding, you should probably start feeding. If you are wondering whether to cull, you should probably cull.

Underfeeding Pregnant Ewes

Some producers reduce feed to pregnant ewes to save money, only to see a crop of small, weak lambs. The cost of a poor lamb crop is far greater than the cost of feeding the ewe properly.

Do not shortchange ewes in the last six weeks of pregnancy. This is the period of rapid fetal growth, and the ewe's nutrition directly affects lamb birth weight and survival.

Overfeeding Grain

Some producers react to drought by feeding too much grain too quickly. This causes acidosis and can kill sheep.

Introduce grain gradually over 7 to 10 days. Limit grain to no more than 1 percent of body weight per feeding. Provide adequate forage to keep the rumen healthy.

Ignoring Water

Water is the first limiting factor, but producers sometimes focus on feed and forget about water. If water is limited or poor quality, sheep will not eat even if feed is available.

Check water sources daily. Ensure adequate flow and quality. Provide shade to reduce water loss through panting.

Not Testing Feed

Producers sometimes buy hay or other feed without testing it, then wonder why sheep lose condition. Feed that looks good may be low in protein or energy.

Test all feed before feeding. A feed test costs $20 to $50 and can save thousands of dollars in wasted feed.

Feeding on the Ground

Feeding hay on the ground wastes 30 to 50 percent of the hay through trampling and spoilage. Use feeders to reduce waste.

Hay feeders come in many designs. The best design for your operation depends on the size of your flock and your facilities.

Neglecting Mineral Supplementation

Mineral deficiencies can cause a range of health problems, including poor growth, reproductive failure, and urinary calculi.

Provide free-choice minerals formulated for sheep. Do not use cattle minerals, as they contain copper levels that are toxic to sheep.

Forgetting About the Future

Drought feeding is exhausting, and producers sometimes focus only on getting through the current crisis. But decisions made during drought affect the flock for years.

Think about the breeding season, the lamb crop, and the pasture recovery. Protect the genetics you want to keep. Do not sell your best ewes just because they are the easiest to sell.

Working with Your Veterinarian and Extension Agent

Drought feeding is a management challenge, but it also has health implications. Your veterinarian and extension agent are valuable resources.

When to Call the Veterinarian

Call your veterinarian when:

• Sheep are dying or showing severe illness. This includes signs of pregnancy toxemia, acidosis, or polio.
• You suspect a disease outbreak. If multiple animals are sick, you need a diagnosis.
• You need help with pregnancy diagnosis. Ultrasound pregnancy checking is the most accurate way to identify open ewes.
• You need a flock health plan. Your veterinarian can help you develop a vaccination and deworming program appropriate for drought conditions.
• You need help with euthanasia decisions. If animals are suffering and will not recover, humane euthanasia may be the kindest option.

When to Call the Extension Agent

Call your extension agent when:

• You need help with feed testing and ration formulation. Extension agents can help you interpret feed test results and develop rations.
• You want information on alternative feeds. Extension agents know what byproducts are available in your area.
• You need help with pasture management. Extension agents can advise on grazing management and pasture recovery.
• You need financial assistance information. Some programs provide assistance to livestock producers affected by drought. Extension agents can point you to available resources.
• You need help with long-term planning. Extension agents can help you develop a drought plan for your operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can sheep go without feed during a drought?

Sheep can survive for several days without feed, but they will lose condition rapidly. A ewe that goes without feed for 48 hours will lose significant body condition and may develop health problems. Pregnant ewes in late gestation are especially vulnerable and can develop pregnancy toxemia within 24 to 48 hours of feed deprivation. Never allow sheep to go without feed for more than 24 hours. If you run out of feed, contact your veterinarian or extension agent immediately for advice.

Can I feed my sheep cattle feed during a drought?

No. Cattle feeds often contain additives that are toxic to sheep, especially copper. Sheep have a low tolerance for copper, and cattle feeds can contain copper at levels that cause fatal copper toxicity in sheep. Additionally, cattle feeds may contain ionophores such as monensin, which are highly toxic to sheep. Always use feeds specifically formulated for sheep or feeds that you have verified are safe for sheep. Read the feed label carefully and consult your veterinarian if you are unsure.

What is the cheapest way to feed sheep during a drought?

The cheapest way to feed sheep during a drought is to reduce the number of sheep you are feeding. Culling open ewes, old ewes, and poor performers is always the most cost-effective strategy. After culling, the cheapest feed is usually the feed you already have on hand, such as poor-quality hay or crop residues. Supplement with grain or byproducts only as needed to meet nutritional requirements. Compare prices of alternative feeds in your area and test all feed for nutritional value.

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

A ewe in late pregnancy typically needs 0.5 to 1.5 pounds of grain per day, depending on the quality of the forage and the ewe's body condition. Start with 0.5 pound per day and increase gradually over 7 to 10 days. Monitor body condition and adjust the amount as needed. Do not exceed 1.5 pounds of grain per day for a 150-pound ewe, as higher amounts increase the risk of acidosis. Always provide adequate forage and free-choice minerals.

Should I wean lambs early during a drought?

Early weaning is often a good strategy during drought. Lambs can be weaned at 60 days if they weigh at least 25 to 30 pounds and are eating solid feed. Early weaning reduces the nutritional demand on the ewe, allowing her to be fed a cheaper maintenance ration. Provide lambs with a high-quality creep ration after weaning. If you are unsure whether your lambs are ready for weaning, consult your veterinarian or extension agent.

How do I know if my ewes are too thin?

Use body condition scoring to assess ewe condition. Score ewes on a 1 to 5 scale, with 3 being moderate. If ewes score below 2.5, they are too thin and need more feed. You should be able to feel the spine with light pressure, but it should not be sharp or prominent. If you can see ribs or the backbone from a distance, the ewe is too thin. Monitor body condition weekly during drought feeding.

Can sheep eat moldy hay during a drought?

Moldy hay is risky for sheep. Some molds produce mycotoxins that can cause illness or death. Other molds simply reduce the nutritional value of the hay. If hay is slightly dusty or has a musty smell, it may be acceptable for dry ewes if it is introduced gradually and intake is monitored. Hay with visible mold, a strong moldy odor, or signs of heating should not be fed. When in doubt, discard the hay. The cost of losing a ewe or a lamb crop is far greater than the cost of buying clean hay.

What should I do if I run out of feed during a drought?

If you run out of feed, act immediately. Contact your veterinarian, extension agent, and local feed suppliers to find available feed. Consider alternative feeds such as byproducts, crop residues, and non-traditional forages. In an emergency, you can feed sheep a limited amount of grain, but introduce it gradually to prevent acidosis. Do not allow sheep to go without feed for more than 24 hours. If you cannot find feed, consider selling or culling animals to reduce demand.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to other farming guides on this site. Check back for related content on sheep nutrition, flock health, pasture management, and drought preparedness.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Sheep Grazing Lease: Terms, Rates, and Legal Considerations
• Sheep Breed Selection for Meat, Wool, Dairy, and Low-Input Systems
• Sheep Barn Flooring for Hoof Health: Best Materials and Practices

References

• American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/
• USDA APHIS Sheep Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats
• FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/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.