Sheep Nutrition: Feeding for Health and Productivity

Sheep nutrition determines flock health, growth rates, reproductive success, and meat and milk quality. This article covers forage selection, hay quality, grain supplementation, mineral and vitamin needs, and feeding strategies for different life stages. It includes a feeding chart, a deficiency troubleshooting guide, and practical records for farm use. The guidance applies to commercial flocks, smallholder operations, and farm planners working in temperate and warm climates.

At a Glance: Feeding Priorities by Sheep Class

Forage as the Foundation of Sheep Diets

Forage should form the largest part of the sheep diet in most production systems. Rumen function depends on a stable supply of fibrous feed that supports chewing, saliva production, and the microbial population that digests cellulose. Sheep are ruminants, and their digestive system is adapted to convert pasture, hay, and crop residues into meat, milk, and wool. The relationship between the host animal and its rumen microbes determines how efficiently feed is used, and disruptions to this balance can reduce intake and production.

Pasture Quality and Grazing Management

Pasture quality changes through the growing season. Young leafy growth has higher protein and digestibility than mature stemmy growth. Sheep grazing short, leafy pasture consume more digestible energy per bite, while mature pasture fills the rumen slowly and limits intake. Rumen fill is the main factor limiting intake when sheep eat low-quality forages, so pasture management should aim to keep forage in a leafy, vegetative state for as long as possible.

Grazing pressure affects both pasture composition and animal performance. Continuous grazing at high stocking rates reduces plant cover and shifts species composition toward less productive plants. Rotational grazing with rest periods allows pasture to recover and maintains forage quality. Observations of sward height and leaf stage help farmers decide when to move sheep to fresh pasture. A simple rule is to graze before the pasture becomes stemmy and to rest paddocks long enough for regrowth.

Hay Selection and Feeding

Hay provides the winter feed base in many sheep systems. Hay quality varies widely depending on the species harvested, the stage of maturity at cutting, and the curing conditions. Legume hays such as alfalfa and common vetch generally have higher protein and digestibility than grass hays. Common vetch hay has shown higher in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber compared with alfalfa hay in lamb diets, and lambs fed common vetch hay have demonstrated higher average daily gain and better feed efficiency than those fed alfalfa hay. This makes common vetch a practical low-cost forage option where it can be grown locally.

Hay presentation affects intake. Sheep offered ground and pelleted low-quality hay eat more than sheep offered the same hay in chopped or long form. The reason appears to be faster emptying of the liquid phase of the rumen when particles are small, which reduces rumen fill and allows greater intake. However, pelleting adds processing cost, and long hay supports normal chewing and rumination behavior. Farmers should weigh the intake benefit against the cost of processing and the need for adequate fiber in the diet.

Forage Testing

Forage testing is the most reliable way to match supplementation to hay quality. A basic forage test reports dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and estimated digestibility. Testing every hay lot before feeding allows the ration to be adjusted for protein and energy content. Hay that tests low in protein may need supplemental protein, while high-fiber hay may limit intake and require energy supplementation.

Energy Requirements and Body Condition

Energy is the nutrient that most often limits sheep production. Sheep need energy for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and activity. Maintenance energy is the amount needed to keep the animal alive without gaining or losing weight. Research on hair sheep in warm climates has shown that maintenance energy requirements differ between small ruminants and cattle, with small ruminants requiring about 542.64 kJ of metabolizable energy per kg of metabolic live weight. The same research found that the energy required for 1 g of gain was about 24.3 kJ, with no significant difference between species.

Energy Requirements for Growth

Energy requirements for gain depend on the rate of gain and the composition of the gain. Faster gains require more energy per day, and the efficiency of energy use for gain is about 0.29 in growing hair sheep. Sex affects the net energy required for gain, with non-castrated males and castrated males following different equations. Farmers raising intact males should expect slightly different energy needs than those raising wethers, even at the same body weight and gain rate.

Body Condition Scoring

Body condition scoring is a practical tool for assessing energy status. The system uses a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated and 5 being obese. Scoring involves feeling the fat and muscle cover over the backbone and loin area. Regular scoring at key points in the production cycle helps farmers adjust feeding before problems develop. Ewes should be scored at weaning, before breeding, and in mid-pregnancy. Thin ewes need extra feed before breeding to improve ovulation rates, while overconditioned ewes may have lambing difficulties.

Energy Supplementation

Grain supplements provide concentrated energy when forage alone cannot meet requirements. Common grain options include corn, barley, oats, and wheat. Grains differ in energy density and starch content, and sudden introduction of large amounts of grain can cause digestive upset. Introduce grain gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow the rumen microbial population to adapt. Whole grains are often safer than cracked grains because they are digested more slowly in the rumen.

Protein Requirements and Sources

Protein supplies amino acids for muscle growth, fetal development, milk production, and wool growth. Rumen microbes can synthesize microbial protein from non-protein nitrogen, but sheep with high production demands need additional protein that escapes rumen degradation. The amino acid supply to the small intestine depends on both microbial protein and undegraded dietary protein.

Protein Requirements by Life Stage

Growing lambs have the highest protein requirements relative to their size. Research on hair sheep has shown that the net protein required for maintenance is about 1.32 g per kg of metabolic empty body weight, and the efficiency of metabolizable protein use for gain is about 0.25. Sex affects the protein required for gain, so intact males and castrated males should be fed differently when targeting specific growth rates.

Protein requirements for hair sheep differ from those recommended by standard feeding systems, which means farmers raising hair sheep in warm climates should use locally derived recommendations where available. The equations developed from multi-study analyses can improve protein nutrition and reduce nitrogen excretion, which benefits both profitability and the environment.

Protein Sources

Forage legumes are the main protein source in pasture-based systems. Alfalfa, clover, and vetch hays provide more protein than grass hays. Oilseed meals such as soybean meal and canola meal are concentrated protein supplements used when forage protein is low. Urea can supply non-protein nitrogen for rumen microbes, but it must be used carefully and only in diets with adequate fermentable energy.

Protein Deficiency Signs

Protein deficiency appears as reduced growth, poor wool quality, low milk production, and reduced fertility. Lambs may have a rough hair coat and fail to reach target weights. Ewes may produce weak lambs or have poor colostrum quality. When protein deficiency is suspected, test the forage and adjust the ration before adding expensive supplements.

Mineral and Vitamin Nutrition

Minerals support bone development, enzyme function, nerve transmission, and many other body processes. Sheep have specific mineral requirements that vary by life stage and production level. Forage mineral content is influenced by soil type, plant species, and growing conditions, which makes mineral supplementation geographically dependent.

Macrominerals

Calcium and phosphorus are the most abundant minerals in the body and are critical for bone growth and milk production. Research on hair sheep in tropical climates has estimated net mineral requirements for weight gain. For animals weighing 15 to 30 kg and gaining 100 g per day, the net requirements ranged from 0.73 to 0.71 g of calcium, 0.51 to 0.49 g of phosphorus, 0.026 g of magnesium, 0.16 to 0.19 g of sodium, and 0.15 to 0.13 g of potassium per day. These values differ from older recommendations, which supports the use of updated requirement estimates for tropical hair sheep.

Magnesium is important for nerve and muscle function, and deficiency causes grass tetany, most commonly in lactating ewes grazing lush pasture in spring. Sodium and potassium maintain fluid balance and acid-base status. Salt is usually provided free choice, but intake varies widely between animals.

Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are needed in small amounts but are essential for health. Sheep are more susceptible to copper toxicosis than other ruminants because they excrete less copper in bile. This means copper supplementation must be managed carefully, and sheep should not be fed cattle or goat mineral mixes that contain high copper levels. Trace mineral requirements have been refined in recent years, allowing a factorial approach that calculates daily requirements instead of relying on dietary concentrations alone.

Oral delivery of trace minerals is the preferred method, either through free-choice trace mineralized salt or direct incorporation into the diet. Injectable trace minerals are available but are generally used for specific deficiency situations instead of routine supplementation.

Vitamin Needs

Sheep synthesize vitamin C in the liver and do not require it in the diet. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when sheep are exposed to sunlight, but housed sheep and those in cloudy climates may need supplementation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works with selenium, and deficiency causes white muscle disease in lambs. Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and deficiency is most likely in sheep fed poor-quality hay or crop residues for long periods.

Feeding by Life Stage

Feeding Ewes Through the Production Cycle

Ewes have different nutritional needs at each stage of the reproductive cycle. The goal is to maintain body condition without excessive fatness or weight loss.

During early pregnancy, ewes have relatively low requirements. Good-quality forage usually meets their needs, and the main risk is overconditioning. In mid-pregnancy, requirements increase modestly as the placenta develops. The most critical period is the final six weeks of pregnancy, when about 70 percent of fetal growth occurs. Energy and protein needs rise sharply, and ewes carrying multiple lambs have higher requirements than those carrying singles.

Ewes that are too thin at lambing produce less colostrum and milk, and their lambs have higher mortality. Ewes that are too fat have more lambing difficulties and are more prone to pregnancy toxemia. Body condition scoring in mid-pregnancy allows farmers to sort ewes into feeding groups and adjust feed levels accordingly.

Lactating ewes have the highest energy and protein requirements of any stage. A ewe rearing twins may need 50 percent more energy than a ewe rearing a single lamb. High-quality forage is essential, and grain supplementation is often needed for the first six to eight weeks of lactation. Water intake is critical for milk production, and ewes need continuous access to clean water.

Feeding Growing Lambs

Lambs can be raised on pasture, in confinement, or in a combination system. The target growth rate depends on the production goal and the market. Pasture-raised lambs grow more slowly than grain-fed lambs but have lower feed costs. Confined lambs on high-grain diets grow faster but require careful management to prevent digestive disorders.

Creep feeding provides concentrate to lambs while they are still nursing. This trains lambs to eat solid feed and supports growth before weaning. Creep feed should be introduced gradually and kept fresh and clean. Lambs should have access to creep feed from about two weeks of age.

Weaning is a stressful period, and lambs often lose weight in the first week after weaning. Weaning at 60 to 90 days is common, depending on the system. Lambs should be eating solid feed well before weaning to minimize the growth check. After weaning, lambs need a high-quality diet to maintain growth, and forage quality is especially important.

Feeding Rams

Rams need good body condition before the breeding season. Underconditioned rams have reduced libido and semen quality, while overconditioned rams may be lazy and less willing to mate. Rams should be condition scored about two months before breeding and fed to reach a condition score of 3 to 3.5. During the breeding season, rams may lose condition, especially if they are working hard. After breeding, rams can be returned to a maintenance diet.

Grain Feeding and Concentrate Management

Grain feeding is used to increase energy intake when forage alone cannot support target production. The amount and type of grain depend on the production goal, the cost of grain, and the quality of the forage base.

Grain Types and Processing

Corn is the most common energy grain in sheep diets. It is high in starch and energy but low in protein. Barley is similar to corn but is often more digestible. Oats are lower in energy and higher in fiber, making them a safer grain for sheep that are not accustomed to concentrate feeding. Wheat is very high in starch and must be introduced very gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Whole grains are often preferred over processed grains for sheep because they are digested more slowly in the rumen. Cracked or rolled grains are digested faster but increase the risk of acidosis. Pelleting grains can improve handling and reduce waste but adds cost.

Ration Formulation

A simple ration can be formulated using forage test results and grain composition. The goal is to meet the energy and protein requirements of the sheep class while providing adequate fiber for rumen function. Fiber is measured as neutral detergent fiber, and sheep diets should contain enough fiber to maintain chewing and rumination.

For growing lambs on a high-grain diet, the ration should contain at least 10 to 15 percent forage to maintain rumen health. For ewes in late pregnancy, the forage proportion should be higher, with grain making up no more than about 1 percent of body weight per day.

Preventing Digestive Disorders

Acidosis is the main risk when feeding grain. It occurs when rapid fermentation of starch produces excess lactic acid in the rumen, lowering rumen pH and damaging the rumen lining. Signs include reduced appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, death. Acidosis is prevented by introducing grain gradually, feeding multiple small meals, and ensuring adequate fiber in the diet.

Enterotoxemia, also called overeating disease, is caused by Clostridium perfringens type D and is triggered by sudden access to large amounts of grain. Vaccination is the primary prevention, and grain should always be introduced gradually.

Water and Feed Management

Water Requirements

Water is the most essential nutrient and is often overlooked. Sheep need clean, fresh water at all times. Water intake increases with milk production, environmental temperature, and dry matter intake. Lactating ewes have the highest water requirements and may drink 10 to 20 liters per day. Water quality matters, and troughs should be cleaned regularly to prevent algae and contamination.

Feed Storage and Quality

Feed quality can decline during storage. Hay stored outside loses quality through weathering, and grain can spoil if moisture is too high. Hay should be stored under cover or on well-drained ground with a cover over the top. Grain should be stored in clean, dry bins and checked regularly for mold and insect damage. Moldy feed can cause health problems and should not be fed to sheep.

Feed Bunk Management

Feed bunks and troughs should provide enough space for all sheep to eat at the same time. Dominant sheep will push subordinate animals away from feed, so adequate bunk space is important, especially for ewes in late pregnancy and lambs on high-grain diets. Feed should be offered at the same time each day, and uneaten feed should be removed to prevent spoilage.

Nutritional Strategies to Improve Meat Quality

Diet affects the fatty acid profile of sheep meat, which has implications for human health. Sheep meat naturally contains higher proportions of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid compared with cattle meat because biohydrogenation is less extensive in sheep. Sheep meat also has characteristically higher contents of branched-chain fatty acids.

Dietary manipulation is the most effective strategy for improving the fatty acid profile of sheep meat. Forage-based diets tend to produce meat with higher omega-3 fatty acids, while grain-based diets produce meat with higher saturated fat. The fatty acid profile of sheep meat can be enhanced through pasture management and supplementation strategies, but the link between the fatty acid profile of meat, human consumption patterns, and chronic disease outcomes requires further research.

Common Nutritional Deficiencies and Troubleshooting

Copper Toxicity Risk

Copper toxicity is a special concern in sheep. Because sheep excrete less copper in bile than other ruminants, they accumulate copper in the liver over time. Signs of copper toxicity may not appear until liver damage is advanced, and the condition is often fatal once clinical signs develop. Prevention is the only practical approach. Sheep should be fed mineral mixes formulated specifically for sheep, and copper levels in the total diet should be monitored. Farmers who also keep cattle or goats should ensure that sheep do not have access to cattle or goat minerals.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Some nutritional problems require professional diagnosis. If multiple animals show the same signs, if signs persist after feed changes, or if animals die unexpectedly, consult a veterinarian. Blood testing can confirm mineral deficiencies, and liver biopsies can assess copper status. A veterinarian can also help rule out infectious diseases that may mimic nutritional problems.

Records and Monitoring

Feed Records

Accurate feed records help farmers make informed decisions and identify problems early. Record the type and amount of feed offered, the number and class of animals fed, and the dates of feed changes. Forage test results should be filed with the feed records so that ration adjustments can be traced. Grain purchases should be recorded with the cost per ton and the analysis if available.

Body Condition Records

Body condition scores should be recorded at each scoring event. A simple spreadsheet with columns for animal identification, date, and condition score allows farmers to track changes over time. Group averages are useful for making feeding decisions, but individual scores identify animals that need special attention.

Growth Records

Weighing lambs at regular intervals provides objective data on growth performance. Lambs should be weighed at birth, at weaning, and at regular intervals during the finishing period. Average daily gain is calculated by dividing the weight gain by the number of days between weighings. Growth records help farmers identify lambs that are not performing and adjust feeding accordingly.

Flock Health Records

Nutritional problems often appear as health problems, so flock health records are an important part of nutritional monitoring. Record all treatments, including the reason for treatment, the product used, and the outcome. Patterns of disease can indicate nutritional deficiencies. For example, repeated cases of white muscle disease suggest a selenium problem, while multiple cases of pregnancy toxemia indicate that ewes were overconditioned or underfed in late pregnancy.

Common Failure Patterns in Sheep Feeding

Sudden Feed Changes

Sudden changes in feed cause more digestive problems than any other management error. The rumen microbial population takes time to adapt to new feeds, and abrupt changes can cause acidosis, reduced intake, and even death. Any feed change should be made gradually over 7 to 14 days, mixing the new feed with the old feed in increasing proportions.

Underfeeding in Late Pregnancy

Ewes in late pregnancy are often underfed because farmers underestimate the energy demands of fetal growth. The result is pregnancy toxemia, a metabolic disease that is often fatal. Prevention is better than treatment, and ewes should be condition scored and grouped by body condition in mid-pregnancy. Thin ewes should be fed more, and fat ewes should be monitored to prevent excessive weight loss.

Overreliance on Grain

Grain is expensive, and overreliance on grain increases feed costs without proportional production benefits. The goal is to use grain to complement forage, not to replace it. Forage testing helps farmers identify when grain is actually needed and how much to feed.

Ignoring Water

Water is the most essential nutrient, yet it is often the most neglected. Sheep that do not drink enough eat less and produce less. Water troughs should be checked daily, especially in hot weather and during lactation. Frozen water in winter is a common problem that reduces intake and production.

Feeding Moldy or Spoiled Feed

Moldy feed can cause a range of health problems, including reduced intake, digestive upset, and toxin-related diseases. Feed should be inspected before feeding, and any moldy or spoiled feed should be discarded. Hay that has been rained on or stored improperly is more likely to be moldy.

Welfare and Safety Considerations

Nutritional Welfare

Good nutrition is a fundamental component of animal welfare. Sheep that are underfed experience hunger and weight loss, while sheep that are overfed may suffer from metabolic diseases. Regular body condition scoring and feed monitoring help maintain good welfare. The World Organisation for Animal Health recognizes that animal health and welfare are linked, and proper nutrition is a key part of responsible animal management.

Worker Safety Around Feed

Feeding sheep involves physical work that carries injury risks. Lifting heavy feed bags can cause back injuries, and working around large animals always carries some risk. Use proper lifting techniques, and consider mechanical handling for large feed quantities. Sheep can be aggressive around feed, especially rams, so maintain safe distances and use proper handling facilities.

Food Safety

For farmers producing sheep meat or milk for human consumption, feed management affects food safety. Withdrawal periods for any medications must be observed, and feed should be stored to prevent contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides resources on animal feed safety and veterinary products, and farmers should follow all applicable regulations.

Biosecurity

Feed can be a route for disease introduction. Feed deliveries should be inspected, and feed storage areas should be kept clean and free of rodents and birds. Shared equipment between farms can spread disease, so equipment should be cleaned between uses. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal health and welfare, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations offers information on animal production systems.

Professional Escalation Criteria

Some nutritional problems require professional help. Contact a veterinarian, nutritionist, or extension specialist when:

• Multiple animals show the same unexplained signs
• Animals die unexpectedly or in increasing numbers
• Body condition scores decline despite increased feeding
• Forage test results are difficult to interpret
• A mineral deficiency is suspected but not confirmed
• Copper toxicity is suspected
• Feed-related disease outbreaks occur
• Ration formulation is needed for large flocks or specialized production

A veterinarian can perform diagnostic testing, and a nutritionist can formulate rations using the latest research. The USDA Agricultural Research Service conducts research on animal production and protection, and its findings inform practical recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hay for sheep?

Legume hays such as alfalfa and common vetch provide more protein and digestible energy than grass hays. Common vetch hay has shown higher digestibility and better lamb growth performance than alfalfa hay in some studies. The best hay for a specific flock depends on the sheep class, the forage test results, and the cost. Ewes in late pregnancy and lactating ewes need higher-quality hay than dry ewes or rams.

How much grain should I feed my sheep?

The amount of grain depends on the sheep class, the quality of the forage, and the production goal. Growing lambs on high-grain diets may receive grain at 1 to 2 percent of body weight per day, while ewes in late pregnancy typically need less. Grain should be introduced gradually and should never replace all forage in the diet. Forage testing and body condition scoring help determine the right amount.

Can sheep eat only hay?

Sheep can survive on hay alone, but production will be limited by the hay quality. Good-quality legume hay can support maintenance and modest growth, but lactating ewes and rapidly growing lambs usually need grain supplementation. Hay-only diets may also be deficient in certain minerals and vitamins, so a sheep-specific mineral supplement should be provided.

What minerals do sheep need in their diet?

Sheep need macrominerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, plus trace minerals including copper, selenium, zinc, manganese, and iodine. The exact requirements vary by life stage and production level. Forage mineral content varies by region, so soil and forage testing helps identify local deficiencies. Sheep should always have access to a sheep-specific mineral supplement.

Why is copper dangerous for sheep?

Sheep are more susceptible to copper toxicity than other ruminants because they excrete less copper in bile. Copper accumulates in the liver over time, and clinical signs may not appear until liver damage is severe. Copper toxicity is often fatal once signs appear, so prevention is essential. Sheep should not be fed cattle or goat mineral mixes, which typically contain higher copper levels.

How do I know if my sheep are getting enough protein?

Signs of protein deficiency include poor growth, rough hair coats, low milk production, and reduced fertility. Forage testing is the most reliable way to assess protein status. Growing lambs and lactating ewes have the highest protein requirements. If forage protein is low, add a protein supplement such as soybean meal or feed higher-quality legume hay.

What is pregnancy toxemia and how is it prevented?

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disease of ewes in late pregnancy caused by insufficient energy intake. It occurs most often in ewes carrying multiple lambs and in ewes that are too thin or too fat. Prevention involves body condition scoring, grouping ewes by condition, and increasing feed in the final six weeks of pregnancy. Affected ewes need immediate veterinary treatment.

How often should I test my forage?

Forage should be tested whenever a new hay lot is purchased or harvested. Testing every lot is ideal because hay quality varies widely between cuttings and fields. A basic forage test reports dry matter, crude protein, and fiber fractions. Forage test results guide supplementation decisions and help prevent both underfeeding and wasteful overfeeding.

Related Farming Guides

• Tilapia Feeding and Nutrition: Feed Formulation and Feeding Strategies
• Rabbit Feed Formulation and Nutrition for Production Stages
• Sheep Feed Budgeting and Seasonal Nutrition Planning
• Chicken Feed Options: Types, Nutrition, and Feeding Strategies
• Pig Feed Ingredients: Grains, Protein Sources, and Supplements

References and Further Reading

• FAO Animal Production and Health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Animal Health and Welfare. USDA National Agricultural Library.
• Animal and Veterinary Resources. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Animal Health and Welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health.
• Animal Production and Protection. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
• Nutritional requirements of sheep, goats and cattle in warm climates: a meta-analysis.. Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience, 2014.
• Nutritional enhancement of sheep meat fatty acid profile for human health and wellbeing.. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 2018.
• Protein requirements of hair sheep raised in warm areas: a multi-study approach.. Scientific reports, 2022.
• Host animal--rumen relationships.. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 1980.
• Understanding the effect of sex on energy requirements of hair sheep.. Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience, 2024.
• Trace Mineral Nutrition of Sheep.. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice, 2023.
• Mineral requirements of hair sheep in tropical climates.. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 2016.
• Amino acid requirements and amino acid supply in the sheep.. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 1973.
• Host Rejection of the White Mustard (Sinapis alba) by a Major Oilseed Rape Pest Is Driven by the Avoidance of Sinalbin.. 2026.
• Editorial: Advances in ruminant viruses.. 2026.
• Effects of letrozole supplementation on growth performance, plasma hormones, and plasma metabolites in weaned female lambs of Turpan black sheep.. 2026.
• Editorial: Advances in precision livestock management for grazing ruminant systems.. 2026.
• Feeding an Essential Oil Blend to Growing Crossbred Lambs Mitigates Heat Stress to Improve Growth Performance via Enhanced Antioxidant Capacity. 2026.
• Presentation (Chopped Versus Ground and Pelleted) of a Low-Quality Alfalfa Hay in Sheep: Effects on Intake, Feeding Behaviour, Rumen Fill and Digestion, and Passage. Animals, 2025.
• 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for microbiota analysis of rumen fluid, feces, and milk of Sarda sheep fed different content of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa).. Journal of Dairy Science, 2025.
• The effect of varying levels of purified condensed tannins on performance, blood profile, meat quality and methane emission in male Bapedi sheep fed grass hay and pellet-based diet. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2022.
• Effects of Prickly Burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach.) Control and Sheep Grazing on Hay Yield and Quality on Gökçeada Island, Turkey. Animals, 2022.
• Effect of hay type and breed on the fattening, centesimal and fatty acid composition of Nigerian sheep. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2024.
• Effect of Replacing Alfalfa Hay with Common Vetch Hay in Sheep Diets on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Microbiota. Animals, 2024.
• Body composition and energy and protein nutritional requirements for weight gain in Santa Ines crossbred sheep. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2016.
• Net protein and energy requirements for weight gain of Santa Inês and Morada Nova sheep. Livestock Science, 2018.
• Updating maintenance energy requirement for the current sheep flocks and the associated effect of nutritional and animal factors. Animal, 2020.

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