# Ration Formulation for Small Ruminants: Sheep and Goats ## Key Takeaways - **Nutrient requirements are dynamic:** Rations must be tailored to the animal's specific stage of production (maintenance, growth, pregnancy, lactation, breeding), as needs for crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) vary significantly. For example, lactating ewes with twins may require 14-16% CP and 65-70% TDN, while dry ewes at maintenance need only 8-10% CP and 55-60% TDN. - **Forage analysis is foundational:** Accurate ration formulation necessitates testing hay and pasture for CP, energy (TDN), and fiber (ADF/NDF). This data, combined with estimated dry matter intake (2.5-4.5% of body weight), reveals nutrient gaps that must be filled by supplements. - **Mineral balance is critical and species-specific:** Maintain a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1 to prevent urinary calculi. Crucially, sheep are highly sensitive to copper toxicity; never feed cattle mineral mixes, and always use a formulation specifically designed for sheep or goats. - **Gradual feed transitions prevent metabolic disorders:** Abrupt changes in diet, particularly grain introduction or increases, can disrupt rumen microbial populations, leading to acidosis and enterotoxemia. All ration adjustments should occur over a 7 to 14-day period. - **Body condition scoring is the ultimate ration evaluation:** While ration calculations are essential, the animal's body condition score (BCS) on a 1-5 scale is the definitive indicator of ration success. A BCS of 2.5-3.5 is generally ideal, and adjustments should be made based on observed condition, not solely on feed tags. --- Feeding is the single largest cost on most sheep and goat operations, often accounting for 60 to 70 percent of total production expenses. Yet many small ruminant producers rely on guesswork when building rations, which leads to wasted feed, poor weight gains, low milk production, and costly health problems. This guide walks you through the practical steps of sheep and [goat ration formulation](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-ration-formulation-balancing-nutrients-for-milk-production), from understanding nutrient requirements to mixing a balanced total mixed ration on your own farm. It is written for small and mid-sized producers, 4-H families, beginning farmers, and anyone who keeps sheep or goats for meat, milk, or fiber and wants to feed them with confidence rather than habit. ## At a Glance Here are the most important takeaways from this guide: - **Know your animal's stage.** Nutrient needs change dramatically between maintenance, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and breeding. A ration that works for a dry ewe will not support a lactating doe. - **Test your forage first.** Hay and pasture vary widely in protein and energy. You cannot formulate a balanced ration without knowing what your base feed provides. - **Balance for protein and energy first.** Crude protein and total digestible nutrients are the two numbers that drive most ration decisions. - **Weigh everything.** Scoops and flakes are not measurements. Use a scale to weigh feed and animals consistently. - **Make changes gradually.** Sudden feed changes cause digestive upset, acidosis, and enterotoxemia. Transition over 7 to 14 days. - **Provide free-choice minerals.** A balanced grain ration cannot compensate for missing trace minerals. Use a formulation made for sheep or goats, never cattle minerals. - **Watch body condition, not just the feed tag.** The animal is the final judge of whether your ration works. - **Call for help early.** If animals are losing condition, aborting, or dying despite good feed, contact your veterinarian or extension agent before making further changes. ## Why Ration Formulation Matters Sheep and goats are ruminants, which means they have a four-compartment stomach designed to digest fibrous plant material through microbial fermentation. This digestive system is both an advantage and a constraint. It allows these animals to thrive on forage that cattle might ignore, but it also means that what you feed shapes the microbial population in the rumen, which in turn determines how well the animal digests everything else it eats. When you formulate a ration, you are not just delivering nutrients to the animal. You are feeding a complex microbial ecosystem that must stay stable for the animal to function. Abrupt changes in grain, poor-quality forage, or mineral imbalances can disrupt that ecosystem and cause problems that range from reduced feed efficiency to sudden death. The economic case for careful ration formulation is straightforward. Feed costs money, and wasted feed is wasted profit. But underfeeding is also expensive. An ewe that enters lambing in poor condition produces less colostrum, has weaker lambs, and is more likely to need veterinary intervention. A growing kid that does not get enough protein will not reach market weight on schedule, which pushes back your sales and increases your carrying costs. A dairy doe that is underfed will milk less and may burn her own body reserves to the point of metabolic disease. Ration formulation is the tool that keeps you in the profitable middle ground. It is not complicated once you understand the basic framework, and it pays for itself many times over in healthier animals and better production. ## Understanding Nutrient Requirements for Sheep and Goats Before you can mix a ration, you need to know what your animals actually need. Nutrient requirements are expressed in several ways, and learning to read these numbers is the first step in sheep and [goat ration formulation](/knowledge/animal-farming/goats/goat-ration-formulation-balancing-nutrients-for-milk-production). ### Crude Protein Crude protein (CP) is a measure of the nitrogen content in feed, expressed as a percentage. It includes both true protein and non-protein nitrogen. For practical purposes, most producers simply look at the CP percentage on a feed tag or forage test report. Protein needs vary by stage of production. A mature ewe or doe at maintenance needs about 8 to 10 percent CP in her total ration dry matter. That same animal in late pregnancy needs 11 to 13 percent. A lactating ewe with twins may need 14 to 16 percent. Growing lambs and kids being pushed for market gain perform best on rations with 14 to 18 percent CP. ### Energy Energy is usually expressed as total digestible nutrients (TDN) or as net energy systems like NEm (net energy for maintenance) and NEg (net energy for gain). TDN is the simpler system for most producers to understand. It represents the percentage of feed that can be digested and used for energy. Maintenance rations for small ruminants typically contain 55 to 60 percent TDN. Late pregnancy and lactation push that requirement to 65 to 70 percent TDN. Growing animals on a high-gain program may need 70 to 75 percent TDN. ### Dry Matter Intake Dry matter intake (DMI) is the amount of feed an animal consumes, excluding water. This is the denominator for all ration calculations. Sheep and goats typically consume 2.5 to 4.5 percent of their body weight in dry matter per day, depending on stage of production, feed quality, and environmental conditions. A 150-pound ewe, for example, might eat 3.5 to 5.5 pounds of dry matter daily. A 130-pound doe in early lactation might eat 4 to 6 pounds. These numbers matter because they tell you how much of each nutrient the animal is actually getting per day, not just as a percentage of the ration. ### Minerals and Vitamins Calcium and phosphorus are the macrominerals that most often cause problems in small ruminant rations. The calcium to phosphorus ratio should be between 1.5:1 and 2:1. Imbalances contribute to urinary calculi in wethers and bucks, which is a painful and often fatal condition. Trace minerals including copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese are essential but required in very small amounts. Sheep are extremely sensitive to copper toxicity and should never receive cattle or goat mineral mixes that contain added copper. Goats have a higher copper tolerance but still need a species-appropriate mineral. Vitamin A and vitamin E are the vitamins most likely to be deficient in confined feeding situations. Fresh green forage provides both, but stored hay loses vitamin A over time. Injections or feed additives can fill the gap when needed. Water is the most essential nutrient of all. A lactating doe needs 1 to 2 gallons of clean water per day, and intake rises in hot weather. Never restrict water to save money. Dehydration reduces feed intake faster than any other single factor. ## Forage Testing: The Foundation of Every Ration You cannot formulate a balanced ration for sheep and goats if you do not know what your forage provides. Forage testing is inexpensive, usually 15 to 30 dollars per sample, and it is the single best investment you can make in your feeding program. ### How to Sample Hay Use a hay probe to collect cores from multiple bales. Sample 10 to 20 bales from the same cutting and field, and combine the cores into one clean plastic bag. Send the sample to a forage testing laboratory and request a standard analysis that includes crude protein, ADF (acid detergent fiber), NDF (neutral detergent fiber), TDN, and key minerals. ADF and NDF measure fiber content. Lower values generally mean higher quality and better digestibility. Legume hays like alfalfa run lower in fiber and higher in protein than grass hays. Mixed hays fall in between. ### How to Sample Pasture Pasture sampling is trickier because forage quality changes with growth stage. Clip samples from several areas that represent what the animals actually graze, and send them for the same analysis. Remember that pasture quality declines as plants mature. Spring growth is high in protein and energy, while late-summer growth is stemmy and low in both. ### Reading Your Forage Test A typical grass hay test might show 8 to 10 percent CP and 55 to 58 percent TDN. Legume hay might run 16 to 20 percent CP and 58 to 62 percent TDN. If your forage test shows numbers below these ranges, you will need to supplement more grain or protein to make up the difference. Keep your forage test reports on file. They help you compare years, evaluate different fields, and make purchasing decisions when you buy hay from other producers. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Sheep and Goat Rations Ration formulation follows a logical sequence. Work through these steps in order, and you will produce a ration that meets your animals' needs without overfeeding expensive supplements. ### Step 1: Identify Your Animal Class and Production Stage Write down exactly which animals you are feeding. A ration for a 150-pound ewe in late pregnancy is different from a ration for a 60-pound market lamb. Separate animals into groups by age, weight, and production stage whenever possible. Common groups include: - Maintenance (dry, non-pregnant animals) - Early to mid pregnancy - Late pregnancy (last 4 to 6 weeks) - Early lactation (first 4 to 6 weeks after birth) - Late lactation - Growing and finishing lambs or kids - Breeding males If you have multiple groups, formulate a separate ration for each. Feeding one ration to the whole flock means some animals get too much and others get too little. ### Step 2: Determine Target Weights and Expected Performance Decide what you want these animals to do. Are you maintaining mature ewes through the summer? Are you pushing lambs to a 60-pound market weight by 5 months? Are you milking does and selling to a creamery? Your production goal sets the nutrient targets. For growing animals, estimate the daily gain you want. A moderate rate of 0.4 to 0.6 pounds per day is realistic for most pasture-based operations. Confined feeding with high-quality grain can push gains higher, but it also raises the risk of digestive problems. ### Step 3: Look Up Nutrient Requirements Use a published nutrient requirement table for sheep or goats. The Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is the standard reference, and many extension services publish simplified tables based on it. Your extension agent can provide these tables or point you to a reliable online source. Find the row that matches your animal class and weight, then read across to find the daily requirements for dry matter, crude protein, TDN, calcium, and phosphorus. ### Step 4: Calculate What Your Forage Provides Multiply the dry matter intake by the nutrient percentages in your forage test. For example, if a ewe eats 4 pounds of dry matter per day and your hay tests at 9 percent CP, she gets 0.36 pounds of crude protein from hay alone (4 x 0.09 = 0.36). Do the same calculation for TDN. This tells you how much of the daily requirement is already covered by forage. ### Step 5: Determine the Gap Subtract what the forage provides from what the animal needs. The difference is the amount of protein and energy you must supply from grain, other concentrates, or higher-quality forage. This gap calculation is the heart of ration formulation. If the gap is small, a modest amount of grain will close it. If the gap is large, you may need to switch to better forage, add a protein supplement, or both. ### Step 6: Choose Your Supplements Common energy supplements include corn, barley, oats, and molasses. Common protein supplements include soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and commercial protein blocks. Whole cottonseed and distillers grains provide both protein and energy. Select supplements based on cost per pound of nutrient, availability in your area, and your feeding equipment. A commercial pelleted supplement is convenient and consistent, but it often costs more per unit of nutrient than mixing your own. ### Step 7: Build the Ration and Check the Numbers Combine forage and supplements in proportions that meet the daily requirements. Then check the total ration for protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, and dry matter. A simple example for a 150-pound ewe in late pregnancy with twins: - Daily dry matter intake: 4.5 pounds - Requirement: 0.55 pounds CP, 2.9 pounds TDN - Hay at 10 percent CP and 56 percent TDN: 3.5 pounds provides 0.35 pounds CP and 1.96 pounds TDN - Corn at 9 percent CP and 88 percent TDN: 1.0 pound provides 0.09 pounds CP and 0.88 pounds TDN - Total: 0.44 pounds CP and 2.84 pounds TDN This ration is slightly short on protein. Adding 0.15 pounds of soybean meal at 48 percent CP provides 0.07 pounds CP, bringing the total to 0.51 pounds CP, which meets the requirement. The final ration is 4.65 pounds of feed per day, close to the target dry matter intake. ### Step 8: Convert to As-Fed Weights Feed labels and your own measurements are in as-fed weights, which include moisture. If your hay is 90 percent dry matter, 3.5 pounds of dry matter equals about 3.9 pounds as-fed (3.5 divided by 0.90). Do this conversion for every feed ingredient so you know how much to actually put in the feeder. ### Step 9: Trial the Ration and Adjust Feed the new ration for 7 to 14 days while watching body condition, manure consistency, and feed intake. Animals that clean up their feed and maintain condition are on the right track. Animals that leave feed, lose condition, or develop loose manure need adjustment. ## Total Mixed Ration for Small Ruminants A total mixed ration (TMR) combines all feed ingredients, including forage, grain, and supplements, into a single mixture that animals eat together. TMRs are common in dairy cattle operations and are gaining popularity with larger sheep and goat producers. ### Benefits of a TMR A TMR prevents sorting. When you feed hay and grain separately, animals pick through and eat the most palatable parts first, leaving the less desirable fiber behind. A TMR forces each bite to be nutritionally similar, which keeps the rumen environment stable. TMRs also allow you to use less palatable but cheaper forages. When mixed with grain and molasses, animals will consume feed they would reject if offered alone. ### How to Build a TMR You need a mixer, which can be a dedicated TMR mixer wagon or a simple vertical mixer for smaller operations. Some producers use a cement mixer or a large tub with a paddle mixer for small batches. Chop or grind the forage to a consistent particle size. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, and feed the TMR immediately or within a few hours. TMRs spoil quickly in warm weather, so do not mix more than you will feed in 24 hours. ### TMR Considerations for Small Ruminants Sheep and goats are selective eaters, and they are more likely to sort a TMR than cattle are. Keep particle size small enough that sorting is difficult, and use a feedbunk with a high enough lip to prevent animals from pushing feed out. Start with a simple TMR. A basic mix of chopped hay, corn, soybean meal, and a mineral premix is enough for most operations. Add molasses or other palatability enhancers only if intake is a problem. ## Feeding by Production Stage Each stage of the production cycle has specific nutritional demands. Understanding these stages helps you adjust rations at the right time rather than reacting to problems after they appear. ### Maintenance Dry, non-pregnant animals need the simplest ration. Good-quality forage alone often meets all their needs. Provide free-choice minerals and clean water, and monitor body condition monthly. The goal during maintenance is to keep animals in moderate condition, about a 2.5 to 3 on a 5-point body condition scale. Do not let animals get fat, because fat animals have more problems at lambing and kidding. ### Early to Mid Pregnancy During the first 4 months of pregnancy, the developing fetus is small, and nutrient demands are only slightly above maintenance. Continue feeding good forage with minerals. The main concern is to keep animals gaining modestly so they enter late pregnancy in good condition. ### Late Pregnancy The last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy is the most critical feeding period. The fetus does most of its growth during this time, and the ewe or doe must also develop udder tissue for lactation. Increase energy and protein gradually during this period. This is when most producers begin feeding grain or a commercial supplement. Start with 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per head per day and increase slowly to the target level over 2 weeks. Late pregnancy is also when pregnancy toxemia becomes a risk. This metabolic disease occurs when the animal cannot consume enough energy to meet the demands of the growing fetuses. Fat animals and animals carrying twins or triplets are most at risk. The best prevention is to avoid overconditioning early in pregnancy and to provide a steadily increasing energy supply in late pregnancy. ### Lactation Lactation places the highest nutrient demands on the animal. A ewe nursing twins may need 50 to 75 percent more energy and protein than she needed at maintenance. Feed the highest-quality forage you have during lactation, and supplement with grain at 1 to 2 percent of body weight per day, split into two feedings if possible. Milk production peaks 3 to 4 weeks after birth, so nutrient needs are highest then. ### Growing and Finishing Animals Lambs and kids destined for market need a ration that supports rapid, efficient gain. The rumen is not fully developed at birth, so young animals need creep feed that is palatable and high in protein. Start [creep feeding lambs](/knowledge/animal-farming/sheep/creep-feeding-lambs-benefits-and-management) and kids at 2 to 3 weeks of age. Use a commercial creep feed or a mixture of grain and protein supplement. By weaning, the young animals should be eating 1 to 2 percent of their body weight in creep feed daily. Finishing rations for market animals are higher in energy and lower in fiber. The goal is to maximize gain while minimizing the risk of acidosis. Introduce grain gradually and keep the ration consistent from day to day. ### Breeding Males Rams and bucks need a maintenance ration most of the year, but they need extra condition before the breeding season. Increase feed 4 to 6 weeks before breeding so they enter the season in good body condition. Overweight males have reduced libido and fertility, so do not overfeed. ## Common Mistakes in Sheep and Goat Ration Formulation Even experienced producers make feeding errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. ### Feeding Cattle Minerals to Sheep Cattle mineral mixes contain copper levels that are safe for cattle but toxic to sheep. Copper accumulates in the sheep liver and causes death when it reaches toxic levels. Always use a mineral formulated specifically for sheep, and keep cattle minerals completely separate. ### Guessing Hay Quality Feeding hay without a forage test is like balancing a checkbook without knowing your account balance. The difference between good and poor hay is often 5 to 8 percentage points of protein and 10 to 15 points of TDN. That difference changes your supplement needs dramatically. ### Sudden Feed Changes Changing from hay to lush pasture, or increasing grain rapidly, disrupts the rumen microbial population. This can cause acidosis, founder, and enterotoxemia. All feed changes should be gradual, over 7 to 14 days. ### Overfeeding Grain Grain is expensive, and too much causes problems. Signs of overfeeding include loose manure, reduced forage intake, and increased risk of acidosis and urinary calculi. Feed the minimum amount of grain needed to meet nutrient requirements, not more. ### Ignoring Body Condition The feed tag and the ration calculator are tools, not verdicts. The animal's body condition score is the ground truth of whether your feeding program works. Check body condition monthly and adjust feed accordingly. ### Not Adjusting for Weather Cold weather increases energy requirements because the animal must maintain body temperature. Wind, rain, and mud make this worse. During severe weather, increase energy intake by 10 to 25 percent and ensure animals have a dry, sheltered place to eat. ### Forgetting Water Water intake drives feed intake. A lactating doe needs 1 to 2 gallons per day, and more in hot weather. Check water systems daily, especially in winter when lines can freeze. ## Decision Thresholds: When to Change the Ration Knowing when to adjust the ration is as important as knowing how to formulate it. Use these thresholds as a guide. ### Body Condition Score Below 2.5 If an animal drops below a body condition score of 2.5 on a 5-point scale, increase energy and protein by 10 to 15 percent. Recheck in 2 weeks. If condition continues to decline, investigate for parasites, dental problems, or chronic disease. ### Body Condition Score Above 3.5 Overconditioned animals are at risk for pregnancy toxemia, lambing difficulty, and heat stress. Reduce energy intake gradually, but do not restrict feed during late pregnancy. The damage from overconditioning is best prevented early, not corrected late. ### Manure Consistency Changes Normal sheep and goat manure is formed pellets. Loose or pasty manure suggests too much grain or poor-quality forage. Reduce grain and increase fiber. Very dry, hard pellets suggest insufficient water intake or too much fiber. ### Feed Refusal Animals that leave feed are telling you something. Check for spoiled feed, mold, or changes in feed ingredients. If feed intake drops more than 10 percent, investigate the cause before it affects production. ### Weight Loss in Lactating Animals Some weight loss is normal in early lactation, but animals should not lose more than 0.5 to 1 condition score. If a lactating ewe or doe is losing condition rapidly, increase energy and protein immediately. ### Poor Growth in Young Animals Growing lambs and kids should gain 0.4 to 0.6 pounds per day on a moderate program. If gains fall below 0.3 pounds per day, increase energy and protein or check for internal parasites. Weigh animals monthly to track progress. ## Monitoring and Recordkeeping You cannot manage what you do not measure. A simple recordkeeping system helps you track feed costs, animal performance, and the effectiveness of your rations. ### What to Record Keep a feeding calendar that shows what ration you fed each group and how much. Record the cost per ton of each ingredient and the cost per pound of feed. Track body condition scores monthly for each animal or a representative sample. Record weights for growing animals at weaning and monthly after that. Record milk production for dairy animals. Note any health problems that might be feed-related, such as urinary calculi, acidosis, or pregnancy toxemia. ### How to Use the Records Review your records monthly. Look for trends in body condition, weight gain, and health problems. Compare feed costs across months and years. Use the records to make decisions about which feeds to buy, when to sell market animals, and whether your feeding program is profitable. ### [Body Condition Scoring](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/body-condition-scoring-a-tool-for-feed-management) Body condition scoring is a hands-on technique that assesses fat cover over the backbone and loin. Use a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 is emaciated and 5 is obese. A score of 3 is ideal for most production stages. Practice body condition scoring with your extension agent or an experienced producer until you are consistent. Score the same animals monthly and track changes over time. ## When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent Ration formulation is within the reach of most producers, but there are times when professional help is essential. ### Call Your Veterinarian If You See - Multiple animals off feed or showing signs of colic - Sudden death in well-fed animals - Signs of pregnancy toxemia, including depression, weakness, and sweet-smelling breath - Signs of urinary calculi, including straining to urinate and kicking at the belly - Abortions or stillbirths - Signs of copper toxicity, including jaundice and dark urine - Nervous system signs, including circling, head pressing, or seizures These conditions can be rapidly fatal, and prompt veterinary treatment improves the odds of survival. ### Call Your Extension Agent If You Need - Help interpreting forage test results - Assistance with ration calculations - A refresher on body condition scoring - Help comparing feed costs - Information on local feed suppliers and prices - Guidance on setting up a TMR system Extension agents are a free resource paid for by your tax dollars. Use them early and often. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much grain should I feed my sheep or goat? The answer depends on the animal's stage of production and the quality of your forage. A dry ewe at maintenance may need no grain at all if she has good hay. A lactating ewe with twins might need 1 to 2 pounds per day. Start with 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per day and increase gradually, watching body condition and manure consistency. Never feed more grain than the animal needs, because excess grain causes digestive problems and wastes money. ### Can I feed the same ration to sheep and goats? Sheep and goats have similar nutrient requirements, but they differ in one critical way. Sheep are highly sensitive to copper and can die from copper toxicity. Goats tolerate more copper. If you feed a mixed flock, use a sheep mineral and monitor goats for copper deficiency, or separate the groups and feed species-appropriate minerals. The grain and forage portions of the ration can usually be shared, but mineral programs should be species-specific. ### What is the best hay for sheep and goats? The best hay is the one that meets your animals' nutrient needs at the lowest cost. Legume hays like alfalfa are higher in protein and calcium but cost more. Grass hays are cheaper but lower in protein. A mixed grass-legume hay often provides a good balance. Test your hay and match it to your animals' requirements. Late-pregnant and lactating animals need higher-quality hay, while dry animals can do well on more mature forage. ### How do I prevent urinary calculi in wethers and bucks? Urinary calculi are stones that block the urinary tract, and they are often fatal. Prevention starts with a correct calcium to phosphorus ratio in the ration, ideally between 1.5:1 and 2:1. Feed a mineral that contains ammonium chloride or another acidifier, especially for wethers and bucks. Provide free-choice water at all times, and avoid feeding excessive grain. If you see an animal straining to urinate, call your veterinarian immediately. ### How do I introduce a new ration to my flock? Make all feed changes gradually over 7 to 14 days. Start by replacing 10 to 20 percent of the old ration with the new ration, then increase the proportion every 2 to 3 days. Watch for changes in manure consistency and feed intake. If animals develop loose manure or go off feed, slow down the transition. The rumen microbes need time to adapt to new feeds, and rushing the process causes acidosis. ### Should I use a total mixed ration for my small ruminants? A TMR works well for larger operations and for animals that need precise nutrition, such as high-producing dairy goats or finishing lambs. It prevents sorting and keeps the rumen stable. For small flocks, a TMR is often impractical because you need a mixer and the feed spoils quickly. Simple forage plus grain feeding works fine for most small operations. Choose the system that fits your scale and management style. ### How often should I test my forage? Test every cutting of hay and every major pasture change. Forage quality varies with weather, soil fertility, and harvest timing. A hay crop cut late will test differently from the same field cut early. If you buy hay, test each lot before feeding it. Forage testing costs little compared to the cost of feeding the wrong supplement for months. ### What do I do if my animals are losing weight despite good feed? First, verify that the animals are actually eating the feed. Check feeder space, competition, and water availability. Then test for internal parasites, which are the most common cause of weight loss in sheep and goats. Check teeth in older animals. Review your ration calculations to confirm the animals are getting the nutrients you think they are. If the problem persists, call your veterinarian for a full health workup. ## Related Farming Guides This section will be populated with links to related guides on sheep health, goat management, pasture management, and other small ruminant topics. Check back for updates. ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Water Buffalo Genetic Improvement and Breeding Programs](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/water-buffalo-genetic-improvement-breeding-programs) * [Camel Farm Biosecurity: Disease Prevention and Quarantine Protocols](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/camel-farm-biosecurity-disease-prevention-quarantine-protocols) * [Water Buffalo Farm Equipment and Infrastructure](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/water-buffalo-farm-equipment-infrastructure) ## References - FAO Animal Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/ - USDA APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ - 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.