The Nutrition of Ewes

Sheep are ruminant animals consequently a large proportion of their nutritional requirements can be met with roughage feeds. With this in mind , then the basis of a good ration for ewes is adequate pasture or other top quality forages. The need for supplemental feeding of protein, energy, minerals and/or vitamins to meet the nutritive requirements will depend upon the amount and quality of forage consumed and on the different stages of a ewes reproductive cycle. A mature breeding ewe can be regarded as having about 6 months of critical nutrition needs while a maintenance ration is adequate during the remainder of the year. Higher nutritional planes fed during the flushing period, prior to lambing and during lactation has proven beneficial in improving lamb production.