Small ruminants are not small cows. They select feed more, react differently to minerals and have their own critical periods around mating, late pregnancy and lamb fattening.
Sheep and especially goats are selective feeders and eat more dry matter per kg of body weight than cattle.
Improving the energy supply of ewes 2–3 weeks before and during mating increases ovulation rate and lambing percentage.
BCS about 3.0 at mating.
About 70% of foetal growth happens in the last 6 weeks, while rumen space shrinks. Ewes carrying twins or triplets are at risk of pregnancy toxaemia (ketosis).
BCS about 3.0–3.5 at lambing; no toxaemia cases.
As with calves, colostrum and a good start decide survival and growth.
High-concentrate fattening rations give fast gain but need careful adaptation and mineral balance.
Good gain and feed efficiency without acidosis or urinary stones.
Sheep are very sensitive to copper poisoning, while goats tolerate more copper. Using cattle minerals or premixes for sheep can be dangerous.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating biomass without oxygen, is being studied as a feed additive for its effects on rumen fermentation, methane emissions and performance.
Educational content with general guidance; targets vary by breed and farm. Diagnosis and treatment of sick animals are your veterinarian’s job.