Feeding programs for goats and sheep

Modern Feeding of Goats and Sheep

Feeding goats and sheep is an extremely important aspect of sheep and goat farming. A well-structured feeding program not only improves animal health but also ensures high productivity—in terms of milk from dairy goats and ewes, as well as meat from lambs and rams being fattened.

Goats and sheep (especially those bred for milk, meat, or mixed productivity) have similar but still distinct nutritional needs. Goats are generally more active and require more protein and energy, especially during the milking period. Sheep are less demanding but also need quality feed to support reproduction, growth, and lactation.

Ration is the foundation of small ruminants’ health and productivity, so it should be balanced according to the following criteria:

• energy (provided by grains, compound feed);
• protein (green forages, protein-vitamin-mineral supplements – PVMS);
• minerals (salt, premixes);
• vitamins (vitamin additives, juicy feeds);
• fiber (hay, straw).

The main feed for sheep and goats includes roughage, which is a source of fiber; juicy feeds such as beet, carrot, pumpkin, and potato—sources of moisture and vitamins; concentrated feeds: grains, oilcake, compound feed; green forages, especially valuable in summer: grass, alfalfa, clover; specialized mixtures: complete feed mixes, PVMS, premixes, and additives.

Feeding Dairy Goats and Ewes

Dairy goats and ewes require special attention in feeding. Their diet should be high in protein and rich in micronutrients to ensure adequate lactation. The core of their ration should be energy and protein—mainly from compound feed with a high content of energy and protein. PVMS provide the body with amino acids, probiotics, and enzymes. Additives and premixes supply vitamins A, D, E, and micro- and macroelements. Access to clean water should be available 24/7, as dairy animals lose a lot of fluids.

A special diet should also be developed for lambs and kids during the first 60 days of life. They should receive colostrum within the first 2 hours after birth. Then, they are gradually introduced to concentrates and compound feed.

By the 30th day, lambs and kids should consume mother’s milk or its substitute (3–4 times a day), hay, starter compound feed, and vitamins (through premixes). From day 30 to day 90, the ration should include full compound feed, hay, PVMS, vitamins, and premixes. The goal is to prepare the young for weaning and to form a healthy rumen microflora.

Fattening is an important stage for meat production. The main goal is rapid weight gain with minimal feed cost. Fattening lasts 2–3 months for lambs (from 3 to 6 months of age), and up to 8 months for rams (depending on the breed). The ration should include high-quality compound feed, hay, PVMS (7–10% of the total compound feed), premixes, and juicy feeds. It’s important to use ready-made compound feeds for lamb fattening with added PVMS and premixes. This ensures fast muscle gain and reduces feed cost per kg of weight gain.

Breeding rams should receive nutrients not only to maintain life but also to support active reproductive function. Their feeding must be balanced and rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Recommended Ration

• Hay – 1.2 kg
• Compound feed – 0.8 kg
• Juicy feeds – 0.5 kg
• PVMS – 100 g
• Additives: salt, chalk
• Premix – for males

Compound Feed in Feeding Small Ruminants

Although goats and sheep are not considered large livestock in the classical sense, they are often categorized as small ruminants. Compound feed is a main source of energy and protein in intensive farming. To effectively use compound feed, it is necessary to:

• choose specialized formulas (for dairy animals, for fattening, for young stock);
• not exceed the recommended amount;
• combine with PVMS;
• ensure constant access to water.

It is important to remember that in summer feeding, the base of the diet is green forage (pasture); concentrates are used in reduced amounts; mineral additives are mandatory; water should be in sufficient quantity and freely accessible.

In the winter period, hay should be supplemented with compound feed, juicy feeds (root crops), PVMS—to support metabolism, and premixes should be given on a regular basis to prevent vitamin deficiencies.

An insufficient or unbalanced diet can lead to: reduced milk yield in dairy animals; weight loss in rams; growth delays in lambs; reproductive disorders; diseases (ketosis, acidosis, hypovitaminosis). VITAGRO NUTRITION provides highly effective goat and sheep feeding programs aimed at achieving high profits.

Feeding goats and sheep is both a science and an art. A diet based on quality forage, compound feed, balanced mixtures, PVMS, premixes, and vitamin supplements is the key to high productivity, health, and longevity of livestock. A well-designed feeding program ensures maximum returns from dairy goats and ewes, healthy offspring, and effective ram fattening.