What to Feed Sheep During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Practical Canadian Guide feed for pregnant sheep

Pregnancy and lactation are two of the most nutritionally demanding periods in a ewe's production cycle.

A ewe that maintains good condition on pasture and hay during maintenance may require a different feeding program as lambing approaches. After lambing, producing milk for one or more lambs can increase nutritional demands even further.

For Canadian sheep producers, seasonal conditions add another consideration.

Many ewes spend part of pregnancy or lactation during periods when fresh pasture is limited and stored forage becomes an important part of the ration.

So, what should you feed pregnant sheep and lactating ewes?

A practical feeding program starts with good-quality forage and then balances energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water according to the ewe's body condition, stage of pregnancy, number of lambs and forage quality.

This guide explains the key considerations for feeding pregnant and lactating sheep in Canada.

Why Does a Ewe's Diet Change During Pregnancy?

A ewe's nutritional requirements don't remain constant throughout pregnancy.

During early pregnancy, fetal growth is relatively limited compared with the final stages.

As lambing approaches, fetal development accelerates and the ewe's nutritional demands increase.

This makes late pregnancy particularly important from a feeding-management perspective.

The feeding program should take into account:

• Ewe body weight

• Body condition

• Stage of pregnancy

• Number of lambs expected

• Forage quality

• Weather

• Housing and environment

• Overall flock management

There isn't one universal amount of grain or pellets that is appropriate for every pregnant ewe.

Start With Good-Quality Forage

Forage remains an important foundation of sheep nutrition.

Depending on the farm and season, forage may include:

• Pasture

• Grass hay

• Legume hay

• Mixed grass-legume hay

• Other professionally formulated forage programs

  
  

The nutritional value of hay can vary considerably.

Two bales that look similar may contain different levels of protein, energy and minerals depending on plant species, maturity at harvest, growing conditions and storage.

For commercial flocks or situations where nutritional requirements are high, forage analysis can provide useful information when developing the ration.

What Makes Good Hay for Pregnant Sheep?

Good sheep hay should be clean, appropriately harvested and properly stored.

Inspect hay before feeding.

Avoid forage that is:

• Visibly mouldy

• Musty

• Excessively dusty

• Wet or spoiled

• Contaminated

• Heavily weather-damaged

  
  

Pregnancy isn't the time to rely on poor-quality forage and assume additional grain will solve every nutritional problem.

Start with the best practical forage base and balance the rest of the ration around it.

Feeding Sheep During Early Pregnancy

During early pregnancy, many ewes may continue on a forage-based feeding program when forage quality and body condition are appropriate.

The objective is generally to maintain suitable condition rather than allowing ewes to become excessively thin or over-conditioned.

Regular body-condition assessment is useful because wool can make visual evaluation difficult.

Use hands-on assessment rather than relying only on appearance.

If ewes enter pregnancy in poor condition, seek appropriate nutritional advice rather than attempting rapid weight gain without considering the complete ration.

Feeding Sheep During Late Pregnancy

Late pregnancy deserves particularly close attention.

As fetal growth accelerates, the ewe's nutritional requirements increase.

At the same time, the growing uterus can reduce the physical space available for large quantities of bulky feed.

This combination means forage quality and ration nutrient density become increasingly important.

Depending on forage and the ewe's requirements, a properly formulated sheep ration may be introduced as lambing approaches.

Any concentrate should be introduced gradually rather than making a sudden large change.

Does the Number of Lambs Matter?

Yes.

A ewe carrying twins or triplets can have different nutritional requirements from a ewe carrying a single lamb.

Where producers have information about expected litter size, grouping ewes according to nutritional needs can improve feeding management.

Potential groups might include:

• Ewes carrying singles

• Ewes carrying twins

• Ewes carrying triplets or more

• Thin ewes requiring additional attention

• Mature ewes in normal condition

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This allows the feeding program to better match nutritional demand instead of treating every ewe identically.

Should Pregnant Sheep Be Fed Grain?

Grain can provide concentrated energy, but feeding grain isn't simply a matter of adding an arbitrary scoop to every ewe's ration.

Whether concentrate is needed depends on:

• Forage quality

• Body condition

• Pregnancy stage

• Expected litter size

• Environmental conditions

• The rest of the ration

  
  

When additional nutrients are required, a commercial feed formulated specifically for sheep can provide a more consistent approach than feeding unbalanced grain ingredients alone.

Introduce concentrates gradually and follow the manufacturer's feeding directions.

Sheep Pellets vs General Grain

A prepared sheep ration and general grain aren't the same thing.

General Grain

Corn, barley, oats and other grains can contribute energy, but an individual grain isn't automatically a complete or balanced sheep ration.

Formulated Sheep Pellets

Commercial sheep pellets are formulated to provide a specified combination of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.

They can make ration management more consistent and reduce the need to balance individual ingredients without professional guidance.

Most importantly, sheep-specific feed is formulated with the nutritional characteristics of sheep in mind.

Feeding Ewes Before Lambing

The final weeks before lambing are an important transition period.

If a commercial ewe ration is part of your feeding program, introduce it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For example, Masterfeeds GoalMaker 13% Sheep Ration is formulated for pregnant and lactating ewes and is intended to be introduced approximately two to three weeks before lambing.

The product is designed to complement suitable legume and grass forage.

It provides a minimum of 13% crude protein along with energy, vitamins and sheep-appropriate minerals.

Exact feeding amounts should reflect the ewe, forage and flock feeding program rather than being copied from a general online recommendation.

What Should You Feed a Ewe After Lambing?

After lambing, nutritional demands can increase substantially because the ewe is producing milk.

A lactating ewe needs nutrients both for maintaining her own body and supporting milk production.

The feeding program should consider:

• Number of lambs being nursed

• Milk production

• Ewe body condition

• Forage quality

• Feed intake

• Weather

• Stage of lactation

  
  

High-quality forage should remain an important part of the diet.

A properly formulated sheep concentrate may also be required when forage alone does not adequately meet nutritional needs.

Why Sheep-Specific Minerals Matter

Mineral nutrition is an important part of a properly balanced sheep ration.

Important minerals include:

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Sodium

• Magnesium

• Selenium

• Other trace minerals

  
  

But supplementation should not be approached as “more is better.”

The total mineral intake from forage, commercial feed and supplements needs to be considered.

Use products specifically formulated and labelled for sheep.

Watch for Feed Competition

Group feeding doesn't guarantee every ewe receives an equal amount.

Dominant sheep may prevent smaller, younger or weaker ewes from accessing sufficient feed.

Provide adequate feeder space and observe the flock during feeding.

Separating animals by nutritional requirements can be particularly helpful during:

• Late pregnancy

• Lactation

• Multiple births

• Poor body condition

  
  

The goal is for each ewe to have reasonable access to the ration intended for her group.

Don't Forget Feed Storage

Even a well-formulated ration can become unsuitable if it is stored poorly.

Store sheep feed in a:

• Cool location

• Clean location

• Dry environment

• Covered container or original protected packaging

• Pest-resistant area

  
  

Never feed pellets or grain that are wet, mouldy, musty or contaminated.

Hay should also be protected from ground moisture and precipitation.

Choosing Feed for Pregnant Sheep in Ontario

When choosing feed, start by asking:

What stage of pregnancy is the ewe in?

What is her body condition?

How many lambs is she carrying, if known?

What is the quality of the forage?

Will she be nursing one lamb or several?

What nutrients are already supplied by the ration?

These questions are more useful than selecting feed based only on protein percentage or price.

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies carries sheep-specific feeding options for Ontario farms, including ewe pellets and rations designed for pregnancy and lactation.

Sheep Feed Options for Pregnant and Lactating Ewes

Two relevant options currently available through Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies include:

Masterfeeds GoalMaker 13% Sheep Ration

This pelleted ration is specifically formulated for ewes around lambing and during lactation.

It contains:

• Minimum 13% crude protein

• Minimum 3.1% crude fat

• Maximum 12% crude fibre

• Calcium and phosphorus

• Vitamins A, D and E

• Added selenium

  
  

The feeding program begins approximately two to three weeks before lambing and can continue throughout lactation according to the manufacturer's directions.

Jones Feed Mills 15% Ewe Sheep Pellets

These pellets provide:

• Minimum 15% crude protein

• Sheep-specific formulation

• Consistent pelleted format

• Convenient measuring and handling

  
  

Use according to the current product label and select the ration according to the ewe's requirements and total feeding program.

Buy Sheep Feed in Blenheim & Chatham-Kent, Ontario

Feeding pregnant and lactating sheep successfully starts with understanding that nutritional requirements change throughout the production cycle.

Good-quality forage remains central, while appropriately formulated sheep feed can help meet increased requirements during late pregnancy and milk production.

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies provides sheep feed and livestock supplies for farmers and animal owners in Blenheim, Chatham-Kent and surrounding Southwestern Ontario communities.

Choose products specifically formulated for sheep, follow current manufacturer directions and seek qualified nutritional or veterinary advice when managing complex feeding situations.

FAQ?

What should I feed a pregnant sheep?

Start with suitable good-quality forage and balance the remainder of the diet according to body condition, pregnancy stage, litter size and forage quality. A properly formulated sheep ration may be required as nutritional demands increase.

When should I increase feed for pregnant ewes?

Nutritional requirements increase substantially during late pregnancy. The exact feeding program depends on the ewe and forage. Some commercial pre-lambing rations are designed to begin several weeks before lambing.

What should I feed sheep before lambing?

High-quality forage remains important. Depending on nutritional requirements, a sheep-specific concentrate formulated for the pre-lambing period may be introduced gradually according to its label.

What should I feed a ewe after lambing?

Lactating ewes need adequate forage, energy, protein, minerals and water to support maintenance and milk production. Ewes nursing multiple lambs may have higher nutritional demands.

Do ewes need more feed when nursing twins?

Generally, milk-production demands increase when a ewe is nursing multiple lambs. The ration should be adjusted according to body condition, forage quality and production requirements.

Can pregnant sheep eat goat feed?

Don't automatically substitute goat feed for sheep feed. Goat products may contain copper levels unsuitable for sheep. Use feeds and minerals specifically formulated and labelled for sheep.

Do pregnant sheep need minerals?

Sheep require appropriate minerals as part of a balanced diet, but supplementation should account for what is already supplied by forage and commercial feed. Use sheep-specific mineral products.

Where can I buy feed for pregnant sheep in Ontario?

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies in Blenheim carries sheep-specific feeds, including products designed for ewes during pregnancy and lactation, with pickup and eligible local delivery options.