How Much Does a Sheep Eat per Day? Feeding Chart by Stage
How much does a sheep eat a day? The 2-4% of body weight rule, an approximate chart by stage and a simple way to calculate group feed and stock in kilos.
A sheep eats about 2 to 4% of its body weight in dry matter per day: close to 2% for a dry ewe or a resting ram, more in late pregnancy, and about 3 to 4% for lactating ewes and growing or fattening lambs. A 60 kg ewe therefore eats roughly 1.2 to 2.4 kg of dry matter a day, slightly more as fed, since dry feed still holds some water.
It is one of the most common questions breeders ask, because the answer decides how much feed to buy, how long your stock will last and what each animal costs. But one figure for the whole flock is misleading: a ewe nursing twins needs close to twice what a dry ewe needs. So the calculation starts from weight and stage.
What "dry matter" means
Every feed is part water and part dry matter. Dry matter is what remains once the water is removed, and it carries the energy, protein and fibre. That is why sheep requirements are expressed in dry matter rather than in the weight of feed as fed.
- Dry feeds such as barley, alfalfa hay, Rhodes grass hay and pellets are usually about 85 to 90% dry matter. If a sheep needs 1.5 kg of dry matter, it eats roughly 1.7 kg of feed as fed.
- Green fodder such as fresh alfalfa contains a lot of water, so a sheep needs a much larger weight of it to get the same dry matter.
Sheep feeding chart by stage
The table below is approximate and illustrative: the percentages follow the general intake rule for small ruminants, and the kilos are calculated for example weights. Real intake depends on breed, body condition, feed quality and heat.
| Stage | Dry matter (% of body weight, approx.) | Example weight | Dry matter per day (approx.) | Dry feed as fed (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry ewe or early pregnancy | 2 to 2.5% | 60 kg | 1.2 to 1.5 kg | 1.3 to 1.7 kg |
| Late pregnancy (last 6 weeks) | 2.5 to 3% | 60 kg | 1.5 to 1.8 kg | 1.7 to 2.0 kg |
| Lactating ewe | 3 to 4% | 60 kg | 1.8 to 2.4 kg | 2.0 to 2.7 kg |
| Growing lamb after weaning | 3 to 4% | 25 kg | 0.75 to 1.0 kg | 0.85 to 1.1 kg |
| Fattening lamb | 3 to 4% | 40 kg | 1.2 to 1.6 kg | 1.3 to 1.8 kg |
| Ram outside the breeding season | 2 to 2.5% | 80 kg | 1.6 to 2.0 kg | 1.8 to 2.2 kg |
Points to keep in mind:
- In late pregnancy, a ewe may be able to eat less because the lambs press on the rumen, especially with twins, so she needs a higher-quality ration rather than just more volume. See our guide to feeding pregnant and lactating ewes.
- In strong heat, intake drops during the day; feed most of the ration early in the morning and in the evening.
- Rams in the breeding season need a higher plane of nutrition, started a few weeks before mating.
For typical weights by age and breed, see sheep weight by breed and age, though weighing your own animals is always better.
How much does a sheep drink?
Water belongs in the calculation as much as feed. A sheep without enough clean water eats less, and its growth and milk suffer. Water needs rise sharply in summer, during lactation and on dry feed; the safe rule is water available at all times with enough trough space for everyone. Approximate volumes are in our guide to water requirements for livestock.
How to calculate group feed and stock
Once you know intake per head, the group calculation is simple:
- Daily group feed = number of animals × feed per head as fed.
- Monthly feed = daily group feed × number of days.
- Add a margin for waste at the trough and in storage, estimated from your own experience.
- Days of stock left = current stock in kg ÷ daily group consumption.
Illustrative example: 50 dry ewes, each eating about 1.7 kg of feed as fed per day:
- Daily consumption ≈ 50 × 1.7 = 85 kg.
- 30 days ≈ 2,550 kg before the waste margin.
- With 2,000 kg in the store, stock lasts about 23 days, so the next order must go out well before then.
Then split that total between feed types according to your ration (roughage and concentrate); our guide to the best sheep feed in Saudi Arabia explains the role of each. Multiply the quantities by your purchase price per kilo and you have the feed cost per head; the cost per head calculator completes the picture.
Track feed stock in Throf
The chart gives you a starting point, but your real figure comes from your own farm. In Throf you record the stock of each feed in kilos and log meals per group, which are deducted from stock automatically, so you see how much each group really eats and how many days your store will last. With recorded weights, you can tell whether the amount you feed delivers the growth or condition you want, or more than needed.
Quick tips to keep amounts on track:
- Weigh what the worker gives each pen at least once a week; estimated scoops drift over time.
- Watch the troughs: an empty trough and noisy animals may mean underfeeding, while a lot left over means waste or unpalatable feed.
- Split the flock into groups by stage; one ration for everyone fattens some animals and leaves others thin.
FAQ
How many kg of feed does a sheep eat per day?
About 2 to 4% of its body weight in dry matter, depending on stage. A 60 kg dry ewe eats roughly 1.3 to 1.7 kg of dry feed as fed, and a lactating ewe clearly more.
How much does a fattening lamb eat per day?
As an illustration, a 40 kg fattening lamb eats about 1.2 to 1.6 kg of dry matter a day, roughly 1.3 to 1.8 kg of dry feed, and intake rises as it gets heavier.
How do I calculate monthly feed for my flock?
Multiply the number of animals by daily intake per head and by the number of days, then add a waste margin. Divide your stock by daily consumption to see how many days it will last.
Do pregnant ewes eat more?
Their needs rise in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, but the space for feed can shrink as the lambs grow, so they need a higher-quality ration rather than just more volume.
General guidance only — it does not replace your veterinarian or the competent authority in your country.
