Guest User 10/10/26 Guest User 10/10/26

Preventing Digestive Upset During Hay Transitions

Goats and sheep depend on rumen microorganisms to ferment fibrous forage. Different feeds favor different microbial populations, so sudden dietary changes can alter fermentation faster than the rumen can comfortably adapt. A gradual transition gives the microbial population and the animal time to adjust.

Keelin Smith 10/6/26 Keelin Smith 10/6/26

Feeding Senior Goats and Sheep

There is no exact age when every goat or sheep becomes nutritionally senior. A twelve-year-old animal with excellent teeth and stable body condition may continue to thrive on a familiar maintenance diet, while a younger animal may need special feeding because of dental wear, illness, arthritis, or poor condition.

Guest User 9/30/26 Guest User 9/30/26

Understanding Copper Sensitivity Concerns in Goats and Sheep

Both goats and sheep need copper, but goats generally tolerate and require more, while sheep accumulate it more readily and are more vulnerable to toxicity.

Keelin Smith 9/23/26 Keelin Smith 9/23/26

Supporting Goat & Sheep Milk Production Naturally Through Forage

Lactating goats and ewes need more usable energy, protein, water, and minerals than maintenance animals. Requirements are often greatest in early lactation and increase with milk yield and the number of offspring.

Guest User 9/19/26 Guest User 9/19/26

Hay Selection for Pregnant Ewes

Early pregnancy often resembles maintenance feeding, while the final six to eight weeks are more demanding because fetal growth accelerates. Requirements rise further when a ewe carries twins or triplets. Nutrition should increase gradually rather than changing abruptly immediately before lambing.

Guest User 9/15/26 Guest User 9/15/26

Preventing Obesity in Small Ruminants

A few handfuls of grain, regular treats, rich pasture, and highly digestible hay may appear harmless separately. Over time, total energy can exceed the needs of a mature pet, wether, dry ewe, or retired breeding animal.