Written with contributions by Dr. Whit Stewart, Assistant Professor and University of Wyoming Extension Sheep Specialist, and Dr. Derek Scasta, Assistant Professor and University of Wyoming Extension Rangeland Management Specialist.
With varying management systems and supplementation options, it’s important to understand the principles of effective supplementation. As forages enter dormancy, their nutritive value declines and often fails to meet nutrient requirements for grazing sheep. These times of year also often coincide with increasing nutrient requirements during breeding and gestation.
The first step for effective supplementation is knowing your forage quality, particularly protein and energy concentrations. Once shortfalls have been identified, understanding the nutrient demand for the flock’s stage of production influences feed options. However, important considerations also include temperature swings, storage and delivery options, and which supplement provides the greatest nutrient concentration for the price.
A recent collaboration between South Dakota State University and the University of Wyoming released an extension publication that addresses many questions surrounding supplementation. Effective management of supplemental feeding can promote flock performance as well as save on valuable input costs.
