Nutritional Management in Small Ruminants' Production

Sheep and goat mainly depends on forage for feeding. Some commercial farms provide Stall feed to them for early weight gain. Nutrition plays a major role in managing health, growth, reproduction and production of farm animals. It alone contributes almost 60% of total outlay. It affects the quality of products obtained from them such as meat (Chevon from goat and mutton from sheep), milk and wool. Feeding management of newborn lambs and kids starts with colostrum feeding followed by providing creep feed to them from 14th day onwards. Feeding of ewe’s and doe’s 10-14 days before breeding season is known as flushing. Nutritional management of pregnant and lactation ewes & does is very crucial. Feeding of ram and buck affects its growth and fertility.