Sheep Feed Ration Calculator
Sheep typically eat dry matter equal to about 2 to 3 percent of their body weight a day, more in late pregnancy and lactation. This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable dry-matter intake percent (default 2.5), then converts that to an as-fed amount by dividing by the feed's dry-matter content (since intake targets are set on a dry-matter basis but you weigh feed as-fed). Enter body weight, the intake percent, and the feed dry-matter percent. It estimates total intake only, not the balance of nutrients: formulate a balanced ration with an extension specialist, and change feeds gradually.
About 2 to 3 percent; higher for lactation and late pregnancy.
Hay around 85 to 90 percent; fresh pasture much lower.
Sheep ration formula
Daily dry matter = body weight * (DMI percent / 100)
As-fed amount = daily dry matter / (feed dry-matter percent / 100)
Dry-matter intake is the moisture-free feed the animal needs; the as-fed amount is what you weigh out, including the feed's water. Both are in pounds per day.
Feeding context
- Dry-matter intake is about 2 to 3 percent of body weight per day.
- Intake rises in late pregnancy and lactation.
- Hay is mostly dry matter; fresh pasture is mostly water.
- This estimates total intake, not nutrient balance.
- Change feeds gradually to avoid digestive upsets.
Sheep feed: frequently asked questions
How much does a sheep eat per day?
Sheep typically eat dry matter equal to about 2 to 3 percent of their body weight per day, depending on body size, life stage (maintenance, late pregnancy, lactation), and feed quality. This calculator multiplies body weight by an editable dry-matter intake percent, defaulting to 2.5 percent.
What is the difference between dry matter and as-fed?
Dry matter is the feed with all water removed; as-fed is the feed as you actually weigh it out, including its moisture. Intake targets are set on a dry-matter basis, so you divide the dry-matter amount by the feed's dry-matter percent to get the as-fed weight to provide.
Why are the percentages editable?
Because they vary. Dry-matter intake as a share of body weight rises in late pregnancy and lactation, and feed dry-matter content differs widely (fresh pasture is mostly water, hay is mostly dry matter). Editable inputs let you match your animals and your feed.
Does this replace a formulated ration?
No. This estimates total intake, not the balance of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. A properly balanced ration should be formulated with a nutritionist or extension specialist, especially for pregnant and lactating ewes and growing lambs.
How do I avoid digestive upsets when changing feed?
Introduce new feeds gradually over one to two weeks to let rumen microbes adjust. Sudden changes, especially to grain, can cause acidosis and other serious digestive problems. Always provide clean water and adequate forage.
Official sources
- National Academies Press: Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (NRC).
- Penn State Extension: Sheep production and nutrition.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.