SHEEP AND GOAT NUTRITION IN THE ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEM

Abstract

The nutritional needs of sheep and goats are influenced by body weight, breed, physiological stage, production level, activity, the number of lambs and kids, and environmental factors. Their diet, like that of other ruminants, is based on fibrous feeds. Concentrate mixtures made from organically produced feeds and permitted additives are also used as a supplement to the fibrous portion of the diet. Compared to other ruminants, sheep and goats utilize pastures most efficiently. Grazing, high-quality legume forage, and grass-legume hay are the dominant feeds in their diet (during the winter period, part of the hay can be replaced with silage). Compared to other ruminants, goats are better at utilizing coarser feeds.