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Sheep and goat dry matter intake and stocking calculator
Calculate nowQuick answer
Multiply body weight by intake as a percent of body weight: Oregon State cites about 2% for ewes at maintenance, 3.5% nursing a single and 4.5% to 5% nursing twins. Divide by the feed's dry matter to get as-fed pounds. For stocking, multiply forage production (lb DM/acre) by harvest efficiency, 25% to 30% per NDSU, and divide by intake over the grazing period.
How the math works
- DM intake = body weight × % of body weight.
- As-fed = DM intake ÷ feed dry matter.
- Usable forage = forage production (lb DM/acre) × harvest efficiency.
- Stocking = usable forage ÷ (DM intake per head × grazing days).
Intake defaults come from the Oregon State University ANS 312 sheep lecture and Alabama Extension (low end of 3% to 5% for dairy goats). Harvest efficiency comes from NDSU R1810.
Limits
Intake shifts with forage quality, stage of production and breed. Plan pasture on the peak-demand period and measure forage on your own ground. For choosing animals, see dairy goat breeds.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a goat eat per day?
Alabama Extension says dairy goats and sheep can eat 3% to 5% of body weight per day in forage dry matter. A 150 lb doe at 3% eats about 4.5 lb of dry matter, more when milking heavily.
What is the difference between dry matter and as-fed?
As-fed is the feed as offered, water included. Dry matter is what is left without the water. Divide dry matter by the feed's DM percentage from a forage test to get as-fed pounds.
What harvest efficiency should I use?
NDSU recommends 25% for native pasture grazed seasonlong and 30% for tame grass and legume pasture. Rotational grazing with good recovery periods can justify a higher value.
Sources
- ANS 312 Applied Animal Nutrition, sheep ration formulation lecture — Oregon State University: ewe dry matter intake about 2% of body weight at maintenance, closer to 3.5% nursing singles and 4.5–5% nursing twins; lambs about 4.3% at 66 lb and about 3.5% near slaughter weight↗
- Dairy Goat and Sheep Nutrition and Forages (excerpt of ANR-2457) — Alabama Cooperative Extension System: dairy goats and sheep can consume 3% to 5% of body weight per day in forage dry matter↗
- R1810, Determining Carrying Capacity and Stocking Rates for Range and Pasture in North Dakota (Meehan, Sedivec, Printz and Brummer) — NDSU Extension: harvest efficiency of 25% for native pastures grazed seasonlong and 30% for tame grass/legume pastures↗
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