Hello Livestock Enthusiasts,

As winter settles in, sheep face increased nutritional demands driven by colder temperatures, reduced forage quality, and— for many flocks— late gestation and the approach of lambing season. Proper winter nutrition is critical not only for maintaining body condition, but also for supporting immune function, fetal development, and successful lambing outcomes.

Below is a practical overview of key nutrient requirements for sheep during the winter months, with special emphasis on pregnancy and pre-lambing nutrition.

Winter Nutritional Challenges for Sheep

Cold weather increases a sheep’s maintenance energy requirement, as animals must burn more calories to maintain body temperature. At the same time, winter forages are often lower in energy, protein, and vitamins compared to growing pasture.

If these gaps are not addressed, producers may see:

• Loss of body condition
• Reduced immune response
• Lower conception or lamb survival rates
• Increased metabolic stress around lambing

Key Nutrients for Winter Feeding

Energy
Energy is the most critical nutrient during winter. Sheep require additional energy when temperatures drop below their lower critical temperature (especially when exposed to wind, moisture, or mud).

• High-quality hay, silage, or controlled grain supplementation may be necessary
• Thin ewes and late-gestation ewes have the highest energy demand

Protein
Adequate protein is essential to maintain muscle mass, support rumen function, and prepare ewes for fetal growth and milk production.

• Poor-quality hay often lacks sufficient protein
• Protein supplementation may be required to maintain performance

Minerals
A complete, balanced mineral program is essential year-round but becomes even more important during winter.

• Calcium & phosphorus support bone health and fetal development
• Selenium, zinc, and copper (carefully managed for sheep) support immune function and reproductive performance
• Salt encourages consistent intake

Vitamins

• Vitamin A is often deficient in winter diets due to the absence of green forage
• Vitamin E supports immune health and muscle function
• Supplemental vitamins are strongly recommended when feeding stored forages

Water
Cold temperatures can reduce water intake, which directly limits feed intake.

• Ensure clean, unfrozen water is available at all times
• Warm or regularly refreshed water improves consumption and performance

Increased Nutrient Needs During Pregnancy & Pre-Lambing

Approximately 70% of fetal growth occurs during the final 6–8 weeks of gestation, making this the most nutritionally demanding stage of pregnancy.

During late gestation, ewes require:

• Significantly more energy to support fetal growth and prevent pregnancy toxemia
• Higher protein levels to support colostrum and milk production
• Increased calcium and phosphorus to support lamb skeletal development
• Adequate trace minerals and vitamins to improve lamb vigor and survivability

Undernutrition during this period can result in:

• Low birth-weight lambs
• Poor colostrum quality
• Increased lamb mortality
• Weaker ewes at lambing

Body condition scoring is a valuable tool during this time. Ewes should enter lambing in moderate to good body condition, avoiding both excessive thinness and over-conditioning.

Preparing for a Successful Lambing Season

A well-planned winter feeding program sets the foundation for:

• Strong, healthy lambs
• Improved milk production
• Faster post-lambing recovery
• Better overall flock performance

At Livestock Nutrition Supplies LLC, we believe winter nutrition is not just about survival—it’s about positioning your flock for long-term success.

If you have questions about winter feeding strategies, pregnancy nutrition, or mineral and supplement programs for sheep, our team is here to help.

Here’s to a healthy winter and a productive lambing season.

Partner with Livestock Nutrition Supplies LLC
Our premium vitamin, mineral, probiotic, and garlic supplements are formulated for maximum bioavailability and performance. Whether you're feeding horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, or poultry, we can help ensure your animals get the nutrients they need to thrive — and your operation gets the results you deserve.

Questions or need help setting up a mineral program tailored to your farm?
Contact your livestock nutritionist, veterinarian or local extension office—they're here to help!

Check out our High-Quality Vitamin, Mineral and Protein Supplements to help maximize your herds health. https://livestocknutritionsupplies.com/shop/

Stay informed, stay proactive, and together, let’s safeguard the well-being of our livestock.

Stay Warm, Stay Ready!

Livestock Nutrition Supplies LLC

Info@LivestockNutritionSupplies.com
(531)333-3150

https://livestocknutritionsupplies.com/shop/

For any questions or further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you provide the best care for your animals.