Dairy sheep nutrition

Sheep milking is widespread throughout the Mediterranean, and is becoming more common in countries such as the UK, USA, Central America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Good nutrition is a critical factor in optimising dairy production from sheep. This book is a translation of a popular Italian text, originally published in 2001 and includes updated information, and new material on temperate regions. It contains chapters on all aspects of dairy sheep nutrition and feeding, such as milk production, feed intake, nutrition and reproduction, nutrition and milk quality, and grazing and stocking rate management.

Milk production. Mathematical modelling of milk production pattern in dairy sheep. Energy and protein requirements. Dietary intake of vitamins and minerals and water requirements. Feed intake. Feeding of lactating ewes. Nutrition and reproduction. Nutrition and milk quality. Digestive disturbances and metabolic-nutritional disorders. Grazing management and stocking rate with particular reference to Mediterranean environments.