Producing feed for sheep and goats FAQ

Produce your own feed for sheep and goats to achieve greater control, quality and flexibility

🐐 Feed for sheep and goats

Feed is one of the most important factors in sheep and goat production. Feed quality has a direct impact on animal health, production performance and farm efficiency.

More and more producers are looking to gain greater control over their feeding by producing their own feed. Producing feed on the farm allows producers to make better use of available raw materials, adapt formulations to the animals’ needs and reduce dependence on external suppliers.

For both sheep and goat farms, own feed production provides greater flexibility to manage feeding throughout different production stages, from young animals to breeding animals and animals for milk or meat production.

On this page, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about producing feed for sheep and goats.

🌾 Q: Why produce your own feed for sheep and goats?

A: Producing your own feed allows producers to gain greater control over one of the most important parts of animal production: feeding.

The main advantages include:

• Greater control over the raw materials used
• Better utilisation of cereals and other ingredients available on the farm
• Greater flexibility to adapt feed formulations
• Improved traceability of the production process
• Greater independence from market changes

For many sheep and goat farms, having access to their own raw materials represents an opportunity to transform available resources into feed adapted to the needs of the herd.

An own feed production facility does not only allow producers to manufacture feed, but also provides better control over the entire process, from raw materials to the finished product.

🌾 Q: What are the advantages of producing your own feed for sheep and goats?

A: Producing your own feed allows you to adapt feeding strategies to the specific goals of each farm.

The most important advantages include:

• Production of different feed types according to animal requirements
• Adjustment of formulations according to production stage
• Better control over feed quality
• Greater knowledge of ingredient origin
• More flexibility in feed planning

The nutritional requirements of a growing lamb are different from those of a breeding ewe or a dairy goat. An own feed production facility makes it easier to adapt feed to these different needs.

🌾 Q: What raw materials are normally used to produce feed for sheep and goats?

A: The raw materials used depend on local availability, type of production and the nutritional requirements of the animals.

Common ingredients include:

• Cereals such as barley, wheat, maize and oats
• Legumes
• Vegetable protein sources
• Minerals and vitamins
• Other approved ingredients depending on the formulation

In ruminant feeding, concentrate feed is often combined with other resources such as pasture, hay and silage.

Correct selection, storage and preparation of raw materials are essential to produce safe and consistent feed.

🌾 Q: How can feed be adapted for sheep and goats?

A: Different groups of animals have different nutritional requirements.

Feed can be adapted according to:

• Animal age
• Reproductive status
• Milk production
• Growth stage
• Production goals

For example:

Sheep may require different diets during:

• Lamb growth
• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• Maintenance of the flock

Goats, especially dairy goats, may require adapted diets to maintain stable milk production and good body condition.

Producing your own feed allows you to create more flexible feeding solutions for each situation.

🌾 Q: How important is raw material quality in feed for sheep and goats?

A: Raw material quality is essential for producing safe and balanced feed.

The main factors to control are:

• Nutritional value
• Moisture content
• Storage conditions
• Presence of contaminants
• Microbiological quality

Controlling raw materials helps maintain more consistent feeding and reduces variations in the quality of the produced feed.

Proper storage management also helps protect ingredients throughout the year.

🌾 Q: Why is grinding important in feed production for small ruminants?

A: Grinding is an important stage in feed production because it influences the structure and final quality of the feed.

Proper grinding helps to:

• Improve ingredient mixing
• Achieve a more uniform composition
• Facilitate further processing
• Improve utilisation of raw materials

Particle size must be adapted to the type of animal, the ingredients used and the feeding system.

Finding the right balance is important to produce high-quality feed adapted to the needs of ruminants.

🌾 Q: How can you ensure a uniform feed mix?

A: A homogeneous mix is essential to ensure that each batch of feed has a consistent composition.

To achieve good mixing quality, it is important to control:

• Accurate dosing of ingredients
• Correct order of adding raw materials
• Mixing time
• Equipment maintenance
• Process control

Modern automation systems allow production to be monitored and recorded, improving traceability of the manufactured feed.

🌾 Q: Can I use my own cereals to produce feed for sheep and goats?

A: Yes. Many producers use their own cereals as part of the feed for their animals.

Using own-grown raw materials can provide:

• Better utilisation of available resources
• Greater control over ingredient origin
• More flexibility in feeding
• Reduced dependence on external suppliers

Before using own raw materials, it is important to ensure proper storage and quality control.

A feed production facility allows these ingredients to be transformed into feed adapted to the nutritional needs of the herd.

🌾 Q: What is the difference between producing feed for ruminants and monogastric animals?

A: Sheep, goats and cattle are ruminants, with a digestive system that differs from animals such as pigs and poultry.

Therefore, feed formulation must consider:

• Rumen function
• Fibre content
• Energy and protein balance
• The relationship between forage and concentrate feed

Proper ruminant nutrition must combine fibrous feed sources with the nutrients needed to maintain animal health and productivity.

🌾 Q: How can a feed mill improve the efficiency of a sheep or goat farm?

A: An own feed production facility allows producers to manage feeding more precisely and flexibly.

It can contribute to:

• Better control of raw materials
• Greater flexibility in feed formulations
• Feed production adapted to herd requirements
• Improved control over feed quality

A well-designed solution allows integration of the different production processes, from receiving raw materials to storage of the finished feed.

🌾 Q: What equipment does a feed mill for sheep and goats need?

A: A feed mill can include different equipment depending on the needs of the farm.

The main processes include:

• Receiving and storage of raw materials
• Cleaning and preparation of ingredients
• Dosing
• Grinding
• Mixing
• Transport
• Storage of finished feed
• Automation and control

The design depends on factors such as:

• Herd size
• Feed consumption
• Number of feed formulations
• Required capacity
• Desired level of automation

SKIOLD develops solutions adapted both for smaller farm installations and larger production projects.

🌾 Q: What capacity does a feed mill for sheep and goats need?

A: The required capacity depends on the specific needs of each farm.

The main factors are:

• Number of animals
• Daily feed consumption
• Type of production
• Number of feed formulations required
• Possibilities for future expansion

There is no standard capacity that suits all farms.

Therefore, each project should be designed according to the producer’s current and future requirements.

🌾 Q: How do I start producing my own feed for sheep and goats?

A: The first step is to analyse the needs of the farm and define the production goals.

Before designing a feed mill, it is important to evaluate:

• Type of animals
• Herd size
• Available raw materials
• Nutritional requirements
• Required capacity

Based on this information, it is possible to develop an efficient solution prepared for future needs.

SKIOLD offers complete feed production solutions, from grinding and mixing to automation and process control.

SKIOLD – complete solutions for feed production for sheep and goats

Since 1877, SKIOLD has developed solutions for agriculture and animal production.

Our experience in grinding, mixing, automation and feed mill design helps producers around the world gain greater control over feeding and optimise their production processes.

With solutions adapted to each farm, SKIOLD helps transform available raw materials into high-quality feed for sheep and goats.

Would you like to know more about producing your own feed for sheep and goats?

👉 You can read much more about feed production here: feed mills or contact SKIOLD to find the right solution for your farm.

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