Nutrient Requirements for Small Ruminants

April 23, 2004 -- The National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, recently convened the committee to revise both the Nutrient Requirements of Sheep and the Nutrient Requirements of Goats. The last time these reports were revised was in 1985 and 1981, respectively. The two reports will be reworked into a single report on the nutrient requirements of small ruminants.

In working toward a final product, a thorough review of the scientific literature and data on nutrient requirements of small ruminants will be conducted on all life phases and types of sheep and goat production, as well as other small ruminants. Updated recommendations will be made with consideration for the increased performance of different types of sheep as well as the effects of the environment, feed additives and metabolism modifiers on nutrient requirements.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has policy to revise the publication, and has worked for several years to assist the National Academy in understanding the need and to help them fund this project. A special thanks to the other sponsors of this project, which include: Montana State University, New Mexico State University, Texas A&M University and USDA-CSRES.

Dr. Lyndon Irwin of Missouri, an ASI Executive Board member, has been appointed liaison representative to this project.

To provide comments on this project or to view the committee membership, go to: Nutrient Requirements.

Staff contact: Paul Rogers, 304-647-9981

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