The main diet of sheep consists of vegetation, primarily in the form of grasses and forage plants. They are herbivores with a specialized digestive system that allows them to efficiently extract nutrients from plant material.
In grazing situations, sheep primarily feed on pasture grasses, grazing on a variety of species depending on the available vegetation. They are adapted to graze close to the ground, using their lips and tongue to grasp and pull grasses into their mouths.
Sheep can also consume other types of forage, such as legumes (clover, alfalfa), browse (leaves and twigs of shrubs and trees), and agricultural byproducts (straw, hay). They can extract nutrients from a wide range of plant materials, including fibrous vegetation.
It's important for sheep to have access to a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. In some cases, supplemental feeding may be required, especially during periods of limited forage availability or when specific nutritional needs are not met by the natural diet.
The specific diet and feeding practices for sheep may vary depending on factors such as the breed, age, reproductive stage, health, and environmental conditions. Proper nutrition is essential for the overall health and productivity of sheep.