They eat and control most weeds and, with proper pasture management, can significantly boost production of many native pastures. The forage must, at certain times, be supplemented with grains or other concentrated feeds to meet nutritional requirements, especially for ewes during late pregnancy or lactation and for rapidly growing lambs. Most dairy feeds are suitable for lactating ewes. Mineral or salt combinations are also available. The trace elements iodine, cobalt and selenium are deficient in feeds grown in New England, so supplements are needed.
Copper is toxic to sheep at lower concentrations than it is for other livestock.
So read labels to be sure copper levels will not harm sheep. Whatever feed system you decide on, remember that any investment in harvesting equipment must be paid for by the sheep. A small flock cannot cover the costs of large tractors, forage harvesters, silos, and other major equipment. One big question is what harvested forage or method of harvesting you should use. Many dairy farms have silos and silage-making equipment available, and can use hay crop silage as winter feed.