However, tank water can become brackish and contaminated. Clean, fresh water should be hauled rather than trying to force consumption of poor quality water. If hauling water becomes a necessity, sheep should be watered at least daily in troughs with adequate space for all animals to drink. A clean, cool, and continual water supply is essential for feedlot lambs. Energy Dietary carbohydrates, lipids, and excess protein all contribute toward fulfilling the energy requirements of sheep.
Carbohydrates are the major source of energy.
Quantitatively, energy is the most important item in the sheep's diet. Major sources of energy for sheep are grazed forages, hay, silage, and grains. Optimum energy intakes from these sources result in efficient reproduction, growth, lactation, reproduction, and wool production. However, excessive energy consumption can lead to decreased efficiency because of excessive fattening, which can reduce growth rate, lower milk production, increase reproductive failure, and decrease efficiency of wool growth. Energy is the most common limiting nutrient encountered in sheep production, especially for ewes.