The production and marketing goals will dictate what amounts or rations the above feedstuffs will be combined into to make a balanced diet. Lambs can be successfully fed using many combinations of these feeds. Nutrition of lambs can be satisfied from a diet that is all forage to one that is essentially all grain and protein concentrates, and all combinations between these extremes. The absolute and relative amounts of the nutrients needed by lambs are dependent on numerous factors. Some breeds or crosses of breeds have a high propensity to gain weight rapidly, while other genetic types are considered moderate or low in growth potential.
Nutrition can be a limiting factor in lamb growth and performance.
However, more feed or higher levels of nutrients will not increase growth or performance of lambs past their genetic capabilities. The phases of lamb growth are often distinct by the age of the lamb. Usually the phases are classified as consisting of the young nursing lamb, the weaned growing lamb, and the finishing phase. Each phase has unique nutritional requirements. The nursing lambs' requirements are quite variable, depending on age and weight.