Barbados does not grow much of its own livestock feed. At one time, by-products from sugar cane, the country's number one cash crop, provided feed for livestock, but with mechanical harvesting replacing hand labor, the once potential feed is now returned to the field. Imported feeds are twice the price as in the U.S., due to high transportation costs. The price of hay is also high. Hay can be especially pricey when you consider the quality of hay that is being sold we're not talking alfalfa here.
Tropical forages tend to be lower in protein and energy than temperate species.
According to one farmer, molasses is the cheapest source of energy for livestock. Interest was expressed in feeding fat to increase the level of energy in sheep diets. Pregnancy toxemia is a common problem, along with low birth weights, both of which contribute greatly to lamb mortality. Both problems can be attributed to insufficient energy intake by ewes prior to parturition, along with the preponderance of multiple births. Some health problems have been linked to inadequate fiber intake.