Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants

Updating two previous National Research Council publications, NutrientRequirements of Sheep, Sixth Revised Edition, 1985, and Nutrient Requirementsof Goats, First Edition, 1981, this new book provides an evaluation of the scientificliterature on the nutrient requirements of small ruminants in allstages of life. In addition, effects of the environment, feed additives, andmetabolism modifiers on nutrient requirements are addressed. Proper formulationof diets for small ruminants depends on adequate knowledge oftheir nutrient requirements. These requirements depend on the breed andage of the animal and whether he or she is exercising, pregnant, or lactating. Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants brings together a summary ofthis latest data with new and expanded information on the composition offeeds commonly consumed by small ruminants, both domestic and wild. For the first time this authoritative reference work includes information oncervids and camelids. Primarily intended for animal nutritionists, veterinarians,and other scientists, some sections will be useful to individual sheepand goat owners and managers and to those responsible for the care andmanagement of wildlife species. As both a practical and a technical referencebook, this material is written to ensure that diets of small ruminantscontain adequate amounts of nutrients and that intakes of certain nutrientsare not so excessive that they inhibit performance or impair health.