Goat and sheep hay per day.

Worked example

One 100 lb doe or ewe eats 2.5 to 3 lb of dry matter a day, which is 2.5 ÷ 0.88 = 2.8 to 3 ÷ 0.88 = 3.4 lb of hay. Five 150 lb animals with 10 percent waste need 23.7 to 28.4 lb a day, so 710 to 852 lb over 30 days, or 15 to 18 bales of 50 lb.

How it works

Dry matter per day = animals × weight × 2.5 to 3 percent. Hay to put out = dry matter ÷ hay dry matter fraction ÷ (1 − waste). The 2.5 to 3 percent figure, the 100 lb doe example (2.5 to 3 lb of dry matter) and 88 percent dry matter for hay all come from FSA9613: Balancing Rations for Sheep and Goats (University of Arkansas Extension, David Fernandez). It is a maintenance figure for adult animals: lactating, late-pregnant and growing animals eat more and need more nutrients, and grain, browse and pasture reduce the hay.

Sources (opened 2026-10-08): FSA9613: Balancing Rations for Sheep and Goats (University of Arkansas Extension, David Fernandez).

FAQ

How much hay does a goat eat per day?

University of Arkansas Extension says ruminants tend to eat 2.5 to 3 percent of body weight in dry matter. A 100 lb doe needs about 2.8 to 3.4 lb of hay at 88 percent dry matter.

How much hay does a sheep eat per day?

The same guide gives the same 2.5 to 3 percent rule for sheep, so a 150 lb ewe eats about 4.3 to 5.1 lb of hay.

Do lactating or pregnant animals eat more?

Yes. Needs rise in late pregnancy and lactation, and growing animals need more nutrient per pound. This calculator is for maintenance.

Why does hay dry matter matter?

Hay contains water. A wetter or drier hay changes how many pounds supply the same dry matter.