Feeding sheep and goats goes beyond providing pasture and hay. While these ruminants can thrive on forage-based diets, they often require additional nutrients to support growth, reproduction, milk production, and overall health. Inadequate nutrition can lead to poor coat condition, weak immune response, reproductive issues, and slower growth rates. That’s where quality supplements come in.
Whether you’re raising a small herd or managing a larger flock, understanding what supplements your sheep and goats really need is crucial to their wellbeing. In this guide, we break down essential nutrients, when and why to supplement, and which trusted products are available at Woonona Petfoods to help your livestock thrive.
Why Supplementation Matters
Pasture quality can fluctuate throughout the year, especially during dry or cold seasons. Mineral imbalances, drought, overgrazed paddocks, or poor soil health can all limit the nutritional value of forage. Even with good feed, some animals, particularly breeding stock, kids, lambs, or older animals, may need extra support.
Common signs of nutritional deficiencies include:
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Dull or patchy coats
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Slow growth
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Fertility problems
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Poor appetite
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Lethargy or weakness
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Increased susceptibility to disease
Providing the right supplements helps ensure your animals maintain strong immunity, healthy metabolism, and productive performance year-round.
Vitamins and Minerals
Key minerals include copper (goats need more than sheep), selenium, cobalt, zinc, iodine, and manganese. A convenient way to supply these is through mineral lick blocks.
The Olsson’s GOAT Block is specifically formulated for goats and available in 2kg and 20kg sizes. It helps prevent common deficiencies, improving health, growth, and reproduction. For mixed-species farms, the iO Hobby Farm Block offers a well-rounded solution. Fortified with molasses, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium, it supports growing and breeding livestock, including sheep and goats.
Electrolytes and Hydration Support
Stress from weaning, transportation, heat, or illness can lead to dehydration. Electrolyte supplements help replace lost fluids quickly, ensuring your animals stay hydrated and maintain essential bodily functions.
Vetsense VyLyte is an effective, non-antibiotic oral electrolyte solution suitable for lambs, kids, sheep, goats, and other farm animals. It’s ideal for use during times of scouring, heat stress, or post-transport recovery, helping to restore balance and speed up recovery.
Natural Mineral Access – Salt Blocks and Licks
Salt is essential in every small ruminant diet, supporting digestion, water intake, and overall mineral balance. Free-choice salt blocks allow animals to self-regulate their intake safely.
The Minrosa Salt Block on a Rope is a natural Himalayan salt block rich in over 80 minerals and trace elements. It’s a chemical-free option suitable for goats, sheep, and other livestock. The rope design makes it easy to hang in paddocks or pens, and its weather resistance means you can leave it out all year round without deterioration.
Support for Digestion and Immunity
Digestive health is key to nutrient absorption and performance. If your animals are off their feed or have inconsistent appetites, adding a digestive aid can make a difference.
Orego-Stim Liquid contains high-quality oregano essential oil to promote feed intake and support gut health in goats and sheep. This natural supplement helps improve nutrient absorption and is rich in antioxidants, making it ideal for animals during times of stress or dietary transition.
Another great option is Apple Cider Vinegar iO, which supports digestion by acidifying the stomach, aiding in nutrient absorption, and promoting good bacteria. This natural tonic is also believed to help with joint health, immunity, and overall resilience in aging or sensitive animals.
Conditioning for Skin and Coat Health
Sheep and goats should have smooth, shiny coats as a sign of good health. Nutritional deficiencies often show up first in coat condition. To keep your animals looking their best, coat-specific supplements like Livamol are highly recommended.
Livamol contains proteins, cod liver oil, and essential fatty acids that improve coat condition, support immune function, and enhance the overall appearance of livestock. It’s ideal for young animals, show animals, or any livestock needing an extra health boost.
When to Supplement
While sheep and goats benefit from supplements year-round, there are key times when extra nutrition is especially important:
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Breeding season – Support fertility and condition
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Pregnancy and lactation – Boost calcium, energy, and protein intake
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Weaning – Provide electrolytes and support gut health
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Cold months – Offset poor pasture quality and maintain immunity
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Post-illness or recovery – Restore strength and appetite
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Show preparation – Improve coat condition and general appearance
Final Tips for Supplementing Safely
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Always offer clean, fresh water alongside supplements.
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Use species-specific products—especially when it comes to copper, which goats require more of than sheep.
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Monitor animals for changes in behaviour or intake.
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Consult with a livestock nutritionist or your local vet for tailored advice.
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Rotate or adjust supplements based on seasonal needs and paddock conditions.
At Woonona Petfoods, we understand the importance of quality nutrition for your livestock. That’s why we stock a carefully selected range of supplements for sheep and goats. Our friendly team is always happy to help you choose the right products for your farm. Drop into our store or contact us for expert guidance on supporting your sheep and goats throughout the year.
