Non-fat dry milk would not be considered an ordinary ingredient in diets of sheep and goats except in milk replacers to be fed to the very young. Therefore, research information is limited on its practical value under the different circumstances that it might be used in emergency situations. Milk and milk products are naturally tailored to provide essential nutrients to very young animals. The very high protein and lactose contents are just what are needed by infants. They are highly digestible by hydrolytic processes in the abomasum and small intestine and do not require ruminal fermentation. However, these ingredients are readily and rapidly fermented in the rumen of adults and are good sources of "degradable protein" and quick energy. It would be best to consider this product as a supplement to improve the overall value of the diet that is composed primarily of ingredients that are more slowly and less completely digested. Feeding non-fat dry milk at very high levels could result in digestive irregularities and poor performance.

It is suggested that no more than 1/2 lb/day be fed to adult sheep and goats and less according to the body size of younger and smaller animals. Be prepared to adjust feeding level if unsatisfactory performance occurs. Below are some very simple suggested ways to use non-fat dry milk at home in diets of sheep and goats having different levels of nutrient demands.

Animal Description	Ingredient	lbs/day
Adult nonpregnant, nonlactating ewe (150 lbs)	Low-quality hay Non-fat dry milk	3.00 0.50
Adult ewe (150 lb) in late gestation	Medium-quality hay Non-fat dry milk	3.50 0.50
Adult ewe (150 lb) nursing single lamb	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	4.00 1.00 0.50
Adult ewe (150 lb) nursing twin lambs	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	4.50 2.00 0.50
Lamb creep (60 lb lamb)	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	0.10 0.75 0.15
Weaned lamb (80 lb growing/fattening)	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	0.75 1.75 0.45
Adult nonpregant, nonlactating doe (120 lb)	Low-quality hay Non-fat dry milk	2.75 0.40
Adult doe (120 lbs) in late gestation	Medium-quality hay Non-fat dry milk	3.50 0.40
Adult doe (120 lb) nursing single kid	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	3.50 1.00 0.40
Adult ewe (150 lb) nursing twin kids	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	3.50 2.00 0.40
Kid creep (30 lb kid)	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	0.10 0.20 0.10
Weaned kid (50 lb growing/fattening)	High-quality hay Corn Non-fat dry milk	0.50 1.00 0.25

These recommendations are to be used as guidelines and should be adjusted to match existing needs and performance expectations. All normal precautions and conventional management should be applied while using this ingredient. Provide ample water, salt and trace minerals and watch for signs of reduced intake and digestive upsets. Adjust feeding level and management as needed.