AbstractMilk production with dairy ewes requires more intensive systems and more nutrients per animal than are usually necessary for meat or wool production systems. During lactation, nutrient requirements may be very high. Inadequate feeding may reduce both the daily milk production and the length of the lactation. Adequate feeding requires proper balancing of rations. This, in turn, requires estimation of the nutrient requirements and feed intake of the animals and of the nutritive value of the feed. Proper feeding strategies for the lactating ewe cannot be based simply on what is known about dairy cows. Even though much of the information available for dairy cattle is valid for dairy sheep, it is necessary to be aware of the differences between the two species to avoid using inappropriate feeding strategies for the lactating ewe.