Abstract
In 16 randomly chosen Sardinian ewes in the 5th month of pregnancy dry matter (DM) intake of hay was positively correlated to ewe's body weight and daily weight gain. Intake was decreased by concentrate administration, humidity and temperature. In 20 Sardinian ewes, 10 in the 5th and 10 in the 7th month of lactation, DM intake of hay was negatively influenced by age, body condition, temperature and humidity. Positive correlations were observed between DM intake and ewe's body weight at lambing, ewe's body weight change and milk production. Daily DM intake of hay increased slightly at low concentrate levels and decreased at the high concentrate level. In both experiments, hay DM intake differed from that indicated by various prediction systems.
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