In sheep farming, understanding energy needs is important to improve productivity and maintain health. Our study found that male Djallonke sheep in Africa have higher energy requirements for maintenance than previously thought, challenging existing guidelines from national research councils. These findings suggest the importance of updating diet formulations and feeding practices for Djallonke sheep, potentially enhancing the efficiency of sheep farming in the region.

There is great availability of dried distiller’s grains (DDG) for ruminant feeding in Brazil, but little information on their utilisation. Lambs showed low acceptance of DDG, even at the lowest level of dietary inclusion (150 g/kg DM), as DMI was impaired. Feeding DDG decreased ADG and the carcass traits of feedlot lambs. This research showed the need for further studies on feeding lambs with other types of Brazilian DDG.

Coat colour plays an important role in heat tolerance of livestock, because dark coat colour may increase animal heat stress as a result of higher absorption of solar radiation. We focused on the influence of head pigmentation of Boer goats and found light brown-headed animals to be more efficient in eliminating the solar heat gained during outdoor grazing when returned to the shade. In view of global warming, breeding for light coat colour in domestic ruminants could alleviate heat stress.