Do sheep confined in a building require vitamin D to be added to their ration?

Sheep that are confined in a building indeed require vitamin D to be added to their ration. This is primarily because vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which are critical for bone health and overall physiological functions. In natural grazing conditions, sheep obtain vitamin D through sun exposure, as their skin synthesizes it in response to ultraviolet light. When confined indoors, they do not have access to sunlight, making it necessary to supplement their diet with vitamin D.

Without this supplementation, there is a risk of vitamin D deficiency that can lead to various health issues, including poor bone development, weakness, or in severe cases, conditions like rickets. Hence, providing vitamin D in their diet while they are housed indoors becomes essential for maintaining their health and productivity.

The other options, while they might suggest some limitations or alternatives, do not align with the basic nutritional needs of sheep in confinement. The requirement for vitamin D is constant regardless of the season or the age of the sheep, reinforcing the need for dietary supplementation in indoor settings to ensure their well-being.