How Many Nutrient Units Do I Have?
Sheep Operations

If you own a sheep operation, Ontario Regulation 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 applies to you if your operation generates 300 or more nutrient units (NU) annually. It also applies to you if your operation generates more than five (5) NU annually and you:

  • apply for a building permit* to build any structure that is used to house livestock or to store manure; or
  • construct an earthen manure storage.

If you own a sheep operation and keep no other livestock on your farm, you can use the following chart to easily determine the nutrient units for your farm operation.

Determine Total Nutrient Units for Your Farm

Type of Sheep Operation

# of Animals

NU Conversion Factor

Divide # of Animals by NU Conversion Factor

Dairy and Feeder lambs

 

20 animals/NU

 

Dairy Ewes and Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements)

 

6 animals/NU

 

Meat Ewes and Rams (including unweaned offspring and replacements)

 

8 animals/NU

 

Total Nutrient Units on Farm

 

* O. Reg. 267/03 also applies to those operations that would require a building permit under the Building Code Act, 1992 but are exempt from having to obtain a permit under the application of clause 1.3.1.1(1) (b) of Division C of the building code made under that Act.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 01 July 2003
Last Reviewed: 19 November 2013