In this study, 84 pregnant ewes were used and randomly distributed to one of four treatments, as follows: C (control), total mixed ration (TMR) +12% SFH (S12), TMR +20% SFH (S20), and TMR +28% SFH (S28). Treatments had a significant (p p p p p p p p < 0.05) NEFA levels at parturition were found for ewes from the S20 group compared with the S12 group. In conclusion, TMR is not preferable to be used alone in the late gestation period. Sunflower hull can be used as a cheap source of fiber in TMR without adverse effects on health or the reproductive traits of ewes. The increasing level of sunflower hull up to 28% can affect fertility and increase the number of services per conception, probably due to its high content of lignin (phytoestrogen).
