Assessing feeding motivation in sheep using different behavioural demand models and measures

•We investigated feeding motivation in sheep using different methods of analysis.•Treatments were 14h food deprived versus non-food deprived sheep.•Motivation measures Pmax and Omax did not differ between treatments.•Alpha value and number of rewards consumed showed more feeding motivation in deprived sheep.•Alpha value may be of more use when assessing small changes in reward value.