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Fermenting total mixed rations (FTMR) is an important method for changing traditional extensive livestock farming practices, improving animal health, and enhancing the quality of livestock products. It offers several advantages, including a wide source of feed raw materials, a long and safe storage time, labour and time savings and providing nutritionally balanced feed for pastoralists throughout the year. However, the existing data are insufficient about how FTMR with different fermentation durations affect animal performance and health. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of natural forage silage-based FTMR with different fermentation durations on production and health of sheep. In Hulunbuir, total mixed rations were formulated with natural forage silage on a fresh weight basis, and fermented for 0 day, 10 days and 20 days respectively. Eighteen sheep were selected and randomly divided into three groups of six sheep. The three groups were fed TMR (CK), FTMR fermented for 10 days (FTMR1) and FT MR fermented for 20 days (FTMR2) over a period of 75 days, respectively. Results showed no significant differences in carcass weight, carcass yield, longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) area and GR value among the groups (P>0.05). The FTMR2 group had a significantly higher spleen weight and proportions to carcass weight than the other groups, with no significantly differences between CK and FTMR1. Other organ weights and proportions to carcass weight showed no significant differences (P>0.05). In conclusion, FTMR provides similar effects to TMR without harming organs. FTMR fermented for 20 days promotes spleen development and immune function, benefiting livestock health.