The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction and sexual classes on digestibility, ingestive behaviour and performance of nondescript breed hair lambs. Forty-five animals (15 males, 15 castrated males and 15 females) were distributed in a completely randomized 3 x 3 factorial design, with three feeding levels: ad libitum feeding (positive energy balance), 70% restriction of the ad libitum intake (maintenance level) and 80% restriction of the ad libitum intake (negative energy balance). For all variables, there was no effect of sexual class nor interaction of sexual class with feeding levels (P > 0.05). Animals fed restricted diets had a higher rumination time per unit of dry matter intake (P < 0.05). Digestibility was higher in feed-restricted lambs (P < 0.05). Weight gain and feed efficiency were lower for feed restriction (P < 0.05). Sexual class did not affect intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, or performance. Feed restriction affected digestibility and ingestive behaviour.