Emergency crews were called out to the scene on a bend along Colac-Ballarat Road following reports the vehicle had lost control and flipped about 9.40pm.

The driver, a man in his 20s, avoided serious injury and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

But more than half of the 390 live sheep on board the truck were either killed on impact or had to be put down.

“Approximately 200 sheep died in the incident, including approximately 100 euthanased by Agriculture Victoria veterinary and animal health officers,” an Agriculture Victoria spokesman said.

Agriculture Victoria officers attended the scene again on Tuesday morning to ensure any stock that had escaped into nearby paddocks received adequate care.

Ballarat Highway Patrol members were making inquiries into the incident.

The truck was operated by Blakeville-based company Hodge Livestock Transport.