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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 86
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamins and minerals are regulators of a sheep's diet. They, and some forms of protein and enzymes are all critical to regulation. There is usually an adequate supply of vitamins in good green fields. Minerals can be supplemented with a trace mineral mix or block. There are several varieties of blocks available, make sure the one you buy is for sheep, because those prepared for cattle and horses may contain too much copper.
Although vitamins and minerals are only necessary in very small quantities, if there is a shortage of either in a sheep's diet then you have a problem on your hands. Deficiencies of vitamins cause diseases such as rickets and anemia. Don't be tempted to overdose because they are toxic. Deficiencies and excesses are usually found in the imbalance of soil minerals; this varies from one area to another. It is a good idea to get your soil tested to know what you have.
Water:
It is not usual to think of water as being a nutrient, but it is one of importance. Animals have been known to live for up to 10 days without food as long as they have water, if they do not have water they may not survive for 2 days. Water has several benefits for sheep, it keeps them cool in hot weather, assists transportation of nutrients throughout the body, carries waste out of the body, it is necessary for chemical reactions that take place throughout the body and keeps cells hydrated and healthy.
Water must be clean with an ideal temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (64 degrees C). Very moist feeds reduce the need of a sheep's water intake where as dry feeds increase the need for more water, remember, a hot summer pasture has very little moisture in it.
Sheep cope with heat by losing moisture through their skin and this increases their need for water. Shade helps reduce moisture loss, but all the same sheep need fresh, clean water. With regard to shade, shaded areas will be sought by sheep during the summer months, and because of this the areas are overused and this contributes of parasite problems.
Ewes nursing their lambs also need extra water to ensure good milk production. On average mature sheep drink between 1 and 2.5 gallons (3.8 – 9.5L) of water a day, however, as a pregnant sheep nears the end of her term, ewes as well as lactating ewes will be drinking amounts of water at the higher end of the scale.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are sugars, starches and fiber and their proportions in an individual plant vary depending on the plant's age, environmental factors and variety. They constitute three-fourths of the dry matter in plants, consequently they are one of the most significant nutrients in a sheep's diet. Sugars make up a higher proportion of carbohydrates in young plants whereas fiber makes up a higher proportion in older plants.
Fats:
Vitamins and minerals are regulators of a sheep's diet. They, and some forms of protein and enzymes are all critical to regulation. There is usually an adequate supply of vitamins in good green fields. Minerals can be supplemented with a trace mineral mix or block. There are several varieties of blocks available, make sure the one you buy is for sheep, because those prepared for cattle and horses may contain too much copper.
Although vitamins and minerals are only necessary in very small quantities, if there is a shortage of either in a sheep's diet then you have a problem on your hands. Deficiencies of vitamins cause diseases such as rickets and anemia. Don't be tempted to overdose because they are toxic. Deficiencies and excesses are usually found in the imbalance of soil minerals; this varies from one area to another. It is a good idea to get your soil tested to know what you have.
Water:
It is not usual to think of water as being a nutrient, but it is one of importance. Animals have been known to live for up to 10 days without food as long as they have water, if they do not have water they may not survive for 2 days. Water has several benefits for sheep, it keeps them cool in hot weather, assists transportation of nutrients throughout the body, carries waste out of the body, it is necessary for chemical reactions that take place throughout the body and keeps cells hydrated and healthy.
Water must be clean with an ideal temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (64 degrees C). Very moist feeds reduce the need of a sheep's water intake where as dry feeds increase the need for more water, remember, a hot summer pasture has very little moisture in it.
Sheep cope with heat by losing moisture through their skin and this increases their need for water. Shade helps reduce moisture loss, but all the same sheep need fresh, clean water. With regard to shade, shaded areas will be sought by sheep during the summer months, and because of this the areas are overused and this contributes of parasite problems.
Ewes nursing their lambs also need extra water to ensure good milk production. On average mature sheep drink between 1 and 2.5 gallons (3.8 – 9.5L) of water a day, however, as a pregnant sheep nears the end of her term, ewes as well as lactating ewes will be drinking amounts of water at the higher end of the scale.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are sugars, starches and fiber and their proportions in an individual plant vary depending on the plant's age, environmental factors and variety. They constitute three-fourths of the dry matter in plants, consequently they are one of the most significant nutrients in a sheep's diet. Sugars make up a higher proportion of carbohydrates in young plants whereas fiber makes up a higher proportion in older plants.
Fats: