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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 91
An interesting point is that the name "Alfalfa" is derived from an Arabic word.
Treats:
There is a wide variety of fruit and vegetables that sheep really enjoy. Earlier on we mentioned windfall apples are a favorite with sheep, but always bear in mind, their seeds can be toxic, and should therefore be given sparingly, as with any change in a sheep's diet, they must be introduced slowly. Apples set aside for winter use are welcomed by sheep. Their preference is for overripe, spoiled apples.
Molasses is another treat and contains a good source of minerals. It is, in small quantities, valuable to ewes in the late stage of pregnancy because the sugars enter the blood stream quickly, do not be tempted to give them too much, as this too can cause a problem, namely toxemia. It's not only ewes that love molasses!.
If you live near a green grocery shop, ask the manager to set aside any vegetable/fruit produce that is no longer marketable, they will be glad to get rid of it. Sheep love, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli etc., and fruit – this is another good reason for keeping your sheep well penned in, so that they do not invade and demolish a neighbor's or even your own vegetable garden! These unmarketable veggies should be fed sparingly and in measured quantities. Caution: potatoes that have sprouted can be toxic to sheep and also cause birth defects. If you have a garden, why not grow carrots, turnips, or beets because these veggies provide good roughage for sheep.
Salt and minerals:
To maintain a sheep's good health, salt is necessary throughout the entire year. If sheep are deprived of salt for long periods and then given it they may overindulge, like kids in a candy store, and this can result in salt poisoning. If a sheep is suffering from salt poisoning, they become nervous, tremble, their legs become weak, and needless to say are thirsty. To overcome this problem, give the sheep plenty of fresh water.
The best kind of salt is mineralized salt that contains selenium, when you go to buy your salt, remember there is salt specifically for sheep and salt specifically for other livestock. Make sure you get the right one because other salts contain toxic levels of copper that will harm sheep.
Poisonous plants:
There are some plants that are poisons to both sheep and humans, so it is best to find out what plants grow in your part of the world that are toxic. Your vet will be able to help you name and identify such plants.
Some plants only become toxic at certain times of the year, or when they reach a certain growth, on the other hand there are those that are only mildly toxic and only cause a problem when a lot has been ingested. Be sure to check your pastures to see if any poisonous plants have invaded your sheep's grazing area and dig them
Treats:
There is a wide variety of fruit and vegetables that sheep really enjoy. Earlier on we mentioned windfall apples are a favorite with sheep, but always bear in mind, their seeds can be toxic, and should therefore be given sparingly, as with any change in a sheep's diet, they must be introduced slowly. Apples set aside for winter use are welcomed by sheep. Their preference is for overripe, spoiled apples.
Molasses is another treat and contains a good source of minerals. It is, in small quantities, valuable to ewes in the late stage of pregnancy because the sugars enter the blood stream quickly, do not be tempted to give them too much, as this too can cause a problem, namely toxemia. It's not only ewes that love molasses!.
If you live near a green grocery shop, ask the manager to set aside any vegetable/fruit produce that is no longer marketable, they will be glad to get rid of it. Sheep love, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli etc., and fruit – this is another good reason for keeping your sheep well penned in, so that they do not invade and demolish a neighbor's or even your own vegetable garden! These unmarketable veggies should be fed sparingly and in measured quantities. Caution: potatoes that have sprouted can be toxic to sheep and also cause birth defects. If you have a garden, why not grow carrots, turnips, or beets because these veggies provide good roughage for sheep.
Salt and minerals:
To maintain a sheep's good health, salt is necessary throughout the entire year. If sheep are deprived of salt for long periods and then given it they may overindulge, like kids in a candy store, and this can result in salt poisoning. If a sheep is suffering from salt poisoning, they become nervous, tremble, their legs become weak, and needless to say are thirsty. To overcome this problem, give the sheep plenty of fresh water.
The best kind of salt is mineralized salt that contains selenium, when you go to buy your salt, remember there is salt specifically for sheep and salt specifically for other livestock. Make sure you get the right one because other salts contain toxic levels of copper that will harm sheep.
Poisonous plants:
There are some plants that are poisons to both sheep and humans, so it is best to find out what plants grow in your part of the world that are toxic. Your vet will be able to help you name and identify such plants.
Some plants only become toxic at certain times of the year, or when they reach a certain growth, on the other hand there are those that are only mildly toxic and only cause a problem when a lot has been ingested. Be sure to check your pastures to see if any poisonous plants have invaded your sheep's grazing area and dig them