Silage is a high-moisture feed made from grass, or other non-woody plants, that has been chopped and stored under moisture. It’s also known as stored grass, haylage, or fodder.
There are so many benefits to feeding your sheep with silage. It’s cheap, it’s rich in energy and protein, and in fact, it’s the most efficient way to feed livestock during winter months when there isn’t much natural pasture available.
But can sheep eat silage? Sheep can definitely eat silage, it is actually one of the most common forages that farmers use.
Table of Contents
What Is Silage?
Silage is a high-moisture feed made from grass, or other non-woody plants, that has been chopped and stored under moisture.
Silage is created by putting grass (or legume hay) into a large sealed container, applying heat and pressure, and then allowing it to ferment for several weeks. This process produces lactic acid, which makes the feed more acidic and less likely to rot.
When ready, the grass/hay is cut into small pieces, put into a cylindrical container, and pressed with a roller to increase its moisture content. The increased moisture content makes it easier to store the feed in a silo and increases its nutritive value.
Is Silage Good for Sheep?
Silage is a great feed for sheep and one of the best ways to feed your sheep in the winter.
It’s full of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins, which are all great for helping sheep maintain their health during cold winter months.
Silage also helps with weight gain and is easy to digest which makes it a great feed for lambs and pregnant ewes. Silage is also high in fiber which helps with gut health.
How To Feed Your Sheep Silage
Feeding your sheep silage is incredibly easy. If you’re feeding fresh silage, you can feed your sheep it straight from the feeder.
Or if you’re feeding fermented silage, you can feed it straight from the silo. If you feed fresh silage, you’ll need to keep an eye on your sheep – particularly young lambs – to make sure they don’t overgraze it and become bloated.
If you feed fermented silage, you’ll need to check your sheep have access to clean water at all times as fermented silage can cause bloat if not consumed with plenty of water.
What Grains Are Good For Sheep?
There is a range of grains that are good for feeding your sheep. The best grains to feed your sheep will depend on the time of year and weather conditions.
There are many grains that are safe for sheep, including wheat, barley, oats and rye. However, not all grains are created equal.
There are two key things to look for when choosing the best grains for your sheep: the amount of protein and the amount of gluten.
Protein is important because it helps sheep grow and reproduce. If you have young lambs, then you want to feed them a higher protein diet.
Gluten is important because it helps keep your sheep’s digestive tract healthy and strong. If you have an older flock, then you want to feed them a lower gluten diet.
Summary
Silage is a great feed for sheep and one of the best ways to feed your sheep in the winter. It’s full of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins, which are all great for helping sheep maintain their health during cold winter months.
Silage is also high in fiber which helps with gut health.
This grain also helps with weight gain and is easy to digest which makes it a great feed for lambs and pregnant ewes.
