Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Proteins
Unlike carbohydrates, which may contain as few as 20 atoms, proteins are
made up of thousands of atoms. Creating something out of so many parts can
be made simpler by constructing prefabricated substructures. The structures
that are used to make up protein molecules are called amino acids, and there
are about 20 essential ones. Proteins are constructed by altering the combi-
nations of these acids. Ruminants can easily obtain all the necessary amino
acids from plants, but most sheep have a higher requirement for protein than
do other species of livestock, because protein is a major constituent in the
development of wool.
Protein is higher in legumes than in grasses and can be supplemented by
feeding legume hay or cubes, fi eld peas and soybeans, sunfl ower seeds (which
are also really high in energy), and brewer's yeast or grain. Some commercial
protein supplements contain animal proteins, such as bone- and blood meal.
Although these often provide a less-expensive source of protein than plant
supplements, they may contribute to disease transmission. (Scientists suspect
that feeding these types of animal proteins contributed to the spread of mad
cow disease in Europe.)
BODY COMPOSITION OF LAMBS
AT VARIOUS AGES
STATUS
WEIGHT
WATER
FAT
PROTEIN
ASH
POUNDS
KG
%
%
%
%
Newborn
9
4.1
72.8
2.0
20.2
5.0
Feeder
65
29.5
63.9
17.0
15.7
3.4
Fat lamb
100
45.4
53.2
29.0
15.0
2.8
Very fat lamb
125
56.8
39.0
44.0
14.4
2.6
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals could be considered the “regulators” of a sheep's diet.
These regulators can be likened to switches in a house; they turn things on
and off when needed, adjust the temperature to keep things comfortable, and
help process information. Vitamins, minerals, some forms of protein, and
enzymes are all critical to regulation. Vitamins are usually adequately sup-
plied in good green feeds, like pasture and hay. Minerals can be supplemented
with a trace mineral mix or block — just make sure the one you choose is
