Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The feeding tables on pages 396-97 will help you determine the supple-
ments needed to provide adequate nutrition.
Extras
Windfall apples, gathered and set aside out of the rain, can be a welcome
addition to the winter diet but in limited quantities. Sheep love apples —
they even prefer the overripe and spoiled ones — and a few apples a day adds
needed vitamins. An excess of apple seeds, however, especially the green
seeds, can be toxic.
Fresh pomace from apple cider making is good feed for sheep in small
quantities if you have not sprayed your apples. Fermented pulp is not harmful
if fed sparingly, but decomposed pulp is toxic.
Molasses is another treat for sheep and is a good source of minerals. The
sugars enter the bloodstream quickly, so it is of value to ewes late in preg-
nancy to prevent toxemia — but not in excess.
Discarded produce from the grocery store is another treat. Lettuce, cab-
bage, broccoli, celery, and various fruits past their prime for human con-
sumption are often available at the local store. Fed sparingly, or regularly in
measured quantities, they are a good addition to the diet.
Plant carrots, rutabagas, turnips, or beets for a succulent treat in fall and
winter. These provide good roughage and variety in the diet. Avoid potatoes,
as once sprouted they can be toxic to sheep and cause birth defects.
Salt and Minerals
Salt is another year-round necessity for good health. When sheep have been
deprived of salt for any length of time and then get access to it, they may
overindulge and suffer salt poisoning. The symptoms of this disorder are
trembling and leg weakness, nervous symptoms, and great thirst. It can be
treated by allowing access to plenty of fresh water, but better yet, prevent it
by keeping salt available at all times. Mineralized salt, especially that con-
taining selenium in areas where the soil contains low levels of that mineral,
is recommended. Just make sure it is a mineral salt for sheep, not cattle, as
minerals for cattle may contain toxic levels of copper. Regular access to salt
is said to be useful, along with roughage, to prevent bloat, which is one of the
most serious digestive upsets.
