Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
period, this can cause them to reduce their feed intake. Then, when they sud-
denly get enough water, their appetites increase greatly, and they may devour
almost anything. Have water and feed available at regular times in needed
quantities.
Overgrazing of pastures, which means shortage of grass, can cause sheep
to eat plants that they would otherwise avoid. It is better to keep fewer sheep
well fed and healthy than to keep more than your pasture and pocketbook can
sustain.
Toxic Substances
Other kinds of poisoning occasionally happen. For these, prevention is defi -
nitely the best cure. Store all chemicals and cleaning supplies where animals
can't get into them, and always, always, always properly dispose of waste con-
tainers! Look out for the following substances, which are often found around
the farm or ranch:
■
Waste motor oil,
disposed of carelessly
■
Old crankcase oil
(high lead content)
■
Old radiator coolant or antifreeze
(sweet and attractive to sheep)
■
Orchard spray,
dripped onto the grass
■
Weed spray
(some have a salty taste that animals will go after if they
don't have access to salt)
■
Most sheep insecticidal dips and sprays
■
Old pesticide or herbicide containers, fi lled with rainwater
■
Old car batteries
(sheep like the salty taste of lead oxide)
■
Salt
— Required for health, but when deprived and then allowed free
access, sheep may ingest large quantities, causing salt poisoning
■
Commercial fertilizer.
Be careful not to spill any fertilizer where sheep
can eat it, and store the bags away from the sheep. They may nibble on
empty bags. Several rainfalls are needed to dilute the chemicals after a
fi eld is fertilized, and it still may not be safe unless the pasture grass is
supplemented with grain and hay. Symptoms of fertilizer toxicity are
weakness, rapid open-mouthed breathing, and convulsions. For a home
remedy, use vinegar, 1 cup (236.6 mL) per sheep, as a drench.
■
Cow supplements containing copper.
Some cattle mineral-protein
blocks contain levels of copper that are lethal for sheep. Some mixed
rations intended for cattle may also have copper and should not be used
for sheep.
