Views: 1 Author: doris zhang Publish Time: 2024-11-25 Origin: Site
Sheep feed utilization encompasses a wide range of options, including pasture, weeds, leaves, straw, grain, and various types of dregs. However, the methods of using these feeds vary significantly, and many farmers unknowingly employ incorrect feeding practices. This not only reduces feed utilization but also hinders the growth of sheep, leading to suboptimal health and productivity. To address these challenges, we will explore the proper feeding techniques for six common types of fodder for animals, with a focus on their unique properties and precautions. The goal is to assist farmers in optimizing their feeding strategies for improved results.
Corn is a staple component of sheep feed, offering a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, fat, trace elements, and vitamins. However, corn is highly susceptible to mold, which poses significant risks to sheep. Before feeding, it is crucial to inspect the quality of corn, as moldy corn can cause digestive issues, diarrhea, growth retardation, or even severe mycotoxin poisoning, which can lead to large-scale losses in a flock.
The coarseness of crushed corn also plays an important role. For lambs with less developed digestive systems, finely crushed corn improves nutrient absorption. Conversely, for adult sheep, coarser corn helps avoid issues like gastrointestinal ulcers or stomach obstruction while maintaining efficient digestion. Proper processing ensures the effective utilization of this vital animal fodder.
Soybean meal is another key element in sheep nutrition, providing high-quality protein and essential amino acids. However, some farmers reduce its inclusion due to its higher cost, which is a mistake. Insufficient protein in the diet impacts sheep's growth and productivity.
Raw soybean meal contains anti-nutritional factors that must be neutralized through heat treatment. Fortunately, most commercially available soybean meal has undergone high-temperature expansion, making it safe and ready for use. Incorporating soybean meal correctly ensures sheep receive the protein required for optimal growth and production, especially in scenarios where growing fodder alone may not suffice.
Bran, a by-product of wheat flour production, is low in nutrients but rich in crude fiber, vitamin B, and phosphorus. It is valued for its low cost and fiber content, making it a useful addition to sheep diets. However, excessive reliance on bran, especially as a primary concentrate, can lead to imbalanced nutrition and hinder sheep growth.
The appropriate inclusion rate is about 13% of the total concentrate. Adjustments should be made based on seasonal needs; for example, increasing bran in the summer to cool sheep or reducing it in winter to minimize heat loss. In breeding sheep, slightly higher bran levels can prevent gastrointestinal blockages, while in fattening sheep, reduced bran levels enhance feed efficiency.
Peanut seedlings are an excellent source of high-quality roughage for sheep, particularly due to their high crude protein content. However, two critical issues require attention:
Mold: Peanut seedlings are prone to mold, especially if harvested during rainy conditions or stored in humid environments. Moldy peanut seedlings can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and even mycotoxicosis in sheep.
Plastic Film Contamination: Peanut cultivation often involves plastic mulch, remnants of which can adhere to seedling roots. If consumed, these fragments accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe health problems and eventual malnutrition. Farmers must ensure that peanut seedlings are thoroughly cleaned and free from such contaminants before use as fodder for animals.
Tofu dregs, a by-product of soybean processing, are a cost-effective feed rich in protein. While beneficial, they pose certain challenges:
Spoilage: Tofu dregs spoil rapidly, especially in warm weather, and rancid feed can cause diarrhea in sheep. To mitigate this, fresh tofu dregs should be fed immediately or preserved through fermentation.
Water Content: The high moisture content of tofu dregs can lead to physiological diarrhea. Mixing them with dry hay helps balance the feed.
Anti-Nutritional Factors: Raw tofu dregs contain compounds that hinder digestion. Heat treatment or fermentation effectively neutralizes these factors, improving the utilization of this animal fodder.
Wine lees, the residue from brewing grains like rice, wheat, or sorghum, are rich in protein, trace elements, and yeast. They are particularly beneficial for fattening sheep, enhancing growth rates when incorporated into the diet.
However, wine lees are acidic and contain alcohol, making them unsuitable for breeding sheep to avoid complications like abortion or weak lambs. When used for fattening sheep, adding baking soda to the feed neutralizes the acidity. Initial feeding should start with small amounts, gradually increasing to a maximum of 20-30% of the total ration.
Incorporating fresh growing fodder, such as hydroponically cultivated grass or legumes, can further improve sheep diets. These green feeds are rich in essential nutrients and help balance the diet when combined with other fodder types. They are particularly useful in environments where traditional grazing is limited, ensuring sheep receive diverse and high-quality nutrition year-round.
Sheep farming requires thoughtful feeding strategies to maximize the utilization of available resources while promoting healthy growth. Each type of fodder—whether corn, soybean meal, bran, peanut seedlings, tofu dregs, or wine lees—has unique advantages and challenges. By understanding and addressing these, farmers can enhance feed efficiency and ensure the well-being of their flocks. The integration of growing fodder into the diet adds further benefits, making it a valuable complement to traditional feeds.
