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Author Topic: Feeding oats to sheep  (Read 12643 times)

Twotwo

  • Joined Aug 2015
Feeding oats to sheep
« on: August 19, 2019, 03:40:31 pm »
It has been suggested I use oats ( straight un crushed ) to help put condition on my sheep, I can get some also wheat and barley relatively easily and cheaply.  What are your thoughts ! I would need minerals as well,  rams ? also either side of lambing.? At the mo I use SBP and coarse mix ... I’d rather not use imported soya etc.

shep53

  • Joined Jan 2011
  • Dumfries & Galloway
Re: Feeding oats to sheep
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2019, 08:04:06 pm »
All 3 are suitable for feeding to sheep whole or rolled ,non are particularly high in protein   Barley circa 10%  Wheat  12%   Oats 13%  and yes all need added minerals in some form  ,   all need to be introduced slowly to reduce the chances of acidosis .

landroverroy

  • Joined Oct 2010
Re: Feeding oats to sheep
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2019, 01:44:26 pm »
Oats has long been traditionally the best grain to feed sheep. I think because it is higher in fibre than the other 2 so less risk of stomach upsets. It also has more than twice the oil content, which is why it is recommended for putting on condition. I would always choose it for sheep over wheat or barley, if I could find some.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2019, 01:48:58 pm by landroverroy »
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Me

  • Joined Feb 2014
  • Wild West
Re: Feeding oats to sheep
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2019, 02:53:05 pm »
Personally, I would avoid wheat as too hot, and wouldn't roll anything

Twotwo

  • Joined Aug 2015
Re: Feeding oats to sheep
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2019, 05:03:28 pm »
Great I will see if I can get some oats.... maybe mix 50/50 with SBP ..... I know would need start very slowly but how much is safe to give, would it be about the same as coarse mix or cake. Thanks

shep53

  • Joined Jan 2011
  • Dumfries & Galloway
Re: Feeding oats to sheep
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2019, 05:00:01 pm »
So long as you build up the quantities slowly then final  amount not a problem

 

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