Following the drought FAR has received requests for information on feeding grain to sheep. This Arable Extra summarises information on how to introduce grain to sheep, how to feed it safely and how much to feed them.
Key points
- Cereal grains are a good source of energy for sheep.
- To reduce the risk of grain poisoning, introduce grain slowly and feed it as part of a mixed diet.
- Rough straw should be fed with grain, as chewing it stimulates saliva production which helps neutralise acid in the rumen.
- The safest grain to feed is oats, followed by barley, and then wheat.
- Sheep not familiar with grain may take some days to accept it.