[Jacob-list] Feeding Jacobs

[Neal and Louise Grose]

I don't buy the idea that we should feed Jacobs the poorest quality hay we can find. They really aren't that much different in nutrient needs than some others. It depends on stage of lactation and growth. 

A ewe feeding twins in good growth is doing the same work load as a human running a marathon EVERY DAY.

Lambs have to have good feed in order to maintain good rates of gain.

On the other hand, rams and ewes at maintenance will do just fine on mature forage.

That said, grain rye should have been mowed before the seed head showed in March or the first week in April here in NC. Palatability is a pretty good guide to energy content and nutrition. Goats are not more efficient than cows, they are just more selective browsers.

Neal
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: ACAMDA at aol.com 
  To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 8:52 AM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Feeding Jacobs


  Neal - 

  Thanks for the information on alfalfa.  In anticipation of another long, dry summer here in the South, Greg and I have been looking to stock up on first cut hay in the field.  We found rye for $3.00 per square bale.  Fescue is running $6.50 or so.  How does rye grass stack up - nutrition wise?

  My vet suggested using the poorest hay we could find, saying it was actually better for the sheep since they are primitive animals.  He says it makes US feel better when we feed better hay.  I take that with a grain of salt, but thought it was interesting.

  Kathey







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