How to Feed Corn Silage to Sheep

Corn silage is a major feed source for animals such as sheep. It is one of the most important forges used for livestock. Farmers usually choose corn silage because of the low-cost storage and its rapid harvesting time. It is also high in energy, is palatable and can be easily digested, which makes it a suitable source of nutrition for sheep. Corn silage

consists of the entire corn plant such as the leaves, husks, cob and the stalks. There are certain guidelines that should be followed when feeding corn silage to sheep.

Things You'll Need

  • Vitamin mix
  • Dicalcium phosphate
  • Limestone
  • Mineral salt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed sheep that are 150 to 175 pounds at least 7 to 8 pounds of corn silage each day. Sheep should also be given an injectable vitamin mix because corn silage does not contain a sufficient amount of protein, vitamin A and vitamin E. They should also be given a mineral mixture of Dicalcium phosphate,, limestone and trace mineral salt.

    • 2

      Supply sheep with corn silage three times each day. They should be fed as a group, and should have sufficient bunk space (feeding trough space) to ensure that they will obtain equal consumption. The recommended space is at least 10 to 12 inches per sheep.

    • 3

      Give lactating sheep as much as 12 to 15 pounds of corn silage daily, depending on how many lambs they have. This is necessary since during that time, the energy level of sheep is at the highest level.

    • 4

      Prevent and discard corn silage that shows signs of mold. Feeding troughs should be emptied and cleaned each day to prevent mold. Corn silage that contains mold can cause listeriosis (circling disease) in sheep.