We drove out to Imlay City this morning to pick up a load of sheep grain.
A few bags that would not fit in the feed bin
First, sheep are a ruminant animal which means they have a multi-chamber stomach system which is highly developed to process feed - when they are fed already processed feeds which break down quickly, the feeds can break down and ferment too quickly causing problems such as acidosis. Second, these processed feeds are not the most environmentally friendly choice.
Our grain is a mix of locally grown grains as well as minerals and vitamins carefully formulated to fill the needs of a sheep flock in our area. We have switched grain recipes a few times over the years and have made adjustments as we learn more about sheep nutrition. This current recipe is pretty close to one developed by our good friends at Pitchfork Ranch in Swartz Creek, Michigan.
SHEEP GRAIN RECIPE (13% Protien)
320# Cracked Corn
405# Oats
100# Soybean Meal
55# Molasses
50# Roasted Whole Soybeans
30# Trace Mineral Salt with Selenium
10# CCC (calcite calcium carbonate)
10# Vitamin A, D, E, & K
click on the picture for a closeup view (the soybeans look like tan colored peas)
Hay, grass, and other forage is the vast majority of our flocks diet but this locally grown grain mix has been a great way to deliver the extra vitamins, minerals, protiens, etc which are vital in sheep that we are asking to have lambs annually. There are times during the year when we feed no grain and other times when nutritional demands of pregnant or lactating ewes dictate increased amounts.
We are constantly "tweaking" our feeding program as we learn more and I think it is important to always keep improving farm management. I don't think we have to worry about Bobby Flay showing up any time soon for a "Sheep Grain Throw-down" but if he does, he is GOING DOWN!
You're on the right track. Most folks who raise their own animals just buy commercial mix without ever stopping to think about how unnatural some of it may be.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!! We mix our own as well---but yours looks very intriging. I just may give it a try.
ReplyDelete"sheep grain throw-down" (lol)
ReplyDeleteI try to buy organic food for the animals..its just so bloody expensive
ReplyDeletewhat kind of food good for goat
ReplyDeletehealthily
Good post about varieties of sheep feeds. Hay, grass, and other forage are commonly used sheep feeds. Locally grown grain mix of corn, oats, soybean has high nutritional value. Pelleted sheep feeds which are essentially grains, grasses, legumes, vitamins and minerals which are ground up, processed, and cooked into pellets are also preferred by some people.
ReplyDeleteGreat recipe guys. I use a similar one with linseed meal in place of the soy. Gets you the omega 3 benefits into the meat (theoretically) without the hormone mimicking properties of soy. A touch lower in protein then soy but actually a little cheaper. Found the recipe in Storey's Raising Sheep. Had my mill make 500 pounds for $115. Had it tested at 13% protein. Keep up the great/hard work guys
ReplyDeleteEric,
DeleteCan I get your recipe as well? I'm very interested to see your mix ratios.
Thanks, Don Holt
donpaulholt@gmail.com
soybean meal - where to find it & does it have to be 100%? Having a hard time sourcing. Also - are you using powdered vitamins for the A D E & K? Thanks - we are newbies
ReplyDeleteEric Ellis, would you mind sending me your recipe and also do you feed this to show lambs, ewes, lactating ewes, or who? Thanks in advance. Email is heather.foster@nlpanthers.org
ReplyDeleteThis is my secret "rate of gain" recipe....
ReplyDelete65#- Barley 13.0%
59#- Oats 11.8%
60#- Wheat & rye 12.0%
135#- Corn 27.0%
30#- Peas 6.0%
80#- Roasted Soybeans 16.0%
40#- Flax meal 8.0%
7.5#- Molasses 1.50%
10#- Mineral premix 2.00% (8% Calcium & 8% Phosphorous)
10#- Limestone 2.00%
3#- Mineral salt 0.60%
.25#- Vitamin ADEK 0.05%
I like the way your recipe looks! Do you know the protein level on it?
DeleteHi thanks for the info I am my self a disabled veteran who lives abroad in Jordan next to Israel and trying to make a living by buying baby sheep and keeping them for 45 days and selling them afterward
ReplyDeleteBut I am buying a ready mix that is giving around 7 kilos a month wigh add on to sheep
Do you know the average wight that your recipe add monthly in kilos and can it be used for tow to three months old sheep?
Two sorry
ReplyDelete