[Jacob-list] grass vs. grain

[J Thomas]

I read a very interesting book called, "More Sheep,
More Grass, More Money" by Peter Schroedter.  He
raised some very interesting points on this very
subject. His book was very easy to read and made me
think about my sheep differently.

I only supplement sheep pellets in breeding season and
during lactation. They get approximately 1/8 cup
during breeding and 1/4 cup during lactation of
pellets per sheep (I include nursing lambs in my
calculation).

My sheep also have access at all times to a sheep and
goat mineral & protein block supplement.  This reduces
the amount of hay they consume AND the amount of grain
(pellets) I feed them. Since I started with the
mineral/protein block, I've had to recalculate my
pellet portions -- some of my sheep were rather
pudgey.

I am working to get to a grass and mineral/protein
block only operation. I will still give a minute
amount of pellets from time to time. Allows me to see
each sheep up close, check for injuries, keep them
tame enough so they come for worming, etc.

Due to drought conditions here in NC (I haven't had
rain in almost three months), my pastures are almost
gone. Sheep now have a hay roll available at all
times.

My goal is to get my pastures well seeded and rotate
my sheep through my pastures. (Similar to rotational
grazing with horses.)

Am interested to hear what others do with regard to
grain and grass.

Joy T.

=====
Joy Thomas, Son-Rise Farm
Home of Jacob Sheep
http://home.infospace.com/sonspots1

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