Many people wonder if they can let their sheep graze on Kentucky bluegrass. Sheep are not known for their dislike of grass, but they enjoy the taste and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. In fact, sheep prefer it over other types of pasture grass, including alfalfa, which causes obesity and urinary blockages. Luckily, there are plenty of other pasture grasses sheep can eat without any problems.
Since Kentucky bluegrass is high in nutrients and palatable to livestock, it is popular as a grass in sheep pastures. Although it does not grow to its full maturity, it is highly digestible and can be grazed closely by sheep. Kentucky bluegrass contains between 15 to 20 percent crude protein, and higher levels have been reported in plots harvested at an immature stage. Despite its high protein content, lambs and beef steers did gain weight on Kentucky bluegrass-alfalfa mix, compared to 1.2 pounds per day from alfalfa alone.
Unlike some other grasses, Kentucky bluegrass grows from seed of Kentucky. Its genetic makeup allows it to withstand close mowing and grazing. It also maintains a rich green color, so it is desirable for turf grasses. Breeders have been using it for centuries, and it has proven itself to be a highly resistant grass species. The most popular variety, Kenblue, was developed in the late 1960s. Its superior agronomic performance is the result of this trait.
While sheep have a low need for Kentucky bluegrass, it may be a good source of forage for small flocks. However, large flocks may need to supplement, and you may not have enough forage for their needs. If the winter months have prevented the growth of grass in the pastures, your sheep may not have enough to eat. This may even be the case if the pastures were frozen and the forage harvest has stopped.
Another type of grass that sheep can graze is alfalfa. Though not native, this species is native to the United States and is the best-performing legume in dairy regions. It grows quickly and persists for 4 to 6 years. It is a good grazing crop, but too rich for sheep. It can be dual-purposed in the spring and summer. However, it cannot grow well in poorly drained soils.
The early intensive grazing process was also beneficial to controlling the growth of the invasive Kentucky bluegrass. In fact, it reduced the growth of native species like buckbrush, meadow anemone, and common dandelion. Early intensive grazing may reduce the abundance of Kentucky bluegrass. However, it might take several years of this type of intensive grazing to change the fundamental plant species composition of a pasture.
Another common misconception is that grass isn’t good for sheep. However, in reality, grasses can be beneficial to sheep if properly managed. It provides the animals with all the essential nutrients they require to survive. If you are worried about the long-term effects of the grazing process on the environment, you can consider incorporating mineral supplements in your sheep’s diet. These can help improve their health and overall performance.
What is the best grass to feed beef cattle?
Alfalfa- It is probably the best high quality feed for livestock and as a cash crop but it requires deep, well drained soils and high fertility for high yields. While it can be used for grazing, it is best adapted for hay or silage.
What kind of grass can sheep eat?
Major bunch grasses are orchard grass, timothy, tall fescue, Italian (annual) ryegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Orchardgrass is an excellent grass for either pasture or hay. It establishes quickly, is ready to graze early in the spring and recovers quickly from grazing.
What grass has the highest protein?
Bermuda grass
What mineral should not be fed to sheep?
Copper (Cu) can be toxic to sheep. Although there is an important function of Cu in the body, and thus it is a required mineral, excess amounts are concentrated in the liver rather than being excreted. Over time, this excess of Cu can destroy liver tissue, resulting in death of the animal.
What kind of pasture is best for sheep?
Kentucky bluegrass is commonly used in many sheep pastures. This grass is more traffic tolerant than most grasses. It is very high in forage quality and very palatable.
Can sheep eat tall fescue?
On the negative, tall fescue is very unpalatable. Also, if using, one must be sure to get fungus-free seed. The internal (endophytic) fungus produces an alkaloid that can be detrimental to sheep and other animals. Volunteer tall fescue or that growing in ditch banks or grassed waterways is likely fungus infected.
What grass can sheep eat?
Major bunch grasses are orchard grass, timothy, tall fescue, Italian (annual) ryegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Orchardgrass is an excellent grass for either pasture or hay. It establishes quickly, is ready to graze early in the spring and recovers quickly from grazing.
What is the best grain to feed sheep?
barley
Is tall fescue good for livestock?
Cattle tend to avoid consuming tall fescue, because it is a more course and fibrous forage. Animal gains tend to be lower on these fields but are a good source of forage for the beef cow herd. When cattle are turned out to graze a fescue mixed stand, the cattle will eat around the less palatable fescue.
Do cattle eat Kentucky bluegrass?
Livestock: Kentucky bluegrass is an important forage species for sheep and cattle. In the west, it is very abundant and frequently used as a forage crop. In the east, it is planted as a pasture grass.
What should you not feed sheep?
– Bread. Many people feed bread to sheep. … – Blue-Green Algae. Of course, you’re probably not feeding blue-green algae to your sheep. … – Alfalfa. Small amounts of alfalfa can be fed to sheep, but sheep should not be grazed on pasture that is predominantly alfalfa. … – Animal Products. … – Certain Plants.
Can sheep eat regular grass?
Natural grazers, sheep roam the land eating clover, alfalfa, grass and brush. They have no top front teeth so that they can eat vegetation close to the ground while preventing them from accidentally pulling up plant roots and destroying the lands that they graze.
Is fescue grass good for sheep?
According to the description of the grass, meadow fescue doesn’t mind wet feet. That turned out to be true. This grass is well liked by the sheep. However, it doesn’t yield much and it heads out early.
What animals eat tall fescue grass?
In fact, some tolerate it quite well and live long, healthy lives grazing it daily. Tall fescue affects different species, different breeds and even individual animals in different ways. Cattle, horses, sheep and goats all can be affected in some way by the toxins the endyophyte produces.
