Pasture Grazing: Nature's Buffet

The most natural and beneficial way for sheep to get their forage is through grazing on pasture. The variety of plants available in a well-managed pasture is ideal for their health. Some common pasture grasses and plants for sheep include:

• Grass Species: Sheep are grazers and thrive on grasses. Some popular options include:

  • Timothy & Orchard Grasses: A high-fiber grass that is easy to digest and promotes healthy digestion.

  • Fescue Grass: A hardy grass that grows well in a variety of climates, providing a nutritious grazing option.

  • Bluegrass: A nutrient-rich grass that sheep love to graze on.

  • Ryegrass: A fast-growing grass that can provide an early season grazing option.
    

• Legumes: In addition to grasses, sheep also benefit from legumes, which provide higher protein content. Some common legumes in sheep pastures include:

  • Clover (Red & White): High in protein and essential minerals, clover is a great addition to sheep diets but should be fed in moderation.

  • Alfalfa: A high-protein legume that can be fed to young or pregnant ewes for extra nutritional support.

  • Vetch: A legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, enhancing pasture fertility and providing high-protein forage.
    

• Herbs and Weeds: Some weeds and herbs also make excellent forage for sheep and can offer valuable nutrients.

  • Plantain: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, plantain is a hardy, nutritious weed.

  • Dandelion: A natural diuretic and source of vitamins A and C, dandelions can be a healthy addition to the grazing diet.
    

Hay: The Winter Essential

When pastures are dormant or during winter months, hay is an essential source of forage for sheep. Hay is dried grass or legumes and can be made from a variety of plants. Some common types of hay for sheep include:

• Grass Hay: This hay is made from grasses like Timothy, Meadow, or Orchard grass. It is high in fiber, making it perfect for supporting healthy digestion in sheep.

  • Meadow Hay: A mix of grasses and plants from natural meadows, this hay offers a diverse nutrient profile.

• Legume Hay: Hay made from legumes like alfalfa or clover is richer in protein and should be fed with caution, especially to adult sheep, as it can be too rich in calcium for mature animals. However, it’s great for pregnant ewes or growing lambs.

• Mixed Hay: A blend of both grass and legume hay, this provides a balanced mix of fiber and protein for sheep.

Silage: Fermented Forage for Sheep

Silage is fermented forage that is stored in an anaerobic environment, often made from grasses or legumes like corn. It is highly digestible and can be an excellent supplement to sheep's diet, especially in winter or dry seasons. However, silage must be fed with care as it is high in energy and can cause digestive upset if overfed.

• Grass Silage: Made from grasses such as ryegrass, timothy, or meadow hay, this silage is rich in fiber and nutrients, ideal for maintaining weight and health in sheep.

• Legume Silage: Silage made from alfalfa or clover is high in protein but should only be fed to sheep that require additional protein, like lactating ewes.

Browse: Forage from Shrubs and Trees

In addition to grasses and legumes, sheep can benefit from browsing on woody plants, shrubs, and trees. This can be particularly useful when grazing pasture is limited, or when more varied nutrients are needed. Some shrubs and tree leaves that sheep enjoy include:

• Willow: Sheep enjoy the leaves of willow trees, which are high in minerals and can have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Blackberry Bushes: These plants can provide both leaves and fruit, which sheep love. They offer additional vitamins and antioxidants.

• Locust Trees: The leaves from locust trees provide a rich source of nutrients and are high in protein.

Toxic Plants: What to Avoid

While there are many beneficial plants, it’s crucial to be aware of plants that can be harmful or toxic to sheep. Some common toxic plants include:

• Ragwort: Known to cause liver damage in sheep, ragwort should be kept out of pastures.

• Foxglove: This plant is highly toxic and can cause heart problems in sheep if ingested.

• Yew: All parts of the yew tree are toxic to sheep and can cause sudden death if consumed.

Supplemental Forage: Haylage and Concentrates

When pasture quality is poor or when extra nutrition is required, supplemental forages like haylage and concentrates can provide added value.

• Haylage: Similar to silage but made with grass that has not fermented as much, haylage is an excellent choice for feeding sheep during winter months or in periods of drought.

• Concentrates: While not strictly "forage," grain or concentrate feeds may be necessary to supplement sheep diets during certain times of year or when extra weight gain is needed.

A balanced and varied forage diet is key to keeping your Shetlands healthy and productive. Pasture, hay, silage, and browse all provide different nutritional benefits and should be rotated or mixed to ensure that sheep receive a well-rounded diet. Always remember to monitor your flock closely to ensure they are not consuming harmful plants, and always provide fresh, clean water alongside their forage.

By understanding the different types of forage available, you can create a diet that supports your sheep throughout the seasons and helps them thrive in their environment. Whether you're raising Shetlands for wool or meat, providing quality forage is an investment in their health and productivity.