Most sheep farmers in NZ do not supplement their flocks. Goats however
are a different kettle of fish. Something I read recently stated that
goats do not have body fat (to insulate)like sheep. So I would expect a
supplement would help from a health point of view if nothing else. Also
being more susceptible to intestinal parasites it would help by
providing "clean" feed. I always see good quality Autumn / Winter
saved
feed as having good mineral levels. More "balanced" than spring
growth.
The important thing is not to let it go past its best. For are rye grass
/clover pastures, as soon as you see it yellowing near the ground then
it is too old and has began to loose feed value.
regards
Ian Buckingham
New Zealand
Bob sadler wrote:
> May I ask a rather simple question? In having a
> grazing discussion with a fellow goat person, she
> maintained that winter grazing could not be enough and
> that I would have to grain my sheep and goats because
> the "nutrition had gone down into the roots". We are
> both in the Piedmont region of VA/NC where year round
> grazing is very possible. She grains and hays year
> round and I (who have only been at this 1 year)
> rotationally graze, hay was given Dec-Feb and I only
> grain the does/ewes in milk. To my inexperienced eye,
> body condition for everyone looks good but shoot, what
> do I know? Thanks in advance, Liese
