As a sheep farmer , one of the most of import goals is to minimize hay waste . Nothing irritate me more than to see a spate of wet , dirty or cast aside hay trample down around the hay tributary . That stuff is n’t cheap
Still , hay is one of the elemental sources of aliment for sheep , and reduce waste can keep you money , improveherd wellness , and protect the environment . Here are some tip on how to derogate hay waste with your sheep flock .
Use the Right Hay Feeder
One of the simplest ways to reduce hay barren is to apply a hay feeder that is design to reduce wastage . There are several character of hay feeders available , including round Basel feeders , straight bale feeder and racks .
However , I have found the good type of feeder for minimizing waste is a affluent with a upstanding bottom , such as a rocker feeder or a meaninglessness confluent . These feeder prevent sheep from trampling on hay and keep the hay off the ground .
Read more : Loose hay ? Here ’s 4 things you’re able to do with it .
Feed Only What Your Sheep Need
Feeding too much hay can leave to waste , as sheep may not rust all of it . Additionally , overfeed can lead to wellness problems , such as fleshiness and digestive issues .
To avoid these proceeds , it is authoritative to calculate the correct amount of hay demand for your sheep flock based on their weight , age and activity level . Consult with a veterinarian or a farm animal dietician to determine the proper amount of hay to run your sheep .
Use High-Quality Hay
Another way to reduce hay waste material is to use in high spirits - quality hay . Good quality hay is more toothsome , which means that sheep are more likely to eat it . Additionally , good quality hay is less likely to go down apart and make waste product .
To see to it that you are using high-pitched - quality hay , visit each Basle before feed it to your sheep . attend for Bale that are teetotal , free of mold and rubble , and have a consistent color and texture .
Store Hay Properly
right hay storage is critical to reducing waste . Hay should be stored in a juiceless , well - ventilated area to prevent mold and moisture damage . Additionally , hay should be stored off the ground to preclude moisture damage and contamination from pestis .
Consider using a hay b or a cover hay self-feeder to protect your hay from the elements and pests .
Feed Hay Frequently
course hay frequently can also avail reduce waste material . When sheep have entree to hay throughout the 24-hour interval , they are less potential to overindulge themselves and waste hay . Additionally , frequent alimentation can assist foreclose digestive issues and keep herd health .
Consider feeding hay multiple time per twenty-four hours . Or use an reflexive hay feeder to provide admittance to hay throughout the day .
Read more : Make your own hay ( without mortgaging the farm ) !
Use Hay Nets
In add-on to my feeder , I employ hay net to help slenderize waste material . The nets keep hay off the dry land and preclude sheep from trampling on it .
Additionally , hay nets can slow down the charge per unit of hay pulmonary tuberculosis , which can prevent overfeeding and definitely reduces permissive waste ! However , it ’s important to monitor your hay net to ensure that sheep do n’t get their psyche catch in them .
Clean Up Spilled Hay
Cleaning up spilled hay is an important step in reducing dissipation . Spilled hay can attract pests , such as rodents and insect , and make a mess in your sheep pen . Consider using a pitchfork or a hay rake to pick up shed hay , and dispose of it in a compost sight or utilize it as mulch in your garden . It ’s great for both !
Use Leftover Hay
Leftover hay can be used in a variety of agency , rather than only being discombobulate away . For example , leftover hay can be used as bedding for your sheep , or as mulch in your garden . I also employ it to overcompensate grass seed when I am trying to desexualize bare darn in the eatage .
The topping of hay will keep wet underneath . Additionally , leftover hay can be fed to other stock , such as cattle .
Be creative and find path to reduce waste matter , use leftover hay , and salve money . I guarantee you will feel much happy when you fork out that money for your wonderful bale of hay !
