Feeding Sheep

Author: Steven H. Umberger, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech

Publication Number 410-853, June 1996

Table 4. Potential Alternative Feeds for Sheep in Virginia

Ingredient* Average Nutrient Value Limitations Remarks

Corn Gluten Feed 80% TDN
24% Crude Protein No Limitations Best used as a source of protein to go with corn or barley

Dry Distillers Grains 87% TDN
27% Crude Protein No Limitations Can be substituted for up to one half of the soybean meal in the diet without losing the benefits of all soybean meal

Hominy Feed 92% TDN
11% Crude Protein Limit to 1 lb per day Feed within one month of purchase

Soybean Hulls 77% TDN
14% Crude Protein No Limitations Works well as a supplement to hay

Wheat Midds 82% TDN
18% Crude Protein Limit to 1 lb per day Pelleted form is easier to handle and feed

Whole Cottonseed 94% TDN
23% Crude Protein Limit to l lb per day Contains Gossypol and should not be fed to young lambs

Ingredient*	Average Nutrient Value	Limitations	Remarks
Corn Gluten Feed	80% TDN 24% Crude Protein	No Limitations	Best used as a source of protein to go with corn or barley
Dry Distillers Grains	87% TDN 27% Crude Protein	No Limitations	Can be substituted for up to one half of the soybean meal in the diet without losing the benefits of all soybean meal
Hominy Feed	92% TDN 11% Crude Protein	Limit to 1 lb per day	Feed within one month of purchase
Soybean Hulls	77% TDN 14% Crude Protein	No Limitations	Works well as a supplement to hay
Wheat Midds	82% TDN 18% Crude Protein	Limit to 1 lb per day	Pelleted form is easier to handle and feed
Whole Cottonseed	94% TDN 23% Crude Protein	Limit to l lb per day	Contains Gossypol and should not be fed to young lambs

*With the exception of soy hulls, all of these feeds are low in calcium and high in phosphorous. Therefore, calcium supplementation is necessary when these feeds are used.

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