Feeding Sheep Corn Silage

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Corn Silage for Ewes
3. Corn Silage for Lambs

Introduction

Corn silage is a high energy, low protein fermented feed suitable for sheep feeding. However, some guidelines should be followed when incorporating corn silage in ewe and lamb diets.

Corn silage is composed of the entire corn plant, typically harvested at a whole plant moisture content of 65%. Up to 50% of the dry matter of corn silage is grain corn. Corn silage ferments well due to its high sugar content, and packs well in upright and bunk silos. As with any silage fed to sheep, listeriosis (circling disease) can be a concern. Listeria is a bacterium that is present in soil. Feeding improperly fermented silage to sheep is a major source of the organism. Consider the following tips when feeding silages:

• Avoid feeding the top layer of silage from an upright silo;
• Avoid moldy and spoiled silage;
• Avoid starting all sheep at one time from one silo, and introduce silage gradually;
• Provide adequate quality and quantity of water;
• Avoid overcrowding and bed sheep well in wet conditions;
• Complete vaccination and de-worming programs well in advance of a given silage feeding period;
• Follow the proper sanitary/isolation procedures with replacement and sick animals.

The typical nutrient value of corn silage is as follows: (Dry matter basis)

Dry Matter	Crude Protein	ADF	NDF	TDN	NeM (Mcal/kg)	NeL (Mcal/kg)	NeG (Mcal/kg)	Ca	P	Mg	K
35%	8.4%	25%	47%	70%	1.53	1.51	.95	.2%	.22%	.19%	1.1%

Note that corn silage is low in protein, low in calcium, and usually requires supplementation across all animal types for Vitamins D and E. As always, ration evaluation for macro and micro minerals is important, especially selenium and sulfur.

Corn Silage for Ewes

Corn silage can be used across all stages of production, provided that the diets have been properly supplemented and proper feeding management is followed. As an example, ewes of 150-175 pounds bodyweight at maintenance could consume 5-7 pounds of corn silage per day. Ewes on this restricted intake may be hungry, so insure all ewes can eat at the same time.

During flushing and breeding, intake may be increased up to 10 pounds per day. Energy requirements would be met for this stage of production. Early gestation corn silage feeding levels are similar to maintenance intake of 5-7 pounds per day. Evaluate carefully the energy intake during late gestation. Additional dry matter in the from of grain may be necessary. During lactation, the ewe’s energy demands are highest. Corn silage may still be used, but an evaluation of intake and energy needs is critical. For the first 30-45 days of lactation, ewes may consume as high as 12-15 pounds corn silage per day depending on their number of lambs.

Corn Silage for Lambs

Economics determine corn silage use for growing and finishing lambs. Evaluations of costs on a minimal roughage, high grain diet versus corn silage/supplementation feeding program is required. If fed, the following guidelines should be considered:

• Uniform, finely chopped, high grain content corn silage is preferred.
• Carefully evaluate protein quantity and quality in lightweight lamb diets and consider urea only at 75 pounds liveweight.
• Feed corn silage two or three times daily to increase intake. Lambs want fresh feed and prefer to eat as a group. Provide plenty of bunk space, 10-12 inches minimum per lamb.
• Evaluate corn silage effects on grade and desired level of finish.
• Silage fed lambs will produce more manure than high grain fed lambs.
• From a liveweight range of 50-100 pounds, lambs should consume 2-4.5 pounds of corn silage per day.
• As with all fermented feeds, introduce slowly, and monitor moisture levels. Lambs may not be able to physically consume adequate dry matter to meet target gains.