Offered Papers Theme A: Efficient Production from Grassland
Description
Hay and pit silage have been used extensively for feeding sheep over the winter period, but in recent years, especially on smaller farms, big-bale silage has become increasingly popular. However, there is limited comparative information on the use of big-bale silage for sheep, especially in relation to the effects of chopping and growth stage at harvest. This study compared the performance of ewes offered hay, pit silage, or big-bale grass silage made from either chopped or unchopped grass and cut from the same field at the same time.
Citation
Crosby, T. F.; Quinn, P. J.; Callan, J. J.; and McGrane, T., "The Effects of Offering Hay, Pit-Stored Grass Silage or Big-Bale Silage to Pregnant Ewes on Ewe and Lamb Performance" (2023). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 380.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/20/themeA/380
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Effects of Offering Hay, Pit-Stored Grass Silage or Big-Bale Silage to Pregnant Ewes on Ewe and Lamb Performance
Hay and pit silage have been used extensively for feeding sheep over the winter period, but in recent years, especially on smaller farms, big-bale silage has become increasingly popular. However, there is limited comparative information on the use of big-bale silage for sheep, especially in relation to the effects of chopping and growth stage at harvest. This study compared the performance of ewes offered hay, pit silage, or big-bale grass silage made from either chopped or unchopped grass and cut from the same field at the same time.
