Best Grasses to Grow for Sheep in Summer

Sheep farming relies heavily on pasture, and some farmers grow their own grass to improve the efficiency of their operations. So, what are the best grasses to grow for sheep in summer? Let's find out.

Best Grasses to Grow for Sheep in Summer

1. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is the most widely used and cultivated perennial forage crop globally. It is known for its high yield, excellent quality, and adaptability. Alfalfa can be harvested 3-4 times a year, producing 8,000-10,000 pounds of fresh grass per acre. When dried, one acre of alfalfa can feed 12-15 sheep and can be utilized for up to 6 years.

2. Forage Peas (Pisum sativum)

Forage peas are a high-value crop used for both food and feed. The grass is soft and highly nutritious, making it ideal for fresh feeding, silage, hay, or grass meal. An acre of forage peas can produce 1-2 tons of fresh grass and 200-300 pounds of seeds, significantly improving sheep farming efficiency.

3. Ryegrass (Lolium spp.)

Ryegrass is available in both annual and perennial varieties, thriving in warm and humid environments. Under optimal growing conditions, perennial ryegrass can be utilized for 4-5 years, offering high economic benefits. Ryegrass can be harvested multiple times a year, with one acre producing 6,000-15,000 pounds of fresh grass.

4. Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

Napier grass, also known as elephant grass, is the highest-yielding summer forage grass in the Yangtze River region, with an output of up to 32 tons per acre. One planting of Napier grass can be harvested continuously for 6-7 years. Using Napier grass for silage can significantly reduce feed costs for sheep farming.

5. Sudan Grass (Sorghum sudanense)

Sudan grass is an annual grass in the Poaceae family. Under good water and fertilizer conditions, an acre of Sudan grass can produce over 10,000 pounds of fresh grass. Additionally, one acre of Sudan grass can yield 140-350 pounds of seeds, with high crude protein content, making it a valuable concentrate feed for sheep.

6. Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Sweet sorghum is an excellent summer forage for sheep. It is more drought-tolerant and nutritious than regular sorghum, with taller plants and richer nutritional content. Sweet sorghum can increase milk production and improve meat quality in sheep while reducing disease incidence. It has a high yield, producing around 15 tons of fresh grass per acre in spring and 10 tons per acre in summer, with 2-5 harvests per year.

Conclusion

These are some of the best grasses to grow for sheep in the summer. There are many other high-quality forage options available. Do you know of any other excellent forage varieties for sheep?

What Is the Best Grass for Sheep Farming?

Choosing the right type of grass for sheep farming is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive flock. The best grasses provide essential nutrients, are easy to manage, and can withstand grazing. Here we explore some of the top grass varieties that are well-suited for sheep farming.

Characteristics of Ideal Sheep Pasture Grass

The ideal grass for sheep farming should have several key characteristics, including high nutritional value, palatability, and resilience to grazing pressure. Here are some important factors to consider:

High Nutritional Value

Grass with high protein and energy content is essential for sheep growth, milk production, and overall health.

Palatability

Sheep prefer certain grasses over others, so it's important to choose varieties that they find tasty and will readily graze on.

Resilience to Grazing

Grasses that recover quickly from grazing and have good ground cover help prevent soil erosion and maintain pasture health.

Top Grass Varieties for Sheep Farming

Several grass varieties are particularly well-suited for sheep farming. Here are some of the best options:

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is one of the most popular choices for sheep pastures due to its high nutritional value and palatability. It establishes quickly and provides excellent ground cover.

Advantages

• High Nutrient Content: Rich in protein and energy.

• Fast Growth: Establishes quickly and regrows rapidly after grazing.

• Good Ground Cover: Helps prevent soil erosion.

Orchardgrass

Orchardgrass is another excellent choice for sheep pastures. It is highly palatable and maintains good nutritional value throughout the growing season.

Advantages

• High Palatability: Sheep find it very tasty.

• Good Regrowth: Recovers well after grazing.

• Drought Tolerant: Performs well in dry conditions.

Fescue

Fescue, especially tall fescue, is a hardy grass that provides good nutrition and is resistant to heavy grazing. However, it's important to choose endophyte-free varieties to avoid potential health issues in sheep.

Advantages

• Durable: Tolerates heavy grazing and adverse conditions.

• Good Nutritional Value: Provides essential nutrients for sheep.

• Versatile: Can be used in a variety of soil types and climates.

White Clover

While not a grass, white clover is an excellent addition to sheep pastures due to its high protein content and ability to fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility.

Advantages

• High Protein Content: Excellent for sheep nutrition.

• Nitrogen Fixation: Improves soil health and fertility.

• Palatable: Sheep readily graze on it.

Conclusion

The best grass for sheep farming depends on your specific conditions and needs. Perennial ryegrass, orchardgrass, fescue, and white clover are all excellent choices that provide high nutritional value, palatability, and resilience to grazing. By selecting the right grass varieties and managing your pasture effectively, you can ensure a healthy and productive flock.

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FAQ: Best Grass Seed for Sheep Grazing

What Is the Best Grass Seed for Sheep Grazing?

The best grass seed for sheep grazing includes varieties that are high in nutritional value, palatable, and resilient to grazing pressure. Some top choices are:

• Perennial Ryegrass: Known for its
  high protein and energy content, quick establishment, and good ground cover.

• Orchardgrass: Highly palatable, good regrowth after grazing, and drought-tolerant.

• Tall Fescue: Durable and tolerant of heavy grazing, choose endophyte-free varieties to avoid health issues.

• White Clover: Although not a grass, it's an excellent addition due to its high protein content and nitrogen-fixing abilities.

What Is the Best Grass for Sheep in Texas?

In Texas, the best grass for sheep farming should be able to withstand the state's hot, dry conditions. Some of the best options include:

• Bermudagrass: Extremely drought-tolerant and provides good nutrition. It is also very resilient to grazing.

• Buffalograss: Native to Texas, it requires minimal water and maintenance, making it ideal for dry climates.

• Texas Bluegrass: A hybrid grass that combines the best traits of Kentucky bluegrass and native Texas grasses. It is heat and drought-tolerant.

• Perennial Ryegrass: Useful in cooler seasons or regions of Texas with adequate water supply.

How Much Grass Does a Sheep Eat Per Day?

The amount of grass a sheep eats per day depends on several factors including the sheep's size, age, and whether it is a lactating ewe. On average:

• Adult Sheep: An adult sheep typically consumes around 2-4% of its body weight in dry matter per day. This translates to about 3-4 pounds (1.4-1.8 kg) of dry grass per day for a 150-pound (68 kg) sheep.

• Lactating Ewes: Lactating ewes have higher nutritional needs and may consume more, around 4-5% of their body weight in dry matter per day.

• Lambs: Growing lambs will also have higher consumption rates relative to their body weight.

It's important to ensure that the pasture provides enough high-quality forage to meet these dietary needs, supplemented with hay or grain if necessary.