The crude protein content of dry grass residues and cereal stubbles is usually low, especially in late summer and autumn. Grains have a much higher crude protein content and the level may vary between sources of supply. Fibre Fibre consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Lignin is indigestible, while cellulose and hemicellulose are only partially digestible. Forages with a high fibre content have low digestibilities and low energy values.
Examples are cereal straws and dry pasture residues.
Minerals Lack of essential minerals in dry forages can also limit intake and digestion by sheep. However, the primary constraints are energy and protein and only these are considered in this Farmnote. I lists average values for nutrient content of some common feed supplements. Table 1 . Acid detergent fibre, a measure of the cellulose and lignin fractions of fibre Acute grain poisoning causes loss of appetite, weight loss and even death.