Use caution when grazing stalks during the last six weeks of a pregnant ewe's gestation period. There may be insufficient energy and other nutrients in the stalks to meet the pregnancy needs if stalks were grazed earlier and the more nutritious grain and leaves removed. This may contribute to lambing paralysis, weak lambs and low milk production. Supplement energy, protein and minerals under this type of management. High planting rates cause smaller tubers.
Large tubers reduce choking and permit extended grazing days.
Solid-mouthed ewes will get adequate volumes of roots for their requirements. When forage appears to be sparse at the end of the grazing period, offer small amounts of good quality hay to the sheep. Grazing Management Sheep efficiently convert forage into meat and wool. Part of the efficiency is due to their ability to be selective in plants and parts of a plant they graze. Selective grazing allows sheep to consume the most palatable parts of the plants, and these palatable plant parts usually are the most nutritious.