In the fall there are also byproducts such as corn screenings that become available and very economical. Many of these can be purchased from grain farmers for little cost and can be used for supplemental feed in the fall and winter. Often these will vary in nutrient content depending on the condition of the grain that was screened. These can be very useful as a supplemental grain feed in late fall and winter. It is very important to keep the sheep on a free choice mineral when feeding fall forages.
Mature forages have lower levels of vitamins and minerals.
Without free choice minerals sheep can become deficient especially in calcium. This will become a problem as pregnancy progresses, resulting in down ewes, lambing difficulty and poor general condition. Whenever the forage is not green it is important to remember to supplement minerals and vitamins. J. L. Goelz, D.V.M. International SheepLetter Vol.