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Tag: diet

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June 8, 2022 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Starting a Sheep Operation? We Have Livestock Equipment To Help You Get Set Up!

Are you new to managing a sheep operation? If you are unsure of what equipment you might need to acquire, we welcome you to browse our website and catalog.

Sheep’s Diet

The basics begin with providing your flock with the balanced diet their bodies need. And if your sheep live on a diet of dry hay and grain they will need to have access to more water in their diet. Tip: Sheep thrive on grains and forbs (like weeds but covered with alfalfa and clover). Grass and shrubs are useful too.

Water Supply

All animals need water to survive and thrive. Your sheep will need access to fresh, clean water, preferably water that is still (versus flowing). You can use buckets or other types of automatic waterers. You’ll also need to rinse out their water container regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Water should be kept in the shade during the hotter summer months. Your sheep’s water supply should be fenced off from nearby streams and other natural water sources to help control what they are ingesting. How much water does your sheep need? This depends on the following factors:

  • The animal’s weight
  • The ewe is lactating
  • What they are being bred/raised for
  • Their environmental conditions

If your sheep don’t appear to be drinking, it may be that they are fulfilling their water requirement through their foraging activities. Even so, it’s a good idea to give your animals access to clean, fresh water at all times if possible.

Sleep Shelter

Your adult sheep typically do well under various kinds of weather conditions, but it is wise to provide them with an area they can take shelter in, as well as dry out if needed and as a safe haven from harsh winds or sun conditions. Your sheep will more likely thrive under healthy conditions, such as making sure their bedding is soft to better absorb moisture.

Be sure to give your sheep the routine care they need, including regularly vaccinating your sheep herd and making sure their cloven hooves are properly trimmed for comfort when moving around. If you are currently looking for the right equipment to keep your operation running smoothly, we welcome you to browse our D-S Livestock Equipment. We supply everything from feeders to handling systems to show equipment. Call [phone] today if you have any questions.
February 25, 2020 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Weighing Your Sheep and Goat Accurately and With Minimal Stress for Healthier Stock

This time of year when we’re heading into spring and sheep or goats may soon be giving birth, it’s important to be able to weigh your animals regularly and accurately. You will want to make sure your livestock are getting what they need to develop as they should, especially since healthy livestock helps you get the best return on your investment.

At D-S Livestock Equipment in Frostburg, Maryland, our team offers the quality livestock handling equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Our scales incur minimal stress to your animals so they are healthier and happier when it comes time to check on their health.

Weighing can be what tips you off if something’s going on with the herd so treatment can be implemented quickly. It’s important for you to know if an animal experiences sudden weight loss. If there’s a problem, they’ll need to be checked by your veterinarian to make sure there’s no threat of disease that could impact the rest of the animals.

Weighing also allows you to make sure your animals are gaining weight correctly and how fast they are gaining. Proper feed schedules with the necessary dietary nutrients they need, along with prompt medical treatment can be especially helpful when you are breeding your livestock. Our D-S Livestock Equipment offers top quality weighing equipment that supports your livestock operation.

Check out our weighing equipment for goats and sheep.

If you have questions about our weight scales, we welcome you to call us at 800-949-9997 and talk to one of our knowledgeable representatives. We look forward to giving you the top-quality products and services you need at fair prices. Our large inventory also means you’ll get your equipment faster. We are proud to help you get the equipment you need to run your operation smoothly!
May 15, 2016 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

The Winning Diet of A Show-Worthy Sheep

Raising sheep that are show-worthy isn’t the easiest task. It requires special attention to the sheep that you think can make it big on the show circuit.

Luckily, we have a few tips (and more than enough equipment) to help you raise show-worthy sheep. Let’s take a look at a few basic tips for raising show-worthy sheep.

Energy is important
A big part of a winning sheep’s diet is high-energy food sources. Things like carbohydrates, fat, and excess protein in your sheep’s diet will give it more energy, which helps you raise the best-looking, award-winning sheep.

Protein
This is frequently the most expensive part of a sheep’s diet, but if you want to win any of the livestock sheep shows, you’ll need to make sure your sheep get the protein they need. The most common protein supplement for sheep is soybean meal. Our feeders here at [practice_name] are protected from rain and have a 36-inch long trough. It can hold 300 pounds’ worth of grains to feed your sheep.

Salt
Another important aspect of a show-winning sheep’s diet is salt. Salt is an important mineral for regulating the functions in the bodies of sheep, and help maintain the sheep’s skeleton. Low salt totals can result in rickets or a delicate skeleton. Neither of those issues will provide you a show-winning sheep.

Raising a show-winning sheep takes hard work, but with the help of your products here at [practice_name] we’ll help you raise the wining sheep you want.
October 23, 2015 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

A Beginner’s Guide to Goat Care

Are you considering caring for goats? If so, we’re happy to give you a few ideas on how you can care for your goat’s nutritional needs.

Goats need a different amount of water depending on the season. This means you should make sure your goat constantly has access to an adequate supply of fresh water. We recommend using a heavy container to prevent your goat from knocking the water over. Similarly, a water system can help you avoid these problems, and can help you cope with below-zero temperatures.

Your goat will also need hay or pasture to ensure that they get enough good. If you plan on having your goat graze only, you should have a combination of grasses and clovers.  Typically, goats will need eight hours of grazing time every day, but it is important to ensure that they do not overgraze. Also, make sure your goat does not eat wet food, because this may cause them to bloat. If you do not have a large enough pasture, you may supplement their diet with hay, such as timothy. Unlike some animals, you should only give alfalfa to goats that are pregnant or ill.

Finally, it is important to give your goats loose minerals or mineral blocks. These minerals are important for goats. In fact, without them, your goat’s body will not function correctly. The minerals they need include salt and selenium, which they should have constant access to. You may also need to give your goat magnesium.

If you would like to learn more about the food and minerals goats need or about how you can ensure their water supply is adequate, please feel free to contact us today. We are eager to hear from you.
July 24, 2015 BY
IN Livestock Equipment News

Raising Sheep for Beginners: What You Should Know

Managing livestock can be quite the task, especially if you aren’t sure where to start or what you need to consider. If you are new to raising sheep, don’t worry. We are going to give you three essential things you can do to ensure you have a successful business and flock.

Feeding your flock a balanced diet

Like any other animal, your herd is going to need to be fed regularly. Sheep particularly have a larger stomach chamber, requiring a healthy and bountiful diet. Sheep that maintain a diet of dry hay and grain will need more water incorporated into their diet than those that don’t.

Generally you’ll want to feed your sheep grains and forbs. Forbs are similar to weeds that are covered in clover and alfalfa. If you’re on a budget, grass and shrubs are also a great option.

Shelter your sheep

Your adult sheep generally can cope with different types of weather, but having a place for them to take shelter, dry out and escape harsh winds or sun can give you healthy sheep for the future. Make sure your shelter has a soft bedding to absorb water or urine.

Take proper care of your sheep

Your sheep constantly need to be cared for. Make sure your herd is vaccinated regularly. Periodically trim the hooves of your sheep to prevent lameness.

When looking for the right equipment to run and manage your sheep, consider D-S Livestock Equipment. From feeders to handling systems, we have you covered. Give a call today at [phone]!

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