Feeding maize silage to sheep

See our example rations and top tips for feeding maize to ewes or store lambs.

Maize silage can work well as part of a ration for stock that require high-energy feed, such as ewes carrying multiples in late pregnancy, ewes in early lactation, and finishing lambs. It is less suitable for ewes in early-to-mid pregnancy and those carrying singles because they may become too fat.

When feeding maize silage:

• Balance with high-protein feeds
• Make sure ewes close to lambing are offered enough digestible undegradable protein (DUP)
• Provide additional minerals, particularly calcium and trace elements, as maize has low mineral content. Use an appropriate product for sheep
• Check body condition score (BCS) regularly
• Ask the vet to blood test a sample of ewes three to four weeks before they start lambing to check energy and protein levels. Adjust ration if required

*Assumes grass silage of 10.5 MJ/kg DM, 30% DM and 13% crude protein (CP). Compound feed 12.5 MJ/kg DM and 18% protein.

The DMI of ewes will vary as lambing approaches due to increasing lamb size. This also occurs if the dry matter of the forage or chop length were to change. Monitoring intakes and adjusting the ration according to ewe appetite is recommended for optimum results.

Example maize rations for store lambs weighing 30–40 kg, with a target growth rate of 200 g/day.

• Ad-lib maize silage (estimated intake of 3–3.5 kg fresh weight/day)
• Protein supplement of up to 0.2 kg of a 34%+ crude protein supplement, e.g. rapeseed meal, distillers’ grains, protein concentrate or a protein-molassed liquid feed
• Appropriate minerals

To order a hard copy of the Growing and feeding maize for better returns manual or the Feeding the ewe, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.