How to Feed Distillers Grain to Sheep

Distiller grains are protein sources for sheep.

Distillers grain is the result of the distilling process in the form of a cereal product. The grain can be made by different industries like breweries or ethanol plants and can be bought for use in the mixing of nutrient rich feed for cattle. If maintaining a farm of sheep, introduce these distiller grains to sheep's diet for great health benefits. Many companies establish a regular trade of grains for you, with varying costs.

Things You'll Need

• Sheep feed
• Wet or dry distillers grain

Instructions

1. Remove two thirds of the amount of grain from sheep's' feed. If you normally use six pounds of grain, use only two pounds.

2. Add in distillers grain to the feed in equal proportion to the grain removed. If removing four pounds of grain, replace it with four pounds of distillers grain.

3. Mix the feed and provide it to the sheep, as you would with regular feed.

4. Use all of the wet distillers grain within about four days of receiving it. It may last for a few days longer than that if you obtained fresh grains, but in no event should you use the grain after seven days.

5. Conduct blood tests every few months to ensure sheep receive their correct nutrient levels from the distillers grain. Continue feeding it to them if the tests come back with good results.

Tips & Warnings

• You can mix dry distillers grain in large quantities and store it for later use as it has a longer shelf life than the wet grain.

• Seek the advice of a trained cattle veterinarian if the blood results come back with poor results.

References

• Purdue: Animal Sciences
• Journal of Animal Science: Animal Nutrition
• South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service