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The roughage is processed to enhance its nutritional value and improve its suitability as animal feed. Below are some common methods used to process roughage for sheep:
Hay
In the lush grasslands, during fine weather, fresh grass or wild grass is cut and dried on the same day or the next day. Once properly dried, it is collected into bales of hay. The moisture content of hay should be kept below 14% to prevent spoilage. It must be free from impurities such as dirt and should retain its natural green aroma. If the moisture level is too high, the hay may become moldy, burnt, or deteriorate, and in extreme cases, it could even catch fire due to internal combustion.
Silage
Silage is a preservation method where fresh forages like crops, pastures, weeds, and leaves are stored in an anaerobic environment. Microbial fermentation creates an acidic environment that inhibits harmful bacteria, allowing the feed to be preserved for long periods. This process helps maintain the feed’s nutrients, keeps it juicy, and enhances its flavor and palatability through fermentation. Additionally, silage minimizes nutrient loss during preparation and requires less storage space compared to dry hay.
The success of silage depends on airtight conditions, sufficient sugar content, and proper moisture levels. Farmers are advised to build a silo to ensure tight sealing, which can also be used for ammoniating straw. Silos can be constructed using materials like cement and stones, with the size depending on the number of sheep. On average, each sheep needs about 300 kg of silage during winter and spring, and one cubic meter of silo can hold around 750-800 kg of feed.
Silage materials should be cut into short pieces, typically 3–5 cm in length, to facilitate compaction. When placing the material into the silo, it should be layered until the juices begin to seep out. Afterward, the silo is covered with plastic film and weighted down with stones. After about a month, the silage becomes ready for use and can be stored for extended periods. For smaller quantities, plastic bags can be used, but they must be protected from punctures.
Fresh forage usually has a moisture content above 80%, such as fresh ryegrass or Chinese milk vetch, which can have up to 90% water. To achieve the ideal moisture level of 65–75%, the material can be dried or mixed with dry straw. A simple way to check moisture is by squeezing the cut material in your hand for one minute: if juice flows out, the moisture is over 75%; if the ball holds its shape without dripping, it's around 70–75%; and if it feels elastic and slowly spreads, the moisture is between 55–65%.
To further improve the nutritional value of silage, small amounts of nutrients can be added. For example, adding 0.5% urea to corn stalks or sweet potato vines, or 5–10% rice bran to Chinese milk vetch, can enhance the quality. Adding 1% salt can also improve the taste and palatability of the feed.
When feeding silage to sheep, start with small amounts and gradually increase the quantity to allow the animals to adapt. It is best to combine silage with hay and concentrates, and avoid feeding more than 2 kg per day. Overfeeding silage to pregnant ewes in late pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. Silage should be taken out in small portions rather than all at once, as large amounts can quickly spoil. Always reseal the silo immediately after taking the feed to maintain quality.