Canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) straw ?

andybk

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Mendips Somerset
My landlord harvested some canary seed (Phalaris canariensis) , he baled up aftermath , looks very like hay , anyone used it for bedding ? does it wrap around their feet like hay or best treated like barley straw to eat ,
 

sheepdogtrail

Member
Livestock Farmer
It will wrap around their feet and it is not the best feed. Sheep need to get use to it's taste. It is a high alkaloid plant. Hopefully, you landlord is harvesting the seed from a newer variety which should have lower alkaloid levels.

We consider it a weed as it is poor forage for lactation. It will work for maintenance but not growth.
 

andybk

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Mendips Somerset
It will wrap around their feet and it is not the best feed. Sheep need to get use to it's taste. It is a high alkaloid plant. Hopefully, you landlord is harvesting the seed from a newer variety which should have lower alkaloid levels.

We consider it a weed as it is poor forage for lactation. It will work for maintenance but not growth.
he was going to put it under the wheat straw like rape straw , was just wondering if it had any value to us sheep men
 

sheepdogtrail

Member
Livestock Farmer
If you think barley or oat straw will make you itch,canary seed straw will make you want to pull your skin off. Some varities sold as itchless. Not sure if it true thou.
Certainly it has the possibility of working on your immune system. For me, personally, it does not affect me at all, my sheep will eat it and my dogs have no ill effect from it.

I have a friend, who is allergic to it. But he is also allergic to other grasses and wool. He knows now that he should not work with me.

I would say he is the only one I know of that has a allergic reaction to it.

So maybe try a little out on your skin and see what happens.
 

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