Dairy nuts to sheep?

[Cmoran]

Just had a delivery of nut but a mixup they sent dairy nuts instead of lamb nut so I mixed it with the beef nuts. I usually mix beef nuts with barley for inlamb ewes and am wondering is there a problem using dairy nut the same way??

 

[bluepower]

Just had a delivery of nut but a mixup they sent dairy nuts instead of lamb nut so I mixed it with the beef nuts. I usually mix beef nuts with barley for inlamb ewes and am wondering is there a problem using dairy nut the same way??

Copper in the minerals could be a potential problem, speak to the mill who delivered in error

 

[Agrivator]

If you have texels, fed indoors for a long period, there might be an issue with copper toxicity.

If you are feeding ewes outside, possibly with only a short housing period, there will be a benefit.

 

[neilo]

I knew a Suffolk breeder that fed all his sheep on a 50:50 mix of dairy nuts and beet pulp for many years, without issue. His shearling rams would have had plenty of that ration too.

However, as posted above, copper toxicity might be a problem with more susceptible breeds and/or if housed for any length of time.

 

[Wishful Thinker]

Not worth the risk, up to feed mill to sort, you’re doing them a big favour keeping them.

 

[Moors Lad]

I think cattle nuts may cause urinary calculi in male lambs too....I think!

 

[neilo]

I think cattle nuts may cause urinary calculi in male lambs too....I think!

Correct, but so can ewe nuts, particularly if fed at high rates.

Lamb creep contains an additive to help avoid it.

 

[Cmoran]

Thanks folks I’ll probably be best feeding it to cattle only I’m told it’s the level of minerals that make it dangerous for sheep compared to beef nuts!!! Have used beef nuts for ewes for years with no problems and have a mix of breeds. But would only be feeding very lightly.

 

[Hfd Cattle]

Not worth the risk, up to feed mill to sort, you’re doing them a big favour keeping them.

A bit late now he has mixed them up for them to physically sort but you rightly point out he is doing them a favour so some sort of financial recompense should be in order .