As with people and various other species, a nutritious diet is of the essence in livestock health. It basically allows for a healthy flock that is highly productive. As such, in order to increase production levels, it is necessary to ensure that sheep are provided with a nutrition plan that satisfies their nutritional requirements. Forage is often lacking in some nutrients and minerals creating a need for supplementary feed. Since asparagus is known for its superior nutritional profile, it can be used as a supplementary diet. Experimental research reveals that sheep can eat asparagus without experiencing any negative effects on growth and development, health, reproduction as well as production. As a matter of fact, production levels have been proven to increase provided that the nutrition is properly managed.
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Nutritional Value
There is currently very limited research studies on whether sheep can feed on asparagus. Most findings are based on experimental research by farmers across the world. These studies indicate that asparagus is not harmful to sheep. Some farmers state that they use asparagus to improve production. Knowledge about the nutritional value of the plant versus that of sheep nutrition requirement is therefore important in sound decision making. It also helps to determine whether the plant contains any toxic compounds that may be harmful to sheep. Asparagus is said to be a source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre and vitamins C, A, E, K as well as folate. It also contains potassium, phosphorus and trace amounts of iron and zinc. The roots of asparagus contain alkaloids therefore caution should be taken when providing the plant to animals. Also, since the digestive system of sheep is not primarily designed to digest such feedstuff, it is advisable to treat the plant similar to all other vegetable supplements. This means that sheep can eat asparagus as a treat or in limited quantities, meaning as a supplement for nutrients and minerals lacking in their normal diet.
Performance Enhancement
Research available on the subject matter indicates that asparagus has medicinal abilities and therefore useful in the growth, reproduction and overall well-being of sheep. The nutrients and minerals found in the plant are said to be of the essence in enhancing performance. For this reason, sheep can feed on asparagus. A farmer in Japan has been reported to produce meat of superior taste and quality after using asparagus as livestock supplementary feed. This is a clear indication that the plant is highly beneficial to animals as it is to humans. Tests conducted on the nutritional value of the asparagus show that it is also a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenols which are antioxidant agents. These compounds are mostly concentrated in the stems. Therefore, sheep can feed on asparagus to absorb antioxidants necessary to prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress. By doing so, the quality of the meat is enhanced and it may even command a higher market value.
Health Maintenance
The productivity of sheep is determined by the type of feed available. This applies to both wool sheep and those bred for meat production. As such, sheep can eat asparagus to ensure a healthy and productive flock. Asparagus is a good source of vitamins needed to maintain the integrity of the immune system. Sheep are therefore able to withstand several diseases. Also, the trace elements found in the plant are of the utmost importance to the maintenance of animal health in the long run. Although the effects of trace elements deficiencies are experienced over time, they may be severe permanently affecting production levels. Asparagus is therefore valuable in making sure that animals reach their full potential. Since there is currently limited research on this subject, it is best to ensure that asparagus is used at minimal, preferably as treats or supplements.
What Is Poisonous To Sheep?
Ruminants are not picky eats and so sheep can feed on asparagus without necessarily experiencing any negative effects on growth, production and production. That being said, a common misconception among subsistence farmers is that sheep can generally eat anything. Although sheep can eat asparagus, some feedstuff is poisonous therefore should be avoided at all costs. Sheep have a very low tolerance for copper. Copper poisoning is known to cause lack of appetite, anaemia, fragile bones, hair loss, bloody urine and power wool coverage. If left untreated, copper toxicity can be fatal within a few days of showing symptoms. Lead is also poisonous to sheep. Its symptoms also include loss of appetite which leads to weight loss, lethargy and weakness as well as anaemia. Additional symptoms are respiratory distress, blindness and incoordination. Excess grain is poisonous to sheep hence the need to carefully manage rations. Providing sheep with too many vegetables and fruits is also said to be bad for sheep. To add on, the blue-green algae which is often found in stagnant water contains toxic compounds that may cause fatality. In most cases, sheep that feed on the blue-green algae die without any struggle. Some plants belonging to the nightshade and brassica family are also poisonous to sheep.
Can Sheep Eat Carrot Tops?
Sheep can feed on asparagus as well as many other vegetables and vegetable scraps including carrot tops. Carrot tops are by-products of carrot production. Instead of disposing of them, they can be used as feed supplements for sheep. Studies reveal that carrot leaves and stems are highly palatable to sheep thus can be easily consumed the feed. The upside to using carrots and carrot tops as supplementary feed for sheep is that they are cheap and readily available. Farmers are provided with an opportunity to cut down on production costs which in turn increases profits thus helping to achieve a successful agricultural venture. However, it is advised not to provide sheep with excess carrots or carrot tops as their digestive system is not designed for such feedstuff. Too many carrots and carrot tops can cause health-related issues. Carrots leaves tend to accumulate a lot of nitrates and so can be harmful to sheep. It is thus advised to provide these items as treats or feed supplements.
