Sheep Silage and Fermented Feeds: Safe Use in Rations

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Listeriosis Risk: Listeria monocytogenes thrives in poorly fermented silage (pH > 5.0), particularly spoiled or moldy material, posing a significant risk of encephalitic or abortive disease in sheep, especially pregnant ewes.
• Clostridial Disease Prevention: Vaccination against Clostridium perfringens types C and D is critical to prevent enterotoxemia, a potentially fatal condition exacerbated by sudden dietary changes to silage or high-starch feeds.
• Mycotoxin Contamination: Molds in silage can produce toxins like zearalenone and deoxynivalenol, leading to reproductive issues, reduced feed intake, and immune suppression; visible mold is not always indicative of toxin presence.
• Rumen Health and Fiber: Sheep require long fiber from sources like hay or straw to maintain rumen function and prevent acidosis, as finely chopped silage alone can disrupt microbial balance and saliva buffering capacity.
• Quality Control and Monitoring: Visual and olfactory inspection, coupled with laboratory analysis for dry matter, pH, protein, energy, and minerals, are essential for evaluating silage quality and formulating balanced rations to avoid nutritional deficiencies or toxicities.

Silage and other fermented feeds can be an economical and nutritious part of a sheep operation, but they come with specific risks that require careful management. This guide covers the full process of producing, evaluating, and feeding silage to sheep, including the dangers of listeriosis, clostridial diseases, and mycotoxins. It is written for commercial sheep producers, small flock owners, and farm managers who want to use fermented forages safely and effectively.

At a Glance

• Sheep can eat well-made silage from grass, legumes, corn, or small grains when it is harvested at the correct moisture and fermented properly.
• Never feed moldy or spoiled silage to sheep. Discard any material that is discolored, slimy, or has a rancid or musty odor.
• Introduce silage gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow rumen microbes to adjust to the new feed.
• Pregnant ewes are the highest risk group for listeriosis from poor quality silage. Do not feed them spoiled feed under any circumstances.
• Watch the pH. Good grass silage should have a pH below 4.5. Corn silage should be below 4.2. Higher pH values indicate poor fermentation.
• Sheep need long fiber. Do not feed only finely chopped silage. Provide hay, straw, or pasture to maintain rumen function and prevent rumen acidosis.
• Test your silage for dry matter, protein, energy, and minerals before formulating rations. Do not guess.
• Store silage correctly and remove it from the face of the pit or bale in a way that minimizes spoilage.
• Call a veterinarian if sheep show signs of circling, facial paralysis, abortions, or sudden death after eating silage.

Understanding Fermented Feeds for Sheep

Fermentation is one of the oldest methods of preserving forage. The process uses naturally occurring bacteria to convert plant sugars into organic acids, primarily lactic acid. These acids lower the pH of the plant material and prevent spoilage organisms from growing. The result is a stable feed that can be stored for months or even years.

Sheep are ruminants with a four chambered stomach. They are well adapted to digesting fermented feeds because their rumen microbes can utilize the organic acids and the breakdown products of fermentation. However, sheep have different nutritional needs and tolerances than cattle, and they are more sensitive to certain problems in silage.

Types of Silage Suitable for Sheep

Several crops can be made into silage for sheep. Each has different characteristics:

Grass silage is the most common type in many regions. It is made from perennial grasses such as ryegrass, fescue, or timothy. The quality depends heavily on the stage of growth at harvest. Early cut grass has higher protein and energy but lower yield. Late cut grass is more fibrous and less digestible.

Legume silage from alfalfa or clover has higher protein and calcium than grass silage. However, legumes are harder to ensile because they have lower sugar content and higher buffering capacity. They require more careful wilting and sometimes the use of additives to achieve a good fermentation.

Corn silage is popular because of its high energy content. The whole plant is chopped and ensiled, including the grain. Corn silage is lower in protein than grass or legume silage, so it is often fed with a protein supplement. It is very palatable to sheep and causes fewer fermentation problems than legume silage.

Small grain silage from wheat, barley, oats, or triticale can be made when the grain is in the dough stage. These silages are intermediate in quality between grass and corn silage.

Whole crop cereal silage is similar to small grain silage but may be harvested at different stages. Some producers make this into a fermented feed while others use it as a moist grain feed.

How Fermentation Works

For silage to preserve well, you need four things:

1. Anaerobic conditions. Oxygen must be excluded. The crop is chopped and packed tightly to remove air, then sealed with plastic.
2. Sufficient sugar. The plant material needs enough water soluble carbohydrates for the lactic acid bacteria to produce acid.
3. Correct moisture. Most silage crops should be wilted to 30 to 40 percent dry matter before ensiling. If the crop is too wet, it produces a poor fermentation with butyric acid and unpleasant odors. If it is too dry, it is hard to pack and may not exclude oxygen well.
4. Time. The fermentation process takes several weeks. Do not open the silage for at least three to four weeks after sealing.

The target is a rapid drop in pH to below 4.5. This preserves the nutrients and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum, and various molds.

Producing Quality Silage for Sheep

Good silage starts in the field. The decisions you make at harvest have more impact on feed quality than anything you do later.

Choose the Right Harvest Stage

For grass silage, harvest when the grass is at the early heading stage. At this point, the plant has high sugar content and moderate fiber. If you wait too long, the fiber content increases and digestibility drops. If you harvest too early, yield is low and the silage may be too wet.

For legume silage, harvest alfalfa at early bloom and clover at early bloom. Legumes have lower sugar than grasses, so consider wilting to 35 to 40 percent dry matter and using an inoculant.

For corn silage, harvest when the kernel milk line is at one half to two thirds down the kernel. The whole plant should be about 32 to 38 percent dry matter. Corn harvested too wet produces seepage and poor fermentation. Corn harvested too dry is hard to pack and may heat.

For small grain silage, harvest at the soft dough stage. The moisture should be around 60 to 65 percent.

Wilt to the Right Moisture

Wilting is the process of letting the cut crop dry in the field before chopping. This concentrates the sugars and reduces the amount of water that dilutes the fermentation acids.

For grass and legume silage, wilt to 30 to 40 percent dry matter. This usually takes four to 24 hours depending on weather and crop condition. Do not let the crop get rained on after cutting if you can avoid it. Rain leaches sugars and increases the risk of a poor fermentation.

For corn silage, no wilting is needed. The crop is harvested at the correct moisture directly.

Chop at the Right Length

The chop length affects packing density and rumen function. For sheep, a theoretical length of cut of about one half to three quarters of an inch is appropriate for grass silage. Corn silage for sheep should be processed to crack the kernels but the stover can be chopped at three quarters to one inch.

Do not chop too finely. Sheep need some long fiber particles to stimulate chewing and saliva production. Saliva contains bicarbonate that buffers the rumen and helps prevent acidosis.

Pack Thoroughly and Seal Quickly

The goal is to exclude oxygen as quickly as possible. For bunker silos, spread the chopped crop in thin layers and pack continuously with a heavy tractor. The packing density should be at least 15 to 16 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot.

For bales, use a baler that produces high density bales. Wrap the bales in at least six layers of plastic within four hours of baling.

For tower silos, fill quickly and level the top. Seal the top with plastic and weights.

Use Additives When Needed

Silage additives can help in specific situations:

Inoculants contain lactic acid bacteria that speed up fermentation and improve the drop in pH. They are most useful on crops with low sugar content or when conditions are difficult. They are not a substitute for good harvest management.

Enzymes break down fiber into sugars that bacteria can use. They are sometimes added to legumes or mature grass.

Acids such as formic acid can be applied to very wet crops to lower pH directly. They are corrosive to equipment and require careful handling.

Sugar sources such as molasses can be added to crops with low sugar content. This is rarely needed for well managed grass or corn silage.

Common Silage Problems and How to Avoid Them

Butyric acid fermentation occurs when the crop is too wet and the pH does not drop quickly enough. Clostridial bacteria convert lactic acid to butyric acid, which has a rancid odor. The silage is less palatable and may cause digestive upsets. Prevent this by wilting adequately and using an inoculant on wet crops.

Aerobic spoilage occurs when oxygen enters the silage. This happens at the face of a pit, around the edges of bales, or if the plastic is damaged. Spoiled silage is hot, moldy, and may contain toxins. Prevent this by removing silage in a clean face, using enough plastic, and repairing any damage immediately.

Seepage occurs when very wet silage releases effluent. This liquid is highly polluting and can cause environmental problems. It also represents a loss of soluble nutrients. Prevent seepage by wilting to the correct moisture.

Heating occurs when oxygen is present during storage. This can happen if the silage is too dry, not packed well, or the seal is broken. Heating reduces digestibility and can create heat damaged protein that sheep cannot use.

Evaluating Silage Quality Before Feeding

You cannot tell everything about silage quality by looking at it, but you can learn a lot. Use your senses first, then send samples to a laboratory.

Visual Inspection

Good silage should have a color similar to the original crop, though it will be darker. Grass silage is typically olive green to brownish green. Corn silage is yellow brown. The texture should be firm but not slimy.

Look for these warning signs:

• Mold in any color indicates spoilage. White, gray, pink, or black mold are all reasons to reject the feed.
• Sliminess indicates clostridial activity and poor fermentation.
• Dark brown or black color suggests heating during storage.
• Ice crystals or frozen clumps indicate the silage froze, which can happen in poorly sealed bales.

Smell Test

Good silage has a pleasant, slightly sweet or fruity smell. It should smell like pickles or fermented grain.

Warning signs in the smell:

• Rancid or buttery smell indicates butyric acid from a poor fermentation.
• Musty or moldy smell indicates aerobic spoilage.
• Burning or tobacco like smell indicates heating.
• Ammonia smell indicates protein breakdown.

If the silage smells bad, do not feed it to sheep. The smell is not just unpleasant. It indicates chemical changes that make the feed less nutritious and potentially dangerous.

Touch Test

Good silage should feel moist but not wet. Squeeze a handful. If water runs out, the silage is too wet. It should hold together when compressed but break apart easily when disturbed.

Laboratory Analysis

Send a representative sample to a forage testing laboratory. The lab should test for:

• Dry matter to know how much water is in the feed.
• Crude protein to formulate the protein content of the ration.
• Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber to estimate energy and digestibility.
• pH to confirm proper fermentation.
• Minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
• Mycotoxins if you suspect mold contamination.

Take samples from multiple locations in the silage face or from multiple bales. Combine them into one sample for analysis. Collect samples in a clean plastic bag and send them to the lab promptly.

Interpreting the Results

The table below shows typical values for well preserved silage:

Values outside these ranges do not automatically mean the silage is unsafe, but they mean you need to adjust your ration formulation and be more careful.

Feeding Silage to Sheep Safely

Once you have quality silage, you need to feed it in a way that keeps sheep healthy and productive.

Introduce Silage Gradually

Sheep that have been on pasture or hay have a rumen microbe population adapted to those feeds. A sudden switch to silage can cause digestive upset, reduced intake, and acidosis.

Start by offering a small amount of silage alongside the current feed. Increase the proportion over 7 to 10 days. Watch for signs of digestive upset including reduced appetite, loose manure, or lethargy.

How Much Silage to Feed

The amount depends on the type of sheep, their stage of production, and the quality of the silage.

Dry ewes in early to mid pregnancy need about 3.5 to 4.5 pounds of dry matter per day. Good quality silage can provide most of this. Provide about 2 to 3 pounds of silage dry matter plus hay or straw for fiber.

Ewes in late pregnancy need more energy, especially in the last six weeks before lambing. They may need 4.5 to 5.5 pounds of dry matter per day. Silage can be the main feed, but you will likely need to supplement with grain or a higher energy feed.

Lactating ewes have the highest nutritional requirements. They need 5 to 7 pounds of dry matter per day depending on the number of lambs they are nursing. Silage can provide the forage portion, but concentrate supplementation is usually necessary.

Growing lambs can be fed silage as part of a complete ration. However, lambs have limited rumen capacity and may not eat enough silage to meet their energy needs. A combination of silage and grain works well.

Rams can be maintained on silage during the non breeding season. During the breeding season, provide additional energy and protein to maintain body condition.

Balancing the Ration

Silage alone is rarely a complete ration for sheep. You need to balance it with other feeds to meet the sheep's requirements.

Protein is often deficient in corn silage. Add soybean meal, canola meal, or another protein source. Grass and legume silage are usually adequate in protein for maintenance but may need supplementation for lactation.

Energy is adequate in most good silage for maintenance, but lactating ewes and growing lambs may need grain.

Fiber is essential for rumen function. If the silage is very finely chopped, provide some long stem hay or straw. Sheep should consume at least 1 to 1.5 pounds of long fiber per day.

Minerals and vitamins are not always adequate in silage. Provide a sheep mineral supplement that contains calcium, phosphorus, salt, and trace minerals. Vitamin E may be needed if the silage is more than six months old because it degrades during storage.

Feeding Methods

You can feed silage to sheep in several ways:

In a bunk or trough is the cleanest method. Sheep can eat without trampling the feed. Provide enough trough space so all sheep can eat at the same time, about 12 to 16 inches per ewe.

On the ground is common for small flocks but leads to more waste and a higher risk of contamination. If you feed on the ground, move the feeding area regularly to prevent buildup of manure and mud.

In a total mixed ration is the best method for large flocks. The silage is mixed with grain, protein supplements, minerals, and sometimes hay in a mixer wagon. This ensures every sheep gets a balanced diet.

Water and Salt

Sheep eating silage need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Silage has variable moisture content, and sheep may need more water when eating dry silage.

Provide free choice salt and minerals. Sheep on silage diets may need additional sodium bicarbonate to buffer the rumen, especially if the silage is acidic or if they are also eating grain.

Health Risks Associated with Silage

Silage can harbor several pathogens and toxins that cause disease in sheep. Understanding these risks helps you prevent problems.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is the most important disease associated with feeding silage to sheep. The bacteria are widespread in soil and can grow in silage that is not properly fermented, especially if the pH is above 5.0.

The disease affects sheep in two main forms:

Encephalitic listeriosis affects the brain. Affected sheep show circling, head tilt, facial paralysis, drooling, and depression. They may press their head against objects. The disease progresses rapidly and is often fatal without treatment.

Abortive listeriosis causes abortions in pregnant ewes. The bacteria cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Abortions typically occur in the last third of pregnancy.

Listeriosis is more common when feeding silage that is:

• Poorly fermented with a high pH
• Moldy or spoiled
• Contaminated with soil
• Fed from the top of a bunker silo where spoilage is common

Prevention is the best approach. Never feed spoiled silage to sheep. Remove the spoiled layer from the top and sides of silage before feeding. Keep the silage face clean and remove only what you will feed that day.

If you suspect listeriosis, call your veterinarian immediately. Treatment with high doses of antibiotics can work if started early, but the disease is often fatal.

Clostridial Diseases

Several clostridial bacteria can cause disease in sheep fed silage.

Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum, which produces a powerful toxin. The bacteria can grow in silage that is contaminated with soil, animal carcasses, or bird droppings. The toxin causes progressive paralysis. Affected sheep have difficulty standing, chewing, and swallowing. Death occurs from respiratory failure.

Enterotoxemia or pulpy kidney disease is caused by Clostridium perfringens type D. The bacteria are normally present in the gut but can overgrow when sheep consume large amounts of starch or sugar. This can happen when sheep are suddenly introduced to large amounts of silage or when they overeat grain.

Black disease is caused by Clostridium novyi. It occurs when liver flukes damage the liver and allow the bacteria to grow. It is more common in sheep on pasture than on silage, but the risk exists.

Prevention of clostridial diseases relies on vaccination. Use a multivalent clostridial vaccine that covers types C and D and tetanus. Vaccinate ewes before lambing and lambs at 8 to 12 weeks of age.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds. They can be present in silage even when the mold is not visible to the naked eye.

Common mycotoxins in silage include:

Zearalenone has estrogenic effects. It can cause vulvar swelling, vaginal prolapse, and reduced fertility in ewes.

Deoxynivalenol or vomitoxin reduces feed intake and causes vomiting. Sheep may refuse the silage entirely.

T-2 toxin causes oral lesions, reduced feed intake, and immune suppression.

Ergot alkaloids can be present if the silage contains contaminated grain. They cause vasoconstriction, reduced blood flow to the extremities, and heat stress.

Mycotoxin contamination is more common in silage that has been damaged by oxygen, stored too long, or harvested from stressed crops.

Prevention is the best strategy. Harvest at the correct stage, pack well, and seal promptly. Discard visibly moldy silage. If you suspect mycotoxins, have the silage tested. Some products claim to bind mycotoxins in the feed, but their effectiveness varies. Consult your veterinarian or extension agent for advice.

Nitrate Toxicity

Plants can accumulate nitrates when they are stressed by drought, frost, or high nitrogen fertilization. When sheep eat high nitrate feed, the nitrate is converted to nitrite in the rumen. Nitrite binds to hemoglobin and prevents oxygen transport.

Symptoms of nitrate toxicity include rapid breathing, weakness, tremors, and sudden death. The blood of affected animals is dark brown.

Nitrate levels are highest in the lower parts of the plant, especially the stalks. Corn silage is a common source of nitrate toxicity. Ensiling can reduce nitrate levels by 30 to 50 percent, but the risk remains.

If you suspect high nitrates, test the silage before feeding. Do not feed silage with nitrate levels above 0.5 percent on a dry matter basis to pregnant ewes.

Common Mistakes When Feeding Silage to Sheep

Even experienced producers make mistakes. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them.

Feeding Spoiled Silage

The most serious mistake is feeding spoiled silage to save money or reduce waste. The cost of losing a ewe or a lamb crop far exceeds the cost of discarding spoiled feed.

Never feed silage that is moldy, slimy, hot, or has a bad odor. When in doubt, throw it out.

Switching Feeds Too Quickly

A sudden change from hay or pasture to silage can cause acidosis and digestive upset. Always introduce silage gradually over 7 to 10 days.

Feeding Only Silage

Silage is not a complete ration. Sheep need long fiber for rumen function, and they need minerals and vitamins that may be deficient in silage. Provide hay or straw and a mineral supplement.

Ignoring the Silage Face

The exposed face of a silage pile is where spoilage occurs. Remove at least 4 to 6 inches from the face each day. If you feed less than this, the silage will spoil before you use it.

Not Testing the Silage

Guessing at the nutrient content of silage leads to unbalanced rations. Test every new batch of silage before feeding it. Retest if the silage has been stored for more than six months.

Feeding Silage to the Wrong Animals

Not all sheep should be fed silage. Sheep that are very young, very old, or in poor condition may have difficulty with fermented feeds. Lambs under eight weeks of age should not be fed silage as their rumens are not fully developed.

Ignoring Water Quality

Sheep eating silage drink more water than sheep on dry hay. Ensure water sources are clean and accessible. In winter, check water frequently to prevent freezing.

Monitoring Sheep on Silage Diets

Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early before they become serious.

Daily Observations

Check sheep at least once daily. Look for:

• Feed intake. Are the sheep cleaning up the silage? A sudden drop in intake may indicate a problem with the feed.
• Manure consistency. Loose manure can indicate acidosis or a feed change. Very dry manure can indicate dehydration.
• Body condition. Sheep should maintain or gain condition according to their stage of production.
• Behavior. Watch for lethargy, isolation from the group, or unusual posture.

Weekly Checks

Once a week, do a more thorough check:

• Body condition scoring. Assess each ewe or a sample of the flock.
• Rumen fill. Feel the left side of the sheep behind the ribs. A well filled rumen indicates adequate intake.
• Mouth and feet. Check for lesions or lameness.

Record Keeping

Keep records of:

• Silage batch. Note the harvest date, crop type, and any additives used.
• Laboratory analysis. Keep the results of all forage tests.
• Feeding rates. Record how much silage is fed each day.
• Health events. Note any illness, treatment, or death in the flock.
• Milk production if you are milking ewes.
• Lamb growth rates if you are feeding lambs.

When to Call a Veterinarian

Call your veterinarian immediately if you see:

• Neurological signs including circling, head tilt, or tremors
• Sudden death in multiple animals
• Abortions in pregnant ewes
• Refusal to eat lasting more than 24 hours
• Severe diarrhea or bloating
• Any animal that cannot stand

Do not wait to see if the animal improves. Many diseases associated with silage progress rapidly and are fatal without early treatment.

Adjusting Silage Use for Different Production Stages

The way you feed silage should change according to the production cycle of your flock.

Dry Ewes

Dry ewes in early pregnancy have the lowest nutritional requirements. They can be maintained on good quality silage alone, provided they have access to a mineral supplement.

Feed about 2 to 3 pounds of silage dry matter per ewe per day. If the silage is very digestible, provide some straw to maintain rumen fill and prevent the ewes from becoming too fat.

Ewes in Late Pregnancy

The last six weeks of pregnancy are critical. The lambs are growing rapidly, and the ewe's rumen capacity is reduced by the expanding uterus.

Feed higher quality silage and add concentrate. A typical ration might be:

• 2 to 3 pounds of silage dry matter
• 1 to 1.5 pounds of grain or concentrate
• Free choice minerals

Watch for pregnancy toxemia, which occurs when ewes do not get enough energy in late pregnancy. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, and a sweet smell on the breath.

Lactating Ewes

Lactation is the most demanding period. Ewes nursing twins or triplets need 50 to 75 percent more energy than dry ewes.

Feed the best quality silage you have and supplement heavily with grain. Provide fresh water at all times. Monitor body condition and adjust feeding if ewes are losing too much weight.

Growing Lambs

Lambs can be creep fed silage from about three weeks of age. The silage should be very high quality and finely chopped. Provide a creep area that only lambs can access.

Once lambs are weaned, they can be fed a ration of silage and grain. Aim for a weight gain of 0.5 to 0.75 pounds per day for meat lambs.

Rams

Rams can be maintained on silage during the non breeding season. Before the breeding season, increase feeding to improve body condition. Rams should be in moderate to good condition, not too fat and not too thin.

Storing and Managing Silage for Sheep

Proper storage is essential for maintaining silage quality and safety.

Bunker Silos

Bunker silos are common for large operations. The silage is packed into a concrete or earth walled structure and covered with plastic.

To manage a bunker silo:

• Keep the face clean. Cut a straight face with a block cutter or bucket. Do not loosen the silage and let it fall.
• Remove the right amount. Take at least 4 to 6 inches from the face each day in cold weather and 6 to 12 inches in warm weather.
• Keep the plastic sealed. Repair any tears immediately. Weigh down the edges with tires or sandbags.
• Do not leave the face exposed. When you finish feeding, cover the face with a clean sheet of plastic to prevent oxygen penetration.

Baled Silage

Baled silage is convenient for small flocks. The bales are wrapped in plastic and stored on a hard, well drained surface.

To manage baled silage:

• Store on a clean surface. Gravel or concrete is best. Do not store on bare soil.
• Protect from rodents. Rodents can chew through the plastic and allow oxygen to enter.
• Check the plastic regularly. Repair any holes immediately.
• Feed within 12 months. Baled silage keeps well for up to a year, but quality declines with time.

Tower Silos

Tower silos are less common now but still used on some farms. They require careful management to ensure a good fermentation.

To manage a tower silo:

• Fill quickly. Do not let the silage sit in the silo for more than a few days before sealing.
• Level the top. The silage should be level to allow even packing.
• Seal properly. Cover the top with plastic and weights.
• Use a silo unloader. This removes silage from the top and drops it to the bottom for feeding.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Silage production and feeding have environmental and safety implications that you should consider.

Silage Effluent

Silage effluent is a highly polluting liquid that can cause fish kills and water contamination. It has a high biological oxygen demand, meaning it depletes oxygen in water.

To manage effluent:

• Wilt crops adequately to reduce effluent production.
• Collect and store effluent from bunker silos and tower silos.
• Do not let effluent enter waterways.
• Apply effluent to land as a fertilizer at appropriate rates.

Silage Gases

Tower silos can produce dangerous gases during fermentation. Nitrogen dioxide is the most dangerous. It is a yellow brown gas with a bleach like smell. It can cause severe lung damage or death if inhaled.

To stay safe:

• Stay out of the silo for at least three weeks after filling.
• Ventilate the silo before entering.
• Never enter a silo alone.
• Use a safety harness and have someone outside the silo.

Plastic Waste

Silage plastic is a significant source of agricultural waste. Many regions have recycling programs for silage plastic. Check with your local agricultural extension office for options.

Worker Safety

Feeding silage involves heavy equipment and repetitive work. Follow these safety practices:

• Use proper lifting techniques when handling bales.
• Keep hands and feet clear of augers and machinery.
• Wear gloves when handling silage to protect against cuts and irritation.
• Be aware of the risk of listeriosis for pregnant women. Pregnant women should not handle spoiled silage because listeriosis can cause miscarriage.

Economic Considerations

Silage can be an economical feed for sheep, but you need to consider all the costs.

Cost of Production

The cost of producing silage includes:

• Land cost or rent
• Seed, fertilizer, and chemicals
• Harvesting equipment and labor
• Storage structures and plastic
• Additives

Compare the cost per pound of dry matter with alternative feeds. Silage is often cheaper than hay per pound of nutrient, but the savings depend on your situation.

Reducing Waste

The biggest economic loss with silage is waste. Poor storage and feeding practices can waste 10 to 30 percent of the silage you produce.

To reduce waste:

• Pack and seal properly to minimize spoilage.
• Remove the right amount from the face each day.
• Use a feeder to reduce trampling.
• Feed spoiled silage to cattle if you have them. Cattle are less sensitive to some of the problems in spoiled silage, though you should still be careful.

Value of Improved Nutrition

Good silage can improve sheep performance through:

• Higher milk production in lactating ewes
• Better lamb growth rates
• Improved ewe condition at lambing
• Fewer metabolic diseases

These benefits can offset the cost of producing silage.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are solutions to common problems when feeding silage to sheep.

Sheep Refuse the Silage

If sheep will not eat the silage:

• Check the smell and appearance. If it is spoiled, discard it.
• Check the pH. Very acidic silage can be unpalatable.
• Introduce it more gradually.
• Mix it with other feeds to mask the taste.
• Check for mycotoxins, which can reduce palatability.

Sheep Have Loose Manure

Loose manure can indicate:

• Too much silage too quickly
• Acidosis from the silage or grain
• A change in feed
• Internal parasites

Reduce the silage and provide more hay. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian.

Sheep Are Losing Weight

Weight loss on a silage diet can indicate:

• The silage is lower in energy than expected
• The sheep are not eating enough
• Parasites or disease
• Inadequate mineral supplementation

Test the silage and adjust the ration. Check for parasites and treat if needed.

Silage Is Too Wet

Wet silage has several problems:

• It is less palatable
• It causes more effluent
• It dilutes the nutrients
• It may have a poor fermentation

If the silage is too wet, feed more dry matter from other sources. You can also mix the wet silage with dry hay or straw.

Silage Is Too Dry

Dry silage is hard to pack and may have heated during storage. It is less digestible and may be dusty.

If the silage is too dry, feed it with wetter feeds or add water at feeding time. Do not add water to stored silage because this can cause spoilage.

The Role of Extension Agents and Veterinarians

You do not need to figure everything out on your own. Extension agents and veterinarians are valuable resources.

When to Call an Extension Agent

Call your local extension agent for:

• Help interpreting forage test results
• Ration formulation advice
• Information on silage additives
• Recommendations for local suppliers
• Workshops and training on silage production

Extension agents have access to research based information and can help you make informed decisions.

When to Call a Veterinarian

Call your veterinarian for:

• Sick or dead animals
• Abortions in the flock
• Neurological signs in any sheep
• Sudden drops in feed intake
• Questions about vaccination programs

Your veterinarian can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments, and help you prevent future outbreaks. Build a relationship with a veterinarian who understands sheep production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sheep eat corn silage?

Yes, sheep can eat corn silage. It is high in energy and palatable. However, corn silage is low in protein, so you need to supplement with a protein source. Introduce it gradually and provide adequate fiber. Corn silage works well for growing lambs and lactating ewes when balanced correctly.

How much silage should a ewe eat per day?

A mature ewe can eat 2 to 4 pounds of silage dry matter per day, depending on her stage of production. Dry ewes need less, about 2 to 3 pounds. Lactating ewes need more, up to 4 pounds or more. Always provide access to clean water and a mineral supplement.

What does spoiled silage look like?

Spoiled silage has a dark brown or black color, a musty or rancid smell, and a slimy texture. It may have visible mold in white, gray, pink, or black patches. Spoiled silage may also be hot to the touch. Never feed spoiled silage to sheep.

How long after ensiling can you feed silage to sheep?

Wait at least three to four weeks after sealing before feeding silage. The fermentation process takes this long to complete. Silage can be fed for 12 months or longer if it is stored properly and the face is managed well.

Can silage cause listeriosis in sheep?

Yes, silage is a common source of listeriosis in sheep. The bacteria grow in poorly fermented silage, especially when the pH is above 5.0. Spoiled silage, silage contaminated with soil, and silage from the top of bunker silos are highest risk. Never feed spoiled silage to sheep, especially pregnant ewes.

Do sheep need hay if they are fed silage?

Yes, sheep need some long fiber even when fed silage. Silage is chopped, and it does not provide the same rumen stimulation as long hay. Provide 1 to 1.5 pounds of hay or straw per ewe per day to maintain rumen function and prevent acidosis.

Can you feed silage to lambs?

Lambs can eat silage from about eight weeks of age. Their rumens are not fully developed before this. Start with small amounts and increase gradually. Lambs need a higher energy diet than mature sheep, so supplement silage with grain.

How do you test silage for quality?

Send a representative sample to a forage testing laboratory. The lab will test for dry matter, protein, fiber, energy, and minerals. You can also test for pH and mycotoxins. Take samples from multiple locations and combine them. Collect the sample in a clean plastic bag and send it promptly.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related guides on sheep nutrition, forage management, and flock health. Check back for updates or explore other resources on this site for more information on sheep farming practices.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Sheep Grazing Lease: Terms, Rates, and Legal Considerations
• Sheep Breed Selection for Meat, Wool, Dairy, and Low-Input Systems
• Sheep Barn Flooring for Hoof Health: Best Materials and Practices

References

• American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC): https://www.wormx.info/
• USDA APHIS Sheep Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goats
• FAO Sheep and Goat Production: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.