Things to know about feeding sheep with new corn, sheep farmers should learn in advance

It is the season for harvesting new corn again. Due to the shortage and high price of old corn on the market, many sheep farms have started to use large amounts of lower-priced new corn, and some sheep farms have even switched entirely to new corn. Based on visits to sheep farms on the front lines, feeding new corn easily causes diarrhea in sheep flocks, high feed intake and slow growth.

Characteristics of new corn:

1. When new corn comes in, it needs a one-month after-ripening period, that is, the starch conversion process.

If the conversion is not complete, then energy is insufficient.

2. New corn has high moisture content and is prone to mold.

Mycotoxins, the derivatives of mold, will destroy the body's immune system and greatly reduce the body's disease resistance.

The harms of new corn are three:

1. High and unstable moisture content.

2. The delayed maturity of new corn easily causes diarrhea. Old corn does not have this harm (but old corn also requires attention to mold).

3. The harm of mold.

4. Note the difference between the harm of mold and the harm of mycotoxins.

5. The harm of toxins and the harm of mold in new corn are greater than in old corn.

How can it be used scientifically to maximize the nutritional effect of new corn?

1. Partial use: Mix old corn with part of the new corn, gradually increase the proportion of new corn added, and transition for half a month to reduce the effect of resistant starch. Feed prepared with new corn has relatively high moisture content and is not suitable for long storage; it is best to mix and feed immediately.

2. Screening and air separation: Screening and air separation of new corn can effectively reduce the content of broken kernels and impurities in the corn, thereby reducing the harm of mycotoxins to animals, and palatability can also be improved.

3. Moderate aging: New corn needs to be stored in the warehouse for 5-6 weeks and used after after-ripening.