FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Ovine
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Last updated 22nd July 2005 by Bree
Nutritional Needs of Ovines
Water
Clean, fresh water must always be available to ovines. Use heavy containers to avoid spilling.
Feed
Ovines are ruminants (multi-stomached animals) and consequently rely mainly on hay or pasture for their dietary needs. They will need at least 8 hours of grazing time per day. Grain is very high in fat, and therefore its use is not recommended as ovines tend to have weight problems. Watch carefully for obesity as it is very unhealthy for ovines.
The best ovine pastures include mixed grasses. When using only pasture for roughage, be sure to be careful of overgrazing. Ovines will graze very close to the ground if allowed, and this can destroy pasture. The best system for grazing is using 2 or more pastures and rotating as needed. Before allowing ovines in a pasture, be sure to remove all plants that are poisonous to them. Contact a local farmcrafter for a complete listing of poisonous plants in the area. Never put ovines on very rich pasture that is wet with rain or dew, as this can cause stomach bloat.
If adequate pasture is not available, feed ovines a grass hay. Adult ovines need 2 to 4 pounds of hay per day. To locate a source of hay in the area, check with a local Farmcrafter for farm/cotholders who could supply the hay.
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Clean, fresh water must always be available to ovines. Use heavy containers to avoid spilling.
Feed
Ovines are ruminants (multi-stomached animals) and consequently rely mainly on hay or pasture for their dietary needs. They will need at least 8 hours of grazing time per day. Grain is very high in fat, and therefore its use is not recommended as ovines tend to have weight problems. Watch carefully for obesity as it is very unhealthy for ovines.
The best ovine pastures include mixed grasses. When using only pasture for roughage, be sure to be careful of overgrazing. Ovines will graze very close to the ground if allowed, and this can destroy pasture. The best system for grazing is using 2 or more pastures and rotating as needed. Before allowing ovines in a pasture, be sure to remove all plants that are poisonous to them. Contact a local farmcrafter for a complete listing of poisonous plants in the area. Never put ovines on very rich pasture that is wet with rain or dew, as this can cause stomach bloat.
If adequate pasture is not available, feed ovines a grass hay. Adult ovines need 2 to 4 pounds of hay per day. To locate a source of hay in the area, check with a local Farmcrafter for farm/cotholders who could supply the hay.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet