Is clover good grazing for sheep?

Question

Is clover good grazing for sheep?

Answer 1

I would say not. It will be too rich in nutrients. Bloat can be a sudden and lethal occurrence for sheep. Often, unless the livestock is being monitored closely, the first symptom one notices is dead or distressed animals.

Pasture bloat is often brought on by a rapid intake of immature, highly nutritious green legumes (alfalfa or clovers). These plants, when in a vegetative state, contribute high levels of ruminally degradable protein, high levels of carbohydrates and are digested quite rapidly. This causes a drop in the pH of the rumen, an increase in gas production and a binding of protein molecules into a surface film over the ruminal contents. These events contribute to the production of froth, and subsequently, trapped gas.

Answer 2

Not really.

Sheep are better suited to less rich grazings.

That's why they are often kept half way up a mountain, where the grazing is good enough for sheep, but not for cattle or horses

Answer 3

Yeah, sheep don't like long grass and I guess clover only grows on the short grass and its a nice change.

Answer 4

clover can cause bloat in animals with rumens  a lot of sheep will eat grass and low quality grass and usually leave clover alone

Answer 5

not really sheep are kin to goats and llamas they like more of a weedier pasture and too much clover can cause them to bloat!!!