Good video, I add birdsfoot trefoil to the mix when sowing leys including red or white clover as it has a compound in it that has been found to be anti-bloat. Sainfoin is another forage legume that is anti bloat. With a good percentage in the mix you can be sure that bloat shouldn't be an issue, although care to introduce the clover gradually is always wise. Ive done this for several years now and not had an issue with bloat, even when there is no grass and just clover and birdsfoot trefoil due to drought. Birdsfoot trefoil seems very hardy and can tolerate hard grazing while sainfoin seems to be a bit too easy to kill to be worth using for grazing leys.
Really fantastic video, I'd come across this information in a haphazard fashion that left me nervous but without any understanding. Now I understand! Also have you come across any mention of goat fertility being impacted? It seems sort of likely given how similar they can be to sheep...
Very interesting video kaz I have just recently been suffering with bloat in my lambs i even moved them off of a field containing clover to one with only grass and they are still bloating 😓
Interesting video today, I’m sure vets are great at appointing issues with great ideas 😂, in all fairness learn something new there, how’s the pups doing ?
Good video, I add birdsfoot trefoil to the mix when sowing leys including red or white clover as it has a compound in it that has been found to be anti-bloat. Sainfoin is another forage legume that is anti bloat. With a good percentage in the mix you can be sure that bloat shouldn't be an issue, although care to introduce the clover gradually is always wise. Ive done this for several years now and not had an issue with bloat, even when there is no grass and just clover and birdsfoot trefoil due to drought. Birdsfoot trefoil seems very hardy and can tolerate hard grazing while sainfoin seems to be a bit too easy to kill to be worth using for grazing leys.
Thanks Duncan! Are you based in the UK or further afield?
Is the risk of sheep bloating on clover lower after the clover has gone to seed or after a good frost?
Not as far as I’m aware - in fact the advice is to NOT graze heavily on frosted mornings.
Really fantastic video, I'd come across this information in a haphazard fashion that left me nervous but without any understanding. Now I understand!
Also have you come across any mention of goat fertility being impacted? It seems sort of likely given how similar they can be to sheep...
Good question - I haven't. The sheep fertility impact seems only to be when grazing really high % clover sward, so again assume goats similar.
Very interesting video kaz
I have just recently been suffering with bloat in my lambs i even moved them off of a field containing clover to one with only grass and they are still bloating 😓
Bugger! Those rumen microbes can be hard to get back on track.
Interesting video today, I’m sure vets are great at appointing issues with great ideas 😂, in all fairness learn something new there, how’s the pups doing ?
Thanks Ross - the pups are nearly all gone to new homes and thriving!