Posted on December 26, 2023 (Updated on July 17, 2025)

How to keep sheep from eating cows grain?

Human Impact

Sheep in the Cattle’s Feed? Here’s How to Stop the Snack Raids!

Okay, so you’re juggling cattle and sheep on your farm? I get it. One of the most annoying problems is those woolly bandits sneaking into the cattle’s feed. It’s not just about being a bit of a pain, it can actually mess with their health and your bottom line. Let’s dive into how to keep those sheep out of the wrong feed trough.

Why Can’t Sheep Just Eat Cow Food?

Think of it this way: cows and sheep are both ruminants, meaning they have that cool multi-chambered stomach thing going on, but they’re not exactly the same under the hood. Ruminants are pretty special because they can get more energy out of tough, fibrous plants compared to other plant-eaters. Animals like cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and antelope are true ruminants, rocking a stomach with four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.

Cows? They’re built for grass. They need that high-fiber stuff to keep their digestive system happy. Sheep, on the other hand, are a bit more like picky eaters. They prefer the finer things in life – broadleaf plants and nutrient-rich goodies.

Cattle feed is usually packed with what cows need, not sheep. It’s got a different balance of fiber and minerals. If sheep start chowing down on it regularly, they can miss out on key nutrients and, in some cases, even get sick. Trust me, you don’t want copper toxicity in your flock – it’s nasty.

Operation: Keep Sheep Out!

Alright, let’s get practical. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to keep sheep from crashing the cattle’s dinner party:

  • Divide and Conquer: This is the simplest, but often most effective. Give your cattle and sheep completely separate feeding areas. Different pastures work great, or even just fencing off a section of the same pasture. Think of it as creating separate restaurants – one for the beefy guys, one for the woolly ones.

  • Calf-Only Cafeteria: Ever heard of creep feeders? These are feeders designed so that only the calves can get in. You can also make a small mineral feeding spot that keeps the bigger animals out. A stand-alone feeder in the pasture can work, just make sure the openings are small enough. Or, use a pen with a small entrance near the barn to keep the big guys out.

  • Elevated Dining: For cattle minerals, try putting them on a stand that’s too high for the sheep to reach. Simple, but effective!

  • Timing is Everything: If you can’t physically separate them, play with feeding times. Watch when the sheep are most likely to sneak over to the cattle’s feed and adjust your schedule. Maybe feed the cattle in the morning and the sheep in the afternoon, or vice versa.

  • Slow and Steady Wins the Race: When you’re switching ruminants over to grain, do it gradually. They need to get used to it. Start with hay, then slowly add grain over a few weeks. Grain should never be more than 70% of a cow’s diet and 90% of a sheep’s diet.

  • Confine and Conquer: If you’re in a drought, one option is confinement feeding. This means keeping your animals in a small area and giving them all the food they need. It helps keep them healthy and protects your land.

    • When Sharing is (Carefully) Caring: Multi-Species Grazing

    Now, some folks make multi-species grazing work – that’s where cattle and sheep graze together. It can be done, but it’s like walking a tightrope.

    • Don’t Overcrowd: Get your stocking rates right. Too many animals and they’ll be fighting over every blade of grass.
    • Rotate, Rotate, Rotate: Rotational grazing is your friend. It keeps the pasture healthy and cuts down on parasites. Fun fact: cattle and sheep don’t share the same parasites, so grazing them together can actually reduce worm problems!
    • Keep a Close Eye: Watch your animals like a hawk. Are they gaining weight? Losing weight? Adjust your feeding plan as needed.

    The Nitty-Gritty: Nutrition

    No matter how you manage your feeding, make sure everyone’s getting what they need. Talk to a livestock nutritionist – they can help you create the perfect feed plan.

    • For the Cows: Fiber is key, and don’t forget those minerals, especially copper.
    • For the Sheep: Sheep-specific mineral supplements are a must. And be careful with the copper – too much can be deadly.

    The Downside: Health Problems

    Messing up the feed situation can lead to some serious health issues.

    • Copper Overload in Sheep: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating: sheep are super sensitive to copper. Cattle feed can have way too much for them.
    • Upset Tummies (Acidosis): A healthy rumen is key to livestock production. When introducing grain to the diet of cattle or sheep it is important to ensure that safe amounts are consumed especially as the rumen microbes begin to adapt. If they eat too much grain too fast, they can get acidosis, which is basically a really bad stomachache. In serious cases, it can even be fatal.

    The Bottom Line

    Keeping sheep out of cattle feed takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. With the right strategies and a little common sense, you can keep your animals healthy and happy. And hey, a happy farm is a profitable farm!