There are different kinds and species of vegetables in the world. These veggies are mostly used for different purposes, such as human consumption, animal consumption and medicinal purposes. In this article, we are going to look at the benefits of asparagus to sheep. First of all:
Can sheep eat asparagus?
Yes, sheep can eat asparagus. The nutrient values of asparagus vary from folate, protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and Vitamin K. Sheep consume herbs and vegetables of different species which include asparagus. Just like in the case of every other living creature, sheep also need to feed on nutrients rich edibles to function.
What is asparagus?
Asparagus is a kind of vegetable that is well known for its consumable component and nature. The vegetable is common in green colour but there are are other types of asparagus such as the white and purple asparagus but they are rare unlike the green ones. Asparagus is equally valued for it contains a lot of nutritional supplements and a lot of components.
What are the nutrient components of asparagus?
Below are the some of the many nutrients of asparagus.
Folate
Commonly known as vitamin B-9. Folate is an essential component needed in the development of cells. It is also important at the stage of growth in humans and animals.
Fiber
It helps to regulate the use of sugar in the body system. It helps in maintaining low blood pressure as well as lower cholesterol level. Fiber also helps to normalises bowel movements.
Potassium
It is one of the most important mineral needed for the body. It is useful for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, it also regulates heartbeat. It is also needed for the breaking down of carbohydrates.
Vitamin K
This is an essential vitamin needed in the body for proper blood clotting which helps to stop wound from excess bleeding. It also helps in building the bone and some other important functions in the body.
In regards to these above facts and functions on the nutritional components and values embedded in asparagus, the answer still remain yes and definitely.
What's the best time to feed asparagus to sheep?
Feeding asparagus to sheep has no specific time or duration. However, the best time for sheep to feed on asparagus is in the morning. Fresh asparagus is the best to give to sheep but when feeding them with canned asparagus, it is recommended to rinse well and drain before allowing the sheep to eat.
Providing diets that contain healthy nutrients to sheep increase their level of functionalities and productivities. Hence, a well nutritious vegetable like asparagus is recommended and required in the diets of sheep for different purposes and reasons.
For proper increase in the production level of sheep, meeting the nutritional requirements is essential. Since asparagus is well known for its over the top nutritional properties, it can be used in the replacement of forage which is the normal feed for sheep and it is commonly known for its lack in some minerals.
Based on research, asparagus has being said to contain medicinal components which in turn enhance the reproductive capacity of sheep, it also increases rapid growth and helps in maintaining good health for the livestock.
The importance of asparagus to sheep.
Sheep are bred by farmers for two major purposes. These include breeding sheep for the production of wool and breeding sheep for the production of meat for human consumption.
Some years ago in Japan, a farmer revealed that feeding asparagus to his sheep resulted in the production of tastier meat produce which incredibly increased his sale compared to sheep that weren't fed asparagus. It maybe concluded that feeding asparagus to sheep leads to increase in the flavour of the meat. This experiment further goes to prove that asparagus is indeed of immense benefit to humans just as it is also of immense benefit to animals.
Since feeding asparagus to sheep leads to increase rapid in their growth, the production of wool for market purpose will in turn be increased as the sheep grow rapidly and produce more wool for processing.
Asparagus has being proven to be a good source of vitamins which is very much important to uphold and boost immune systems of both lower and higher animals. Thus, asparagus ends up assisting sheep to reduce the risk of developing diseases and also to fight against different kinds of diseases and viruses which may be threatening to their health and lives.
The overall research available has proven that asparagus is valuable in the growth and the general well being of animals.
Is asparagus always safe for sheep?
No, asparagus is not always safe for sheep consumption. One thing to notice is that the root of asparagus contains alkaloids.
What are alkaloids?
Alkaloids are natural toxic property present in plants as a form of self defence against animals that feed on plants (herbivores). The major toxic effects of alkaloids include digestive problem, disturbance on the nervous system and the immune system. A lot of plant species are said to be toxic to both human and animals based on their alkaloids content.
The side effects of alkaloids include constipation and pupil dilation. It may also affect the heart and the respiratory system. Therefore, to avoid the risks of these toxic effects, utmost caution should be put in place when feeding the plant to sheep.
Aside the composition of alkaloids, asparagus as beneficial to sheep diets as it is, it may also be harmful to the livestock if given to them in excess. Too much asparagus may cause diarrhoea hence, it should be feed to sheep in moderate quantity of diet.
In summary
Asparagus contains a lot of nutrients values as a vegetable. Thus, including it in feeding sheep is recommended. On the other hand, it should also be noted that at the moment, there is limited research on this matter, so to be on the safer side, the feeding of asparagus to sheep should be minimal.
