Rolled Oats

Overview

Rolled oats are the most palatable grain available for show lambs and the standard choice for starting lambs on grain or creep feeding. Lower starch density than corn or barley makes them a gentler, safer introduction to concentrate feeding. They are rarely used as the sole grain source — their primary job is to coax intake, introduce lambs to grain-based feeding, and bridge to higher-energy grains like barley and corn. Roll for lambs under 50 lbs; whole oats work fine for heavier lambs.

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Nutritional Profile

Nutrient	Value (dry matter basis)
Crude Protein	10–12%
Crude Fat	4–5%
Crude Fiber	10–12%
TDN	72–78%
ADF	~14%
Calcium	~0.08%
Phosphorus	~0.30%
Ca:P Ratio	~1:4 (phosphorus-dominant — supplement with limestone)

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Sheep Safety

Copper: No concern — oats are copper-safe for sheep at any normal rate.

Urinary calculi (wethers): Moderate phosphorus relative to calcium. In a wether ration containing significant oats, supplement with limestone or calcium carbonate to correct Ca:P ratio to minimum 2:1. Also include ammonium chloride at 0.5% of total ration.

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Show Circuit Use

Primary Role in Program

Oats do the work that no other grain can — starting lambs eating and keeping picky eaters on feed. They are the default creep grain component and the go-to tool when a lamb refuses to eat or comes off feed during stress. Once lambs are eating well (typically by 50–60 lbs), oats are gradually reduced in favor of barley or corn for higher energy density.

Typical Feeding Rates by Phase

Phase	Rate
Creep (birth – 50 lbs)	Free-choice as blend component, or up to 0.25 lb/day mixed
Early Growing (50–80 lbs)	0.25–0.5 lb/day as part of grain mix
Growing (80–110 lbs)	0.5–1.0 lb/day — begin blending in barley or corn
Finishing (110 lbs – show)	Phase out or reduce to <0.25 lb/day; replaced by higher-energy grains

How to Feed

Dry, mixed into ration. Rolling improves surface area and digestibility for young lambs under ~50 lbs. For heavier lambs, whole oats are acceptable. Do not grind — fine-ground oats create a dusty, less palatable feed and can cause digestive issues.

Limitations

Oats-only diets fall 20% short of energy and protein targets for show lambs. Always blend with a protein source (soybean meal, alfalfa pellets) and a higher-energy grain when beyond the creep phase.

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Phase Protocols

Creep / Early Growing | Getting Started

• Rate: Up to 0.25 lb/day or free-choice as blend
• Mix: 60–70% rolled oats + 20–30% protein pellet (soybean meal or alfalfa pellets) + minimal corn
• Purpose: Maximum palatability to start lambs eating; safe energy profile for young lambs

Growing Phase

• Rate: 0.5–1.0 lb/day
• Mix: 30–50% rolled oats + barley or corn (increasing) + protein
• Purpose: Maintain palatability while increasing energy density

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Stacking & Combinations

Rolled oats + rolled barley: Standard western-program grain combination. Oats supply palatability and starter energy; barley supplies high-density growing energy. Common 50:50 blend during the growing phase.

Rolled oats + soybean meal: Core starter ration for young lambs needing protein. Add alfalfa pellets for additional protein and Ca:P correction.

Rolled oats + beet pulp: Good starter combination — beet pulp adds digestible fiber and calcium to partially offset the oats’ phosphorus load.

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Sourcing & Cost

Available from most grain elevators and farm supply co-ops as bulk rolled oats. Also included in commercial creep pellets (Purina Honor Show Creep 20 DX, Show-Rite Lamb Power Creep use oats as a primary ingredient). Bird-grade or food-grade rolled oats from warehouse stores are the same nutritional product at similar or lower cost per pound.

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Community Tips

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