Straw is my enemy :(

[PinkOil Princess]

So at home and at shows my heifers are bedded on shavings because they are just more practical and cleaner and easier to deal with than straw. However at my county fairs I am only allowed to bed down on straw and the heifers won't stop eating it. I have a rubber Matt and they pull it up to get to this apparently delicious straw. Any advice? Or should I just let them have there way and chow down. Thanks!

 

[HAB]

They are eating it because it is something "NEW".    They also like to eat it if they are on a rich diet, which would include most show feed rations.  They buffer their system by eating straw.
It will put a filled look on them.  You could give them access to some straw at home, then it won't be so inviting.

 

[HavinABlast]

Eating straw won't hurt them if they do it just at shows.  I wouldn't sweat the small stuff!  It will give them a full appearance!

 

[bim1986]

Won't hurt them at all.  8)

 

[pds]

We have had a problem with our lambs eating shavings and straw at shows when we put them in the pen so we started spraying the pen with vinegar and they usually stop.

 

[ejoe326]

I am curious as to why you want them to stop.

 

[vc]

pds, the competitive lamb people in are area use the ceder fiber for the lambs, at the shows. They do not eat it like shavings or straw.
You use a lot less after the first time, as well.

 

[RankeCattleCo]

How are shavings more practical/economical?