Grassclippings being fed to sheep

I came home from work today and my OH had dropped a load of grass clippings over the fence into the sheep paddock (just cut today) and I thought I read somewhere that they shouldn't eat them...is that right?

We'll go and get them out of the paddock asap if they shouldn't be eating it?

Our little pet lamb had a bit of a nibble until I chased her away....

For some reason I am worrying that this is the wrong thing to do

I too have heard it is not good, with regard to horses. I would take them out as a precaution if it were me, rather than waiting for replies on here!

But would certainly be interested to know why they are a no-no.

Grass clippings tend to start fermenting before they can digest.
Ie the animals can gorge of them when they are left in a pile and they wind up in the stomach a fermenting mass causing colic in horses, I imagine the same could happen in sheep if they ate a lot.
I would not let them near fresh grass clippings.

We've just been out and shovelled it out of the paddock and away from their reach. So now we don't need to worry....thank goodness!

Grass clipping are fine so long as they are well spread out,no piles and eaten quickly.Our sheep,cows,goats,chickens just love them for a treat. They must not warm up as this causes the problems but as with anything a little is good not alot.We put the cuttings out in the paddocks and then put the harrows over, spreads it all out nicely.
cheers Sandra

Grass clippings have a larger surface area than fresh or hand cut grass, so they break down into sugars and gases quicker (think of how much quicker chopped up stuff breaks down on the compost heap[8D]).This can cause bloat in cows and colic in horses as their guts can't keep up...but small amounts are fine if gradually introduced..just like most new feeds.I used to feed my cows up to a catcher each a day and one between 4 sheep.

As well as being digested and fermenting too rapidly in the gut, in cows and horses grass clippings cannot be chewed as cud. Sheep usually eat short grass for preference, so probably they can cud a bit of clippings. Make sure that the clippings are well spread out, and there are no poisonous plants in it.

Also check that whatever mowed them (if not by hand) doesn't port the exhaust out through the clippings. Older mowers used to do this. Also make sure there are no oil or fuel leaks.