Supplementary Feeding
Supplementary feeding has played an important role in improving the utilisation of poor quality pastures and maintaining animal health. Urea has been available to stock at all times to provide a source of nitrogen. Ruminants need a balanced supply of energy and protein to maintain rumen health. Mature grass is very low in protein and aged Coolatai grass is lower than most. The nitrogen source of choice initially was a molasses and urea mix (M8U) provided in a lick drum. As the drought intensified during the summer of 2013-14 molasses became unavailable and fortunately I was able to access Anipro from the local distributor. Since January 2014 stock have had unlimited access to Anipro.
Sulpur, phosphorus and nitrogen are the key limiting soil nutrients. Sulphur is provided in elemental form and phosphorus as dicalcium phosphate. Both are provided as free choice and available at all times. Magnesium as dolomite, salt and the Colby mix are also available in the trailer that moves with the stock.
During winter as the feed quality declines and nutritional requirements of the stock increases with calving, a bypass protein supplement has been provided. The program has changed each year as I work through the logistics of physically distributing the feed, depending on availability and price. To date copra meal, cottonseed meal and copra pellets have been used and this year cottonseed pellets are looking most likely.
Sulpur, phosphorus and nitrogen are the key limiting soil nutrients. Sulphur is provided in elemental form and phosphorus as dicalcium phosphate. Both are provided as free choice and available at all times. Magnesium as dolomite, salt and the Colby mix are also available in the trailer that moves with the stock.
During winter as the feed quality declines and nutritional requirements of the stock increases with calving, a bypass protein supplement has been provided. The program has changed each year as I work through the logistics of physically distributing the feed, depending on availability and price. To date copra meal, cottonseed meal and copra pellets have been used and this year cottonseed pellets are looking most likely.