ADVANCED DRY FEED & STUBBLE MANAGEMENT

Dry feed and crop residues are a frequently underutilised resource in many livestock production enterprises.

Dry standing feeds and crop residues, that are not managed appropriately, are generally a poor source of energy and protein for sheep and cattle. They also contain an inadequate level and balance of those nutrients critical to maintaining optimum health and productivity in the animals grazing them. 

This nutrient imbalance can significantly reduce the animals’ ability to efficiently convert the available dry feed into meat, milk or wool.

It can also be associated with an increased incidence of pinkeye, respiratory problems, ill-thrift, depraved appetite and starvation. In addition, the animals’ natural ability to resist infections, including parasites and bacteria, can be significantly impaired.

The poor nutrient balance associated with grazing dry feed and stubble has also been implicated in cases of infertility, implantation failures and early embryonic deaths in pregnant cows and ewes. A higher incidence of Pregnancy Toxaemia and Ketosis may also be observed.

Sheep and cattle that are unable to obtain the level and balance of critical nutrients that they require from dry feeds and crop residues are much more likely to:

  • Eat more feed than they need to maintain or gain weight;

  • Have higher rates of metabolic and nutritional diseases (such as Pregnancy Toxaemia or Ketosis);

  • Produce less meat and wool (with higher rates of fibre weaknesses);

  • Produce less milk of lower quality for their progeny;

  • Suffer from increased rates of infections;

  • Cycle less strongly and be less fertile.

    •  

    Fortunately, there are cost effective and readily implementable strategies available to rectify the nutrient imbalances commonly associated with dry feed. 

    Please Contact Us today for more specific information and advice on how our Advanced Production Management Systems can help you get the most out of your dry feed and crop residues.

     

     
     

     

    Close