Strategies for Summer Feeding
DEVELOPING a strategy for feeding over summer is key to ensuring sheep maintain a healthy condition, pasture is used to its full potential, the risk of soil erosion is minimised and the cost of feed is well managed.
Broomehill Stockfeeds’ Principal Craig Dewar said planning ahead was particularly important for growers joining ewes and rams over summer, and with lambs due to drop in May.
“Many farmers see supplementary feeding as an expense, but it is an investment into higher pregnancy rates and lambing percentages, better quality and heavier cutting wool, and well-maintained healthy sheep,” Craig said.
“It is insurance against mineral deficiencies and loss of condition, which only increases feeding costs later in the season, and results in production losses.
“It is more economical to maintain condition throughout a ewe’s pregnancy with supplementary feeding than it is to recover poor weight gains.
“Failure to meet the needs of ewes during pregnancy also impacts the lifetime adult wool production and quality of progeny, as unborn lambs are reliant on good nutrition for secondary hair follicle development.”
Even though fat score provided an indication of overall condition, Craig warned it was not reliable for determining whether sheep were receiving adequate vitamins and minerals for optimal productivity.
“Feeding whole barley is an inefficient option and poses the risk of barley re-growth in the following season’s cereal crop phase,” Craig said.
“Lupins are often the feed of choice because they are readily available, a good source of protein, have a high energy content, high fibre and low starch, but they are also low in sulphur, which can create an imbalance in the ratio of nitrogen to sulphur.
“Sheep can get crafty when it comes to avoiding certain components in feed, so even adding a mineral supplement to overcome such balances isn’t a foolproof solution.
“Unfortunately, livestock nutrition is rather complicated, and getting the delicate balance right can be difficult, with substantial consequences for getting it wrong.”
When comparing the cost of feeds, growers should consider energy costs and other factors associated with buying in or retaining grain, transport, storage, labour and the risks associated with failing to provide adequate nutrition on production.
Even though pellets provide a well-balanced and complete feed option, there are considerable differences between brands when it comes to value and quality, so farmers should be selective.
“One of the biggest benefits of feeding pellets is, not only do they take the guesswork out of providing a complete and balanced ration, but they are highly convenient to store and feed out in the paddock or in confined areas,” Craig said.
“We start feeding pellets in small amounts from October, and gradually increase over summer until just after the break of the season.
“Using a combination of paddock and semi-confinement feeding allows us to get the most out of our pasture without damaging the soil and provides insurance against deficiencies as the quality of pasture diminishes.”
Even though pellets provide a well-balanced and complete feed option, there are considerable differences between brands when it comes to value and quality, so farmers should be selective.
“When we started researching pellets for our own operation, we found the quality we were looking for was difficult to source,” Craig said.
“We have built a reputation over many years for producing top quality Merinos and weren’t willing to put their performance and genetic potential at risk by serving them anything less than the best quality ingredients.
“Since we couldn’t find a viable solution, we created one and set about building a commercial feed pellet mill on our property.”
Broomehill Stockfeeds’ pellets contain only high-quality fresh protein sources, with buffers for optimal productivity in the rumen environment, and well-balanced ratios of premium vitamins and minerals.
“As farmers ourselves, we understand the financial burden of substantial price hikes when you need feed the most, so are committed to maintaining a fair price on our premium products”
“We are also careful about avoiding excessive bulk roughage to maximise value and subsequent for our customers.
“We’ve had great results from feeding Broomehill Stockfeed Pellets including more consistency in our staple profile, higher conception rates and generally healthier sheep, with customers reporting similar results and always commenting on the quality and convenience on our pellets.”
Broomehill Stockfeeds offer 7mm Premium Ruminant Pellets, which are most effective for trail feeding and lick feeders, with their new range of 4mm pellets ideal for confinement feeding.
“In a typical confinement scenario our pelleted ratio alone will satisfy daily maintenance requirements of sheep and take the guesswork out of providing a balanced and complete feed,” Craig said.
“For stock that aren’t in optimal condition, we recommend a concentrated vitamin and mineral supplement is administered during the induction to correct potential nutrient deficiencies.”
Even though feeding grain and supplementary minerals seems like the most viable solution on paper, when you factor in the hidden costs, time commitment and potential risks associated with maintaining adequate stock nutrition, pellets are a clear winner.
For more information about Broomehill Stockfeeds’ Premium Pellets or to order call Craig on 0429 100 239.
