Jan 24, 20182 min read

TRAC Beef & Sheep Tech Tip - Summer 2017/18

Updated: May 29, 2020

Welcome to our Summer Tip! The best of summer is in our midst and now is the time to fully utilise what is left on hand.

IS YOUR PASTURE FEED OR FILL?

Pastures across the Southern Farming Systems are or have turned, with a lingering hint of green still around. However, what we are seeing now is that even with the green tinge, there is minimal leaf and minimal nutrients, resulting in a high neutral detergent fibre (NDF), low energy and a low protein feed base. When the NDF exceeds 65 percent, the amount of feed that can be consumed by an animal is significantly limited, ultimately reducing the amount of energy able to be utilised for maintenance requirements, and not enough to support growth. To counteract the high NDF pastures without altering the feed base, a simple option is to include a protein source to stimulate rumen microbial activity for faster digestion and throughput of feed. Providing a supplement such as TPM Flock Boost Dy Feed or TPM Bovine Boost Dry Feed provides a protected protein source that is easy and safe to use, with special slow release technology to keep appetite churning and animals moving forward.

For more information on TPM Flock Boost Dry Feed click here For more information on TPM Bovine Boost Dry Feed click here

MEETING PRODUCTION TARGETS WITH SORGHUM & MILLET

If you are starting the season with summer crops such as millet or sorghum, these have much lower NDF and higher energy compared to dry standing feed, however they are still low in crude protein and therefore can be limiting ultimate production targets.

For optimal development we look for 16% Crude Protein (CP), whereas millet and sorghum can sit as low as 12% and 14% respectively. For feeding summer crops such as millet or sorghum, adding protein can bring up the nutrient value of the diet with minimal effort. You can call one of our ruminant experts to discuss different ways to simply increase productivity, development and growth in young stock.

LIVE WEIGHT GAINS ON SUMMER FEED

For a more energy dense approach to target live weight gains for finishing stock or meeting joining targets, click here for some notes of why we need to feed energy and protein. For further questions on how to create a simple ration to boost your live weight gains, contact one of our ruminant experts for a chat and get started today.