The 3 parts to feed rations and supplementary feeding
Planning for the seasons
Seasons fluctuate, and averages are rarely definitive. Every farmer is aware of the inevitable feed gaps that vary yearly. Therefore, it is crucial for producers to feel confident in their supplementary feeding rations.
There are 3 parts to feed rations and supplementary feeding.
These are:
- Pasture quality and quantity available to the animals
- The specification of the grain or supplement available on farm, and
- The class of animal and their requirements for production.
The following gives an overview of how these parts are utilised to create an accurate ration for your flock.
Understanding the energy and digestibility of available pasture
Maximising flock productivity begins with understanding the energy and digestibility of your available pasture. This is the foundation for developing an accurate feed ration that meets your livestock's nutritional needs.
The graph below (Figure 1), sourced from NSW DPI's ProGraze Program, shows the relationship between the growth stages of temperate pasture, its digestibility, and the energy available to livestock. Keep in mind that different pasture species may exhibit varying growth stages.
Why should I do a feed ration?
Feed rations ensure that you're providing the right nutrition for your flock. Grain and supplement qualities vary significantly across different geographic locations and seasons. Therefore testing grain and supplements is essential for accurately allocating energy and protein to your animals based on their specific needs.
Nutritional requirements of stock
The minimum nutritional needs of sheep vary based on factors such as age and maternal status. Young growing stock requires high energy and high protein as their skeletal and muscular systems are still developing. While lactating ewes have the highest energy needs of all stock classes. Is it important to ensure that lactating ewes have the energy required to maintain production. Table 2 below shows the different protein and energy requirements for the different classes of stock.
Understanding the relationship between feed requirement, digestibility and water content (Dry Matter %) is vital to ensure that animals are receiving the nutrition they require. Animals have a limit to the amount of feed (Kg) they can physically eat. Some grains may restrict the availability of macro and micro minerals, necessitating supplementation. High starch and oil content can also be harmful to sheep.
Table 3. shows the feed test results for a sample of oats, which gives an example of Dry Matter, fibre content, energy and protein.
Worked example
Take this scenario as an example of how this applies. Annual grass and clover pasture at 800kg Dry Matter/Hectare, 60kg twin-bearing ewes, 30 days lactating, CS 3.
Ewe energy requirements – 26.7 MJME/Day
Ewe Intake – 20.5 MJME/Day
Surplus/Deficit = 6 MJME/Day
Energy content of grain = 12.1 mjme/kgdm.
Ration to be fed assuming 90% dry matter – 550g/hd/day
= 0.55*350 = 192 kg/day supplement to be fed. (Mob total)
So what do I do?
Following these basic steps can help with understanding your flock’s feeding rations and maximise productivity.
- Get a feed test analysis completed on your grain to know EXACTLY what you have. (Table 3.)
- Calculate what energy and protein your livestock are receiving from the pasture.
- Determine what class of stock you are feeding and what they need? (Table 2.)
- Calculate the amount of grain you need to feed out, to fulfil the ME and CP requirements.
Need help?
Does this seem complicated? We’re here to assist! We can help collect samples for testing and provide accurate pasture measurements. We'll develop a full feed ration tailored to your livestock's needs.
Contact your nearest Moses & Son store or reach out to our Livestock Consultant, Lexi Cesnik, on 0431 565 731, for more information.
