Livestock feed requirements (11/22)

Drought and dry seasons are often part and parcel of farming in many areas of Australia. When finances are stretched and there is limited feed available, it is important to be prepared and plan early so decision making is easier. Unfortunately as conditions worsen, management options which might have been available earlier may no longer be feasible. Therefore early preparation and decision making is essential. Some points to consider include:

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• What feed supplies are stored on property?

• How much feed will stock require?

• Will stock be fed for maintenance or production targets?

• Which mobs are a priority for the best feed? Which mobs could be sold?

• What resources including finance and equipment will be required?

• Is it possible to agist or sell stock?

• What is the contingency plan should supplementary food sources become limited?

• Discussing plans with everyone involved in the business

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Typically livestock source the majority of their nutrition from plant material as pasture, which becomes limiting during drought and dry seasonal conditions. The productivity of livestock will be largely dependent on the quality and quantity of feed on offer. Preparing a feed budget will determine when and if supplementary feeding will be required. This will be discussed in further detail in this Drought Research Report. Often poor water quality is a contributing factor to poor performance in animals. It is essential animals are provided with access to good quality water, particularly when the majority of their food is dry feed. Livestock water requirements are covered in the September 2022 Drought Research Report.

Legally it is graziers' responsibility to ensure livestock have access to enough food to ensure animals don’t starve. The following articles provide some insight into the maintenance ration requirements of cattle and sheep during different growth stages. Supplementary feeding and alternative food

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