Pasture is our cheapest source of protein and energy on our farms, but relying on pasture alone doesn’t always maximise profitability. This is because the natural annual cycle of pasture starts with an excess of protein and moisture, reaches ideal conditions for only a few weeks, and then ends with a deficiency in energy and protein.
On top of these pasture challenges, our young stock are born with sterile, undeveloped rumens that cannot digest pasture efficiently, adding another layer of complexity to pasture conversion.
Early Season Strategy
At the start of the season, we offer controlled grain-based rations to maternal animals. This helps mop up excess protein in the rumen and slows the rumen passage rate. Slowing rumen passage is critical early in the season because pasture growth often doesn’t exceed consumption. By keeping pasture in the rumen longer, we extract more nutrients from a given amount of feed.
Creep Feeding Young Stock
Creep feeding young stock from birth is essential for improving pasture conversion. This process rapidly develops the rumen from sterile and ineffective into a pasture-converting machine. Young stock on creep feed require less milk from their mothers and are able to wean at a younger age, setting them up for stronger growth.
Managing Protein During the Spring Flush
When the spring flush arrives, we continue managing excess protein in the diets of weaners and spring-lambing ewes. A small amount of grain ensures that the liver is not using energy that could otherwise be directed toward production. The same principle applies when summer crops become available for grazing.
End-of-Season Finishing
Once productive pastures are exhausted, our weaners move into our automatic feedlot for finishing to heavy weight. Meanwhile, maternal stock consume the remaining pasture and then move into containment pens, ready for the next season.
Gerard Roney
Founder / Managing Director, Advantage Feeders
