Gippsland - How Now Gippy Cow
December 2010 Edition
Firming up your feed plan for the season
At the time of writing many in South and West Gippsland were still in the midst of silage making while those in East Gippsland were contemplating making some hay (if there was surplus pasture available). This is just how variable this spring has been across Gippsland.
As your fodder production for the season becomes clearer, what are the most profitable options for filling your total feed requirements including managing the risks of variable pasture/crop production over the remainder of the season?
A quick inventory
What are the total feed (quantity and quality) requirements for your targeted level of production?
- What are your current fodder reserves and what proportion is good quality milker feed and what is lower quality feed?
- What is your estimate of pasture and fodder crop production for the season and how will you manage the risk of a shortfall?
- What level of grain are you prepared to feed per cow?
Quality requirements
Does what you expect to have on hand in terms of pasture/crops, the level of grain feeding plus stored fodder match up with what is required? Does it fall short on energy requiring purchase of more grain or other energy sources?
What about protein? Pastures tend to be around 15% crude protein (CP) or less over summer, and cereal grains average about 12% CP so you may require a higher protein source if you don’t have any on hand.
What about fibre? If you have not made enough silage or hay then you may look at buying some good quality hay in.
Grain and hay report
If you do need to buy more grain or hay in to meet your herd’s demands, the grain and hay report produced by Dairy Australia is a good regular reference which can assist in making the right choice. These reports can be accessed at the following web address www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Farm/Feeding-cows/Bought-in-feeds/National-Grain-Hay-summary.aspx for Gippsland or any other region. The cost of the feeds will be affected by the quantities available and their quality.
If you do need to buy substantial amounts of hay, ask for a vendor declaration to be supplied with the feed to help cover any possibility of chemical residues or quality problems. A feed test for grain or hay will also assist in working out purchase requirements and ensuring value for money.
For further information on working out your dairy herd’s feed requirements you can contact your local feed nutritionist, dairy company field staff or DPI dairy extension officers at Ellinbank ph 5624 2222, Leongatha ph 5662 9900 or Maffra ph 5147 0800.
