Get a feed test to avoid disappointment

THE demand for hay during this lengthy dry spell has seen fodder prices rise and more hay hitting the market, some of which may not be up to scratch.

Farmers looking to buy in feed due to poor pasture growth are encouraged to do a feed test to ensure fodder meets their livestock’s needs.

Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer Hannah Manning said comparing the quality and price of different fodder could be confusing.

“Feed tests done properly are the only way to know what you’re getting and if it will meet your livestock requirements.

“A feed test provides information on the energy and protein levels of feed, these are important values to understand for the maintenance, production and growth of different classes of livestock.

“A feed test can seem daunting but if you break it down and work your way through the major components, you’ll gain an important understanding of the feed quality and know if that meets your animals’ demands.”

Along with energy and protein, fibre is an important factor to understand because that can limit how much an animal can eat.

When livestock overeat fibre, their digestion rate slows down causing them to leave supplementary feed in the paddock and miss out on getting enough nutrients, leading to weight loss.

“A feed test also allows for accurate comparison of different feed costs,” Dr Manning said.

“Feed testing requires working out the cost per kilogram of dry matter and then calculating the cost per unit of energy.

“Further advice can be found on the Feeding Livestock Victoria website, including the Drought Feed Calculator, which can help calculate the numbers for you.”

For more information about understanding feed tests and working out the cost of feeds, head to the Feeding Livestock Victoria website at feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au