Feed Budgets

During dry times, producers are often advised to 'do a feed budget'. However, this is a more complex process than some may think. Below is a guide to the inputs required in order to calculate a feed budget successfully.

Feed testing and ration formulation

Variability in feed quality represents a common yet easily avoidable loss to a production system. The most important step in determining feed quality is to have your ration ingredients analysed for nutritive value. Relying on average feed values is not always enough: the quality of feed available can vary greatly based on feed type, growing conditions (location, rainfall, fertiliser), soil chemistry and storage methods. All too often proper testing and analysis are only done once poor feed has already taken its toll.

This is why feed testing is so important.

Feed testing is easy and affordable and provides the basis for professionally formulated rations. It is just one of the many pro-active farm management tools Productive Nutrition uses to get the most out of farming systems and keep them moving forward.

Contact us for more information on:

• feeding livestock, including feeding sheep and feeding lambs
• calculating feed budgets for your property
• feed testing and analyses
• feed testing kits