Stock nutrition vital during winter
District vets from the North Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority are keen to remind local producers that while native pastures provide good nutrition for stock in summer and autumn, they are a poor quality feed for winter.
Keith Newby, North Coast LHPA district vet based in Grafton, says that producers need to be aware that both the energy and the protein content of native grasses drops off in the cooler months.
"In winter, nutrition requirements of stock are very high to help them cope with the cold and to fight off infection. Native pastures alone can’t meet this nutritional demand," Dr Newby said.
"Because of this, stock fed on native pastures alone can undergo severe weight loss. Pregnant animals or those with young offspring are most at risk, compared to those that are eating just to support themselves."
By the end of winter, ongoing weight loss in stock can have a drastic impact on reproduction, causing very low pregnancy rates and poor calf health. This poor performance can be resolved with improved nutrition, but some animals will be permanently affected.
Dr Newby says that to avoid weight loss and reproduction problems, there are four main strategies for coping with native pastures in winter:
- Sow temperate pastures to increase energy and protein content of feed. Examples include rye grasses, clovers, legumes and crops (such as oats).
- Provide protein and energy supplements, such as hay, silage, grains, molasses, lick blocks or commercial pellets.
- Reduce stock numbers during winter to increase pasture availability for remaining stock. Be aware that there may still be some weight loss as the pasture quality is still low.
- Experienced producers may accept some weight loss and poor reproductive performance until pasture conditions improve. Be careful to ensure that animals do not become too thin as this compromises animal welfare.
For more information on adequate stock nutrition during winter, contact the district vet at your local LHPA office in Lismore, Casino or Grafton.
Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378