With the escalating price of hay and the availability of other feed supplements you may be asking ‘why feed roughage this winter?’
Roughage will be needed during winter for any of the following reasons:
- Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing).
- If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage, acidosis or grain poisoning can occur.
- As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allows a way of administering Causmag.
Livestock need to eat more roughage in cold weather to give them energy for heat production.
Roughage in their diet helps keep livestock warm since the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose creates heat energy.
If they don’t have enough roughage, the weight will melt off as they mine body fat to create energy for warmth.
Therefore, there are several compelling reasons why roughage may be needed this winter.
Plus, if you can feed late in the afternoon it will provide your livestock ‘heat’ through the night.
For more information, contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
Across the state any farmer can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of difficult seasonal conditions.
These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical experts, including farm business advisers, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians.
The program provides tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and online tools and information.
Find more information on drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
– Dr Jeff Cave is an Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer.