Livestock Management & Feeding

The articles and links below will help with some basic information on livestock management during a drought. Drought Information Workshops will be occurring around the regions to assist with livestock management. Keep an eye out for workshop dates. 

General livestock 

Livestock decision time (.HTML)
The season has deteriorated in most areas of the state after a good start to the year. While there is still a chance of late rains in some areas, it is a great concern what will happen with the sheep and cattle industries as a result of the consecutive poor spring.

Consider alternative feed options (.HTML) 2KB
This year all common feeds for sheep and cattle are very expensive because of the drought across much of Australia. Farmers are considering all sorts of alternative feeds including straw, onions, grape marc, sawdust, potatoes, and so on. This article looks into the food value different options contain

Consider costs of lot feeding     (.HTML) 3KB
Correct decisions made now will protect the soil and the sheep and enable rapid recovery next year. Supplementary feeding and drought lot feeding encompass a number of factors which need to be considered.

Disposal of Livestock during drought     (.PDF) 19KB
Processes have been established to assist in the disposal of livestock with no commercial value due to the drought.

Establishing a permanent feedlot     (.HTML) 3KB
A feedlot can be useful in any year, not just in times of drought. The article provides a list of factors to be considered in developing a feedlot site.

Grazing Droughted Crops     (.HTML) 2KB
Information and points to consider on grazing stock in droughted crops.

Grazing Standing Cereals     (.PDF) 45KB
Some tips for grazing over summer and feed budgeting

Planning for the dry - now     (.HTML) 6KB
When planning for the months ahead you should look at stock numbers (numbers, feed-lotting options)& also erosion control.

Ready Rations Pro Software     (.HTML) 4KB
Software to formulate sheep and beef cattle rations in production feedlots or as supplements to dry pastures and crop stubbles.

Saltbush - a living haystack     (.HTML) 2KB
A saltbush plantation can serve as a haystack in times of feed shortage.

Spontaneous Combustion of Hay     (.PDF) 461KB
With the dry warm conditions it is important to be aware of potential risks of spontaneous combustion of hay.

Straw of high value this year     (.HTML) 3KB
Straw may be an inexpensive solution for sheep feeding through the drought.

Feeding Beef Cattle book     (.HTML) 2KB
Rations and feeding management of beef cattle during drought. Available from the Roseworthy Information Centre freecall 1800 356 446.

Sheep

Planning for Profit   [External Site]
This practical Australian Wool Innovation guide is a unique business tool that provides a series of step-by-step, cost-effective breeding and pasture management options for producers to consider post drought.

Confinement feeding sheep (.HTML) 3KB
With the lack of winter rainfall the soil is powdery and prone to erosion. If farmers want to keep their sheep, which is economic, and maintain good groundcover an option is to lock the sheep into a 'confinement feeding' area.

Feeding and Managing Sheep book     (.HTML) 2KB
Rations and feeding management for sheep during drought.

Is it worth keeping Sheep?     (.PDF) 89KB
A template to help you calculate if it is worth keeping sheep

Feeding sheep Bulletin
2/94/02, by Brian Ashton and Tony Morbey, Primary Industries and Resources SA, covers both drought feeding and production feeding. (Note: stocks of this one have run out but photocopies are available.)

Climate Risk for Graziers (.PDF)
Kondinin Group Research Report (NHT, Land & Water Australia)

Managing sheep in droughtlots – A best practice guide. Australian Wool Innovation Ltd (AWI)

Managing fodder prices for droughts – A guide to help sheep producers. AWI

Which sheep do I keep? – A guide to assist producers in droughts. AWI

Feedlotting lambs
Agnote DAI/42* 2nd edition, January 2003. NSW Agriculture

Ready Rations Pro
This program will calculate the lease cost ration to maintain or finish sheep or beef cattle.

Agistment Fact Sheet     (.PDF) 32KB
Information on the benefits and considerations of agistment including how it compares with feeding costs.

Dairy

Dairy Industry Drought Bulletin No 11     (.PDF) 35KB
An update of the current grain market situation in Australia as at 25 October 2006.

Dairy Industry Drought Reponse Update 27 Oct 2006     (.PDF) 51KB
The document provides an update on the drought response from the Dairy sector.

SA Dairy Industry - Drought Management Information October 2006     (.PDF) 221KB
Dairy Industry update newsletter with information on reviewing your drought management plan

Unconventional Feed for Dairy Cows     (.PDF) 54KB
Alternative feeds for dairy cows.

Dairy Dry Times     (.PDF) 105KB
Information for dairy farmers on the seasonal outlook for climate, grain prices and fodder availability and for planning and risk management during dry times.