Budgeting in drought or dry years
Lifetime Wool has released an easy-to-use, quick guide to summer feeding rates. Designed for managing ewe flocks, it allows producers to predict gain or loss in condition based on current feed, while showing how much supplementary feed is needed to maintain condition.
The tables cover two pasture systems – mixed, perennial grass-based pastures of south-eastern Australia and annual, clover-based pastures typically found in WA and SA. The tables are broken down into:
- what they need – required energy for pregnant or lactating ewes of different frame sizes;
- what they can eat – likely energy intakes from dry pastures for different frame-size ewes;
- weight loss or gain – expected weight loss in kilograms or condition score; and
- feed values and how to calculate feeding rates.
Working out how much energy ewes need to meet the changing demands of pregnancy and lactation is an important part of profitably managing ewes. Ewes in poor condition at lambing will compromise progeny survival and future production.
Using these tables makes budgeting easy, although Lifetime Wool still recommends producers contact their local department of primary industries office as well. For more information on ewe condition targets and recommendations, see www.lifetimewool.com.au or contact the Lifetime Wool officer in your state.
See also: Beyond the Bale article - Feeding fundamentals
Return to Beyond the Bale Issue 27 index page.