NORTHERN Tablelands Local Land Services is encouraging local livestock producers to utilise feed testing when feeding livestock as seasonal conditions deteriorate.

Whether producers are supplementing their diet or providing a full ration, obtaining a feed test provides a clear overview of the feed’s true nutritional value, ensuring producers can meet the nutritional requirements of their animals.

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is currently offering a limited number of free feed, soil and water tests for landholders.

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Land Services officer, Sara Paton,  said that there is no simple ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to ration development, as nutritional values vary across commodities, seasons, production systems, and even between batches of the same feed.

“When purchasing feed, it’s not always practical to wait for lab results after the feed has already arrived,” she said.

“Where possible, ask the supplier for a feed test at the time of purchase so you can start feeding with accurate nutritional values once the feed arrives.

“It’s also important to always ask for a commodity vendor declaration, as this helps producers evaluate potential weed risks.”

Common feed test values important for ration development include dry matter, digestibility, metabolisable energy, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and crude fat.

Understanding these components is the first step in interpreting your feed test results. There are additional considerations when formulating a balanced diet, so if unsure about feed quality or ration development, contact a local livestock nutrition expert.

Different classes of livestock have different energy and protein requirements.

If there are multiple classes, such as weaner calves and pregnant cows, separate rations for each are needed.

If seasonal conditions remain unfavourable and feeding continues for an extended period, animal requirements may change due to change in class, for example, pregnant cow to lactating cow, liveweight/growing animals, residual pasture availability or pasture quality.

Ms Paton said that during prolonged feeding, it’s important to regularly reassess animal requirements and adjust rations as needed.

“If you need to purchase additional feed, ensure each batch has a feed test and revise rations accordingly”, she said.

The Drought & Supplementary Feed Calculator is a valuable tool for sheep and cattle producers developing drought rations or rations for dry periods requiring supplementary feeding.

Ration development is complex, involving many pasture and livestock variables.

The tool provides useful guidance, but users should interpret the outputs carefully, understand how each feed type interacts within the diet, and combine this with livestock monitoring and pasture observations to fine-tune decisions.

The calculator can be found HERE.

Alternatively, the myStockPlanner tool is also a great resource.

To find out more about free feed, water and soil tests, or to speak to staff about ration formulation, call 1300 795 299 or visit the nearest Northern Tablelands Local Land Services office.