|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
Feed Budgeting All welfare codes are based on the "Five Freedoms". High on the list is the freedom from hunger and thirst. Animals deserve enough food to maintain them. In a young growing animal, mere maintenance is not a stable state but may be endured for short periods over the worst of winter. Precise feed budgeting is a complex area with a large number of variables. All cannot be considered in a grossly simplified approach and it is suggested that individuals do some background reading to make themselves more familiar with the skills involved. Once familiar with the process, individuals may substitute the base data with details particular to the local area. The figures provided here are guides only, as they relate to maintenance levels and not to the feeding levels required for optimum animal performance. The following information needs to be calculated when performing a feed budget: Average winter length Days where pasture growth drops below stock demand. Eg.North Auckland 80 days, Waikato 100 days...South Otago 120+ days Average winter growth rates 18kg DM/Ha in the North to 5 in the South Effective grazing area Winter stocking rates Classes and numbers (including other stock) plus any winter sales policy Supplements available (and an estimate of feed quality) Hay, silage etc and including crops grown or possible grazing off Opening pasture cover This can only be an estimate as assessment may take place at a date widely different from the suggested May 1 start date. The best estimate can be gained from supporting information, such as previous winter growth rates for weaners and slaughter detail of yearlings killed. Adapt the figures below to suit your own area:
Nitrogen or N based fertiliser The time of application and expected growth rates. Nitrogen will not grow grass if applied at the wrong time, when temperature or moisture is limiting. Pasture and Feed utilisation Varies from 85% on intensive operations to 65% on extensive situations Base Data:Winter Feed Demands
|
It is ideal for mature hinds in good condition post mating to maintain body weight over winter. Wapiti feeding levels vary according to the percentage of Elk genes or the live weight of the animals. Periods of extreme cold and wet increase demands greatly. In fact in temperatures of less than 5 degrees and no shelter, deer convert feed into energy for warmth instead of growth
Average Crop Yields
| Crops | Kilograms dry matter |
| Hay | 85% DM 1 Bale = 14kg/DM (small bale) |
| Silage | 20-28% DM Quality & Conservation very important |
| Rape | 4000 - 5500 kg DM/hectare |
| Turnips (soft) | 4500 - 6000 kg DM/hectare |
| Kale | 6000 - 8000 kg DM/hectare |
| Swedes | 5500 - 7500 kg DM/hectare |
| Oats/Barley | 3000 - 4000 kg DM/hectare |
| Maize silage | 15,000 - 22,000 kg DM/hectare |
| Winter Rye grass | 3000 - 5000 kg DM/hectare |
*Based on average yields for reasonable to good crops
Winter pasture Growth
Winter Days X Effective AreaHectares X Average Area Growth Rate (Kg DM/Ha/Day)
Example
Winter growth rates are available from MAF
