Farming
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Cattle and sheep are exceptional in their ability to utilise dry standing feed or stubble and convert it into a
useful energy source. However, to make the most of this feed, it’s important to understand how to drive
consumption and support animal performance over the dry season.
Causes of Reduced Performance
Plant Maturity
• The cellulose component of dry feed is digested by rumen microbes to provide energy to the animal.
• As plants age, they become bulkier and more fibrous, increasing indigestible fibre content.
• Digestibility declines, meaning more feed passes through the animal undigested.
• Protein and energy levels drop, becoming insufficient to support optimum growth.
Low Dry Matter Intake (DMI)
• High fibre content reduces the amount of feed animals can physically consume (fill factor).
• Adequate DMI is critical for optimum livestock production on low-quality pastures.
Low Protein Content
• When plant protein falls below 6–7%, rumen microbial activity slows.
• Reduced microbe activity leads to slower digestion and lower pasture intake.
Symptoms of Low Rumen Activity
• Reduced cud chewing
• Stock not grazing out in the paddock
• Hard, dry manure due to slow digestion
Treatment and Prevention
Maintain a Healthy Rumen Microbe Population
• Rumen microbes require additional protein and minerals to thrive on dry feed.
• Protein sources can include: Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP), Undegradable or 'Bypass' Protein (UDP) (e.g. canola meal), and Non-Protein Nitrogen (e.g. urea).
• Efficient digestion increases the rate of passage of feed, boosting daily DMI and driving production.
Dry Feed Supplements
Stimulate rumen activity by providing the limiting nutrients (protein and minerals) missing in dry feed.
Supplementary Options
Blocks
• High protein blocks containing 5–20% urea (lower urea is highly recommended).
• Example: 50% Protein Megamin Dry Feed Block.
Loose Licks
• Protein meal-based licks with varying urea levels to boost nitrogen for microbes.
• Examples: Norco Maxi Pro Hi Phos 8/10 or Maxi Pro 5/5.
• Mineral licks containing additives such as Rumensin®, Monensin, or Bovatec® to promote feed conversion efficiency.
Management Tips
Timing of Supplementation
• Start early in the season — it’s more economical to maintain condition than to try to regain it later.
Placement of Supplements
• Initially place supplements close to watering points (for the first week).
• Once intake is established, move supplements further into the paddock to encourage broader
grazing and improve utilisation of available feed.