Choosing the Type of Supplement

It is important to weigh up the cost of the feed against freight, infrastructure and labour costs when choosing which type of supplement is best for you to use.

Why Feed Blocks? It is convenient to feed blocks - they can be placed in different parts of the paddock to encourage more extensive grazing. Their high nutrient density means ease of freight and handling. For palatability, blocks are based on salt or molasses. Salt is cheap, and provides sodium. However in some areas cattle will not seek salt, in these cases molasses provides a concentrated source of energy. Some Rumevite blocks are weather resistant and can be fed in the open.

Management Practices when Feeding BLOCKS

• Ensure a plentiful supply of pasture or stubble is available when feeding blocks
• Place blocks on high well drained ground, a minimum of 30 metres from watering points
• Once stock are consuming the blocks, move them out further from watering points. This will help avoid over consumption and encourage stock to graze out, utilising available paddock feed.

Why Feed Licks?

Licks are loosely mixed formulations that supplement available feed (pasture). They are usually feed from troughs. Many mixers are vulnerable to wetting, so troughs should be covered and contain drainage holes.

Feed station are best located away from water sources to encourage animals to forage more widely.

Management Practices when Feeding LICKS

• Ensure a plentiful supply of pasture or stubble is available when feeding licks
• Pour licks into well drained troughs and allow cattle free access
• Locate troughs a minimum of 30 metres from watering points
• Once stock are consuming the loose lick, if possible move troughs out further from watering points. This will help avoid over consumption and encourage stock to graze out, utilising available paddock feed.

Stock Feeds and Concentrates Where permanent feeding facilities with good paddock access are available, stock feeds and concentrates mixed with grains or molasses may be very cost effective. Stock feeds and concentrates should be feed with specific targets in mind. When using these products a plentiful supply of water and roughage must be available to your cattle. More information on grain feeding.

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