WITH the escalating price of hay and the availability of other feed, supplements producers might be asking themselves if they really need to feed roughage this winter.
Ag Victoria northern region senior veterinary officer Jeff Cave said there is no question, roughage will be needed for your stock during winter for any of the following reasons:
Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing).
If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage acidosis or grain poisoning can occur.
As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allows a way of administering Causmag.
“Livestock actually need to eat more roughage in cold weather to give them energy for heat production,” Dr Cave explained.
“Roughage in their diet helps keep livestock warm since the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose creates heat energy.
“If they don’t have enough roughage, the weight will melt off as they mine body fat to create energy for warmth.”
If you can feed later in the afternoon, it will also provide your livestock ‘heat’ through the night.
