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Feed system options

Cows eating PMR

The feeding systems used on Australian dairy farms range from pasture-based systems with minimal grain or concentrate supplementation, through to full feedlot dairies. These systems have evolved to suit particular regions, climatic conditions and feed availability. Read about different considerations when changing your feed systems.

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Feeding systems

Australia's 5 main feeding systems   Definitions, regional trends 
Feeding systems best suited to you   Options, advantages/disadvantages, design details 
Flexible feeding system investment  Altered costs & returns - a self-assessment
People make the system work  Roles, responsibilities, work routines, OH&S 
Buying feeds   Buying on value, not price
Storing feeds  Feed storage options 
Equipment to mix & deliver feed to herd Mixing & delivering feed to herd 
Managing effluent Options, waste as a valuable resource, planning ahead
Coping with fodder shortage Options & strategies to close the fodder gap

Feed conversion efficiency & herd health

Feed conversion efficiency  Measuring against targets, improvement strategies
Feed wastage - overview Trade offs, ways to reduce, payback calculations
Feed wastage - study Summary report on study of 50 farms
Herd health risks  New feeds, diets, feeding practices. Step-by-step guide
Ruminal acidosis - risk assessment Understand & assess the risks
Ruminal acidosis - quick checks Is the rumen stable?
Ruminal acidosis control Use of feed additives to help control
Ruminal acidosis management Review for vets & nutritionists

On-line tools