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Coping with fodder shortage

When fodder availability, or more precisely long fibre, is reduced, feed buying decisions need to be made carefully. Feed quality, supply and price risks need to be actively managed, rather than left to chance. Alternative fibre options may aneed to be considered.

While there are several fibre sources which may be suitable for dairy stock, they vary in nutritive value, digestibility, effective fibre value, and may present risks such as ruminal acidosis and chemical residues. Maximum daily feeding rates are therefore recommended for alternative fibre sources, and they must be supplemented with high-energy feeds and protein sources as part of a balanced diet.

These factsheets can help dairy farmers make informed decisions under conditions of reduced fodder availability.

Please note – the links below are pdfs, they may take a few seconds to open.

Facts about fibre  What is it, why cows need it
Ruminal acidosis - risk assessment  Understand & assess the risks 
Ruminal acidosis - quick checks Is the rumen stable? 
Nutritional values - fibre sources Alternative fibre options when forage is limited
Closing the feed gap  Considerations when exploring options
Hay market information Hay and grain report
Manage feed quality, supply & price risks   3 step approach to buying feed, tips for success  
Buying on value, not price Calculating cost per unit energy and protein 
Feed lab testing Collect a feed sample for analysis 
Feed labs servicing the dairy industry List of labs & links to websites 
Vendor declaration - Fodder   AFIA Fodder vendor declaration form 
Ruminal acidosis control Use of feed additives to help control rumen function
Impact of your feeding decisions  Consider the implications
Feed wastage - overview   Trade offs, ways to reduce, payback calculations

Briefings, workshops & field days

A series of 2-3 hour farmer workshops provided technical information, a four-step process for managing the feed fibre shortage and encouraged farmers to seek the advice of service providers. A total of 38 workshops and 8 field days were held over three months. 603 farmers and 131 service providers attended.

1-on-1 consultations

A free, confidential, 90 minute, 1-on 1 consultation with a nutrition and business management specialist was offered to help dairy and beef farmers. More than 220 1-on-1 consultations were delivered.