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Feed testing

Dairy farm feed testing

Farmer profile:

  • Owner: Peter Sexton
  • Location: Dingee, Northern Victoria

Situation:

Peter began testing feed samples in the drought and now uses test results as a crucial step in managing his herd’s nutrition and production.

“Ten years ago we had never tested feed, but once the drought set in we had to know the nutritional value of everything we fed to the cows,” he said.

Action: 

Despite the drought now being over, Peter still uses Rapid Feed Analysis. Originally piloted by Dairy Australia, this feed analysis service is now used by service providers in VIC and TAS.

    “We use the Rapid Feed Analysis service to make better feed decisions. 
     Without testing you're flying in the dark".

The process involves:

  • Samples collected from your farm by your tanker driver
  • Results for most feeds within 1-2 working days following sample receival by the lab.
  • Have a copy of the results sent direct to your adviser.
  • Turn results into action using Grains2Milk’s feed report tool

 

Results:

    The Rapid Feed Analysis service developed by Dairy Australia
    improves Peter's profits by enabling better feed decisions.

As Peter says “The feed test results shows the digestibility, metabolisable energy and protein levels. Having the results of the hay, silage, pellets and pasture means I can sit down and make sure the cows are getting the right ration. I can talk to the Murray Goulburn factory staff and the pellet nutritionist if I have any questions.”

For more information, please contact Steve Little, Dairy Australia's Grains2Milk Program Manager.