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Livestock Nutrition
12 August 2019
If managed well, grazed grass can supply all the needs of pregnantewes over winter. Careful forward planning and rationing can offerpotential savings of £15/ewe per winter. This document provides guidance on how to do this, developed from three years of on-farm demonstration work
19 June 2024
A manual for consultants, vets and producers. Good nutrition is fundamental to ewe performance through all stages of the production cycle, with nutrient requirements changing through the year. Cost-effective feeding systems that support optimum output are paramount to the profitability of a breeding flock. This guide will help you maximise grazed and conserved forage to ensure both minimal cost and optimal rumen function.
19 September 2018
Feed is a vitally important input to livestock production systems. It makes up the majority of variable costs and contributes to determining how well animals perform and the profitability of the system. This guide covers a range of feeds (excluding forages) that are suitable for beef and sheep rations
19 September 2018
This directory considers the options for growing forages on sheep and beef farms to help reduce reliance on purchased feeds. It can be used alongside the BRP Mini Feeds Directory which contains information about home-grown feeds such as grains and roots, as well as purchased feed options like co-products
28 November 2023
The conserved forage requirements and stocks calculator can be used to calculate feed demand by entering livestock numbers and available feed supply.
17 August 2018
Despite additional hectares of straw being made available by cereal growers, there is still likely to be a shortage due to lower yields and an increased requirement for feeding. This factsheet explains the importance of assessing your straw needs and planning for any deficit.
16 July 2020
With potentially increasing feed costs, it may become more profitable to finish pigs at a lower slaughter weight. Use this information to find out how to go about this.
22 August 2024
Find out how alternative feeds, such as root and forage crops and some food industry co-products, can be incorporated into pig diets.
30 March 2022
Use this information to improve, or start, recording feed conversion ratios in all stages of production to help with decision-making.
15 August 2018
Feed is the largest cost of production for the pig industry, making up around 60 per cent of total costs. Effective savings in this area can help mitigate price volatility.
8 August 2018
Insight into how the drought affects cattle feed usage.
23 June 2021
Explore how you compare against our optimal dairy system key performance indicators to help establish what we can learn from each other