Barastoc Pellets
Optimising cow performance and pasture utilisation
Pellets should be seen as a tool to both increase production per cow and improve pasture utilisation. If more pasture can be grown or utilised per hectare some of the costs associated with producing pasture are diluted over more tonnes. This can be a significant saving considering pasture is still the biggest feed input on most farms. Pellets should be used to manage grazing pressure and rotation length so that grass can be grazed at the ideal growth stage to allow maximum production per hectare. Using pellets to achieve a balanced diet can also stimulate the cow's appetite, increasing the amount of pasture consumed per cow.
Developing the cow's appetite should begin prior to calving. A good transition-feeding program is critical for maximising feed intake in early lactation. Feeding concentrates pre-calving prepares the rumen for the sudden increase in feed quantity and quality after calving while mineral metabolism is improved by feeding anionic salts. The result is cows experience less appetite suppressing metabolic problems such as milk fever, grass tetany, ketosis, displaced abomasum, acidosis and mastitis. By preventing these problems cows peak higher and earlier stimulating greater feed intake and production over the whole lactation.
A good transition-feeding program begins 2 to 3 weeks before calving. Pasture should be limited, low potassium grass hay must be available ad lib and a minimum of 2 kilograms per cow of Barastoc Lead-Up pellets should be fed. To ensure maximum intake after calving it is important to select the pellet which best complements the quantity and quality of the other feeds available at the time.
Barastoc pellets are available in a range of protein and energy specifications and your local Ridley Territory Manager can help you select the most appropriate pellet for your specific requirements.
Barastoc Pasture Optimiser - designed to provide the nutrients required for high milk production while maximizing intake of high quality pasture.
Barastoc Milko Hi Pro - designed to help maintain high milk production when protein becomes limiting in the diet.
Barastoc Performance Plus - provides additional nutrients when high yielding cows cannot eat sufficient dry matter to meet the requirements for their potential milk production. This is particularly important in early lactation.
Barastoc Classic Dairy - should be used to meet cows nutrient requirements when pasture quantity or quality is limiting production.
Barastoc Dairy Pro - is designed to improve feed intake when feed quality is low.
Economy Dairy - is a low cost option, suited to supplementing underfed animals when pellets are more convenient option than hay or silage. Their mineral content and ease of use make them a better alternative than crushed grain.
All Barastoc pellets come with a standard vitamin and mineral inclusion. A number of additional mineral and medication additives can be added on request to maintain optimum herd health.
Calf and heifer pellets - Developing the cow's ability to utilise pasture begins at birth. Well-grown heifers at first calving have a large rumen capacity, which allows high pasture intake per day. Ridley AgriProducts produces the Barastoc range of stock feeds that will ensure heifers have the best possible growth and development from an early age. These include Barastoc Calf Rearer Pellets, Barastoc Calf Meal and Barastoc Heifer Developer Pellets.
Your local Ridley Territory Manager is available to help you develop a feeding plan to optimise your herd performance and maximise pasture utilisation.
Telephone (03) 5941 1633 or 1300 666 657
Tim Harrington, Ruminant Technical Manager, Ridley AgriProducts