Practical 1 - Ruminant feeding systems

Question 1

what are the benefits of break feeding?

Answer 1

break feeding provides a more balanced diet, helps keep pasture in a more vegetive phase, supplying a higher quality feed

Question 2

what are the 2 common methods of grazing management on NZ farms

Answer 2

set stocking and break feeding

Question 3

what is lax grazing

Answer 3

it means the pasture is not grazed to target residuals, leaving old pasture behind. This can cause poor quality pasture for future grazing but also contribute to animal health problems.

Question 4

what you need to consider if using irrigation or fertiliser to grow more feed?

Answer 4

• The cost ($) for purchasing the irrigator or fertiliser
• How much more feed it will grow (is this cost effective?)
• All the feed grown must be eaten