beef production lec 2

Question 1

what is the feedbase?

Answer 1

• All feed available to provide energy

all pasture, forages, crops directly grazed, conserved forages, purchased feed (grain or forage)

Question 2

what are the 2 types of pasture species and where are they found

Answer 2

C3 more southern aus

C4 more north

Question 3

What is the advantage of C3 plants?

Answer 3

 more growth in spring
 higher energy content
 more Southern Aus

Question 4

What is the advantage of C4 plants

Answer 4

 more in northern aus
 better for dryer conditions
 lower energy, high fibre content

Question 5

what are examples of native and improved pasture

Answer 5

improved- ryegrass, fescue, cocksfoot, phalaris

• Natives – microlena, wallaby grass, red grass.
  o Grow in spring,summer

Question 6

when is pasture growth at its peak

Answer 6

• higher in spring
• typical pasture phalaris + cox foot
• peaks after autumn break and spring (in SW slopes)

Question 7

what is the feed gap and when is it?

Answer 7

difference in available feed and that required for animal production

Question 8

How can the feed base be manipulated?

Answer 8

fertiliser 
irrigation 
conserve forage
grow different forages
manage grazing 
purchase fodder/sup feeding

Question 9

how can the feed demand be manipulated?

Answer 9

• conserve forage
• grow different forages
  o summer active
   Lucerne
  o winter active
   oats
• managing grazing
  o SR
   over grazing has increased time for recovery
  • more leaf area left quicker recovery
• purchase fodder/sup feeding

Question 10

what is the feed demand of a herd?

Answer 10

energy requirement of the herd

Question 11

what is an example of a summer and winter active species?

Answer 11

summer active
 Lucerne most grasses
o winter active
 oats

Question 12

what is the impact of over grazing?

Answer 12

over grazing has increased time for recovery

• more leaf area left quicker recovery