The efficacy of a feed supplement for ruminants depends mainly on its effect on the ecology and nutrition of the micro- organisms inhabiting the rumen. Sulphur (S) has long been recognized as an essential element for ruminal micro-organisms, and its metabolism is closely related to nitrogen metabolism. Sulphur is a constituent of several organic nutrients required by the ruminant and is essenti...
We run a (merino) fine wool/beef cattle production in the Central Tablelands of NSW (Australia) and currently mix our own dry lick supplements to provide minerals and trace elements to our livestock. At present, we do not differentiate the mixes between beef or sheep and both receive the same blend. We are still researching our supplement mix in order to improve animal performance at different times of the year, depending on seasons. At present, we are including Urea in the blend to provide by-pass nitrogen during the current drought in eastern Australia, for both sheep and cattle. Our blend consists of salt, Causmag and Lime in equal parts, a trace element mix at .5 part, plus Urea @ 2% (to lift to 5% in next feed out) and Molodri (Diatomite and Dry Molasses @ 50% each) at 5%. Am seeking to introduce SAA to the blend to improve wool production and animal performance as our last clip was predominantly less than 40kn with mid-breaks in the highest percentages. We intend to maintain a consistent level of nutrition to our sheep throughout the year via this mix (with some modifications of course having regard to the need for additional protein sources or not), regardless of seasonal effects, in order to provide an even level of minerals and trace elements over the wool growing year to improve our wool quality. Whilst the article on Sulphur in Ruminant Nutrition was extremely helpful, a question remains as to what are suitable source/s of S to mix into our supplement mix; and at what quantity/percentage of the mix should it contain (given the blend I have outlined above)? For example, if I were to blend 100kgs of the dry lick, the composition would be as follows:
90kgs combined salt, Causmag and Lime in equal quantities;
5kgs Urea
5kgs Molodri (dry Molassess and Diatomite in equal parts)
Any advice or comments on eiher of these questions would be appreciateed, as well as any other suggestions as to other additives that may be of assistance to our enterprise and purpose.
Jeff McGregor
"Currawalla"
Kerrs Creek, NSW