Lamb Production

Lamb lot-feeding Q&A forum coming to Hamilton in May

Terry Sim, March 30, 2015

SouthernLambGroup logoSouth Australian-based livestock nutritionist San Jolly will play the role of ABC TV’s Q&A host Tony James at a Victorian lamb lot feeding forum on May 7.

Southern Prime Lamb Group president Leigh Harry said the forum at Hamilton would be run in the Q&A-style, facilitated by Ms Jolly with four presentations from farmers and lot feeders, to find the best options for weaning and finishing lambs for optimum market returns.

“Our aim is to provide a forum where our panel can present their own experiences, encouraging discussion between them and the audience,” Mr Harry said.

Discussion topics will include:

– How do I feed and what do I feed?

– On-farm experience in feedlot and paddock environments

– Options for feeding – pellets, fodder, crops, or grain?

– Doing the sums – what is the economic benefit?

– Electronic tagging – is it worth it? What’s the payback?

Speakers include farmers and lot feeders

Nareen stud and commercial breeders Kate and Chris Dorahy will outline their lot feeding trials tracking growth rates, feedlot and carcase performance, and comparing shorn and woolly lambs, using electronic tags.

Mr Harry said the Dorahys are tracking carcases individually through the abattoir to develop data to relate lamb performance to sire selection.

Horsham commercial lamb lot feeder Peter Velthuis and Mr Harry will talk about the backgrounding and lot feeding of lambs, including induction, yard weaning, shy feeders, and fibre versus no fibre rations.

Consultant and farmer Neil Hammond will talk about finishing lambs on pasture and fodder crops.

“Basically we will be covering from weaning through to finishing lambs in feedlots and on pastures,” Mr Harry said.

“The reputation of the Southern Prime Lamb Group is growing significantly, as the group now have produced two earlier events that have been strongly supported by producers.

“The group, driven by farmers for farmers, is now recognised for the ability to react to local or topical issues and provide a knowledge sharing forum together with our partners and sponsors.”

Hamilton forum details

RIST Research Station (DEPI) Conference Room, (formerly PVI ), Mt Napier Road, Hamilton

Registration and smoko 9am, 10am start, concludes 3pm.

Cost: $50 P.P. cash/chq on day Includes lunch.

RSVP by May 3 as numbers limited, to [email protected]

Source: Southern Prime Lamb Group

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