Responding to freshwater reforms

Quality

Macrominerals

Microminerals

Dry matter %

Typical Energy (MJ ME/kgDM)

Typical crude protein (% DM)

Approximate costs and availability

(prices DO NOT include cartage for every price mentioned)

Cost per unit of Metabolisable Energy (ME)

(does not include cartage and feed out costs)

Wastage/Losses when fed out

(not included in the cost estimates above)

Summary

Things to consider if buying in Baleage

Variable depending on the quality of harvested crop and the ensiling process. Maturity of the crop, species harvested, and moulding can impact feed value.

Usually adequate levels of macrominerals.

Usually adequate but very variable.

37% (can be variable)

9-10 ME Variable depending on quality. Stalkier, more mature silage will have a lower ME.

15-17% Highly variable depending on quality.

$80-105/bale (average 450kg per bale) Cost can vary and prices may inflate to $120-$150 during a dry period with increasing demand. May also be hard to secure during a dry period.

4.8-6.3c per unit of ME (based on 10 ME silage) 20% when fed on ground in paddock and up to 40% in poor conditions. A good option for filling a feed deficit but quality of purchased in silage can be variable and prices tend to increase during a dry period. The true cost of energy consumed should be considered. Make sure you check quality of baleage and avoid poorly fermented or mouldy silage.

Maize Silage PKE

Variable depending on the crop, height of cutting, ensiling process, use of inoculants and speed of use across the pit. Low in Ca, Na and P. Supplementation required, especially when feeding over 3kgDM/day. Generally low 35% (can be variable) 10.5 ME 8% $120 per tonne 3.2c per unit of ME (based on 10.5 ME silage) 5-25% when fed in troughs. 25% when fed in the paddock and up to 40% in poor conditions. A good option for filling a feed deficit but does have some downfalls such as low in protein and low in macrominerals so requires balancing for lactating cattle. Not available in all regions of NZ. If feeding high levels make sure to balance the diet for protein, Ca, Mg, Na and P. Not easily traded once in the pit as deteriorates rapidly if moved. High lignin level. Energy level can vary a little depending on the fat percentage but generally

a consistent feed. Good source of P but low in Ca and Na.

High in copper 90%

11 ME 17% Some protein in indigestible kernel fraction. $350 per tonne (pricing changes daily so approximate cost). Prices effected by global and local supply and demand - forward contracts can provide security of supply and pricing. 3.5c per unit of ME (based on 11 ME PKE) Fed in-shed <5%. Fed in troughs in paddock 1020%. Fed in paddock on the ground 30-40%. A moderate fermentable energy option, good at filling a feed deficit – however the amount in the diet needs to be capped for Fonterra suppliers due to Fat Evaluation Index restrictions. Good for supporting cow condition. Keep an eye on your FEIs if a Fonterra supplier. If feeding out in the paddock, make sure there is adequate trough space.

Simple blend

(50% PKE, 30% Soya hull, 20% maize DGGs with added magnesium, calcium, and sodium)

Adding in the soya hull and maize DGGs decreases the lignin which increases the overall digestibility.

NRM Dairy Standard Pellet

Ingredients have been hammer-milled and conditioned with steam and pressure during the manufacturing process.

Added Ca, Mg and Na increases major minerals to support milk production.

Reasonable copper levels due to PKE content.

90%

11.5 ME Trace element and vitamin premix added to

87%

12 ME

reduce deficiencies 17%

$420 per tonne (pricing changes daily so approximate cost). Pricing and supply can be affected by droughts. Forward contracts can provide security of supply and pricing.

4.1c per unit ME 13%

$530 - $630 per tonne depending on region (approximate cost).

5.1 - 6c per unit of ME (based on 12 ME pellet.) Macro and trace mineral supply improved which may cost more

via other routes. Fed in-shed minimal <5%. Fed in troughs in paddock 10-20%. Fed in paddock on the ground 30-40%.

The next step up from straight PKE with a higher fermentable energy level due to the inclusion of soya hulls and maize DGGS. More balanced for lactating cows in terms of macronutrients. A good option to fill a feed deficit in a dry period to keep FEI levels lower.

If feeding out in the paddock, make sure there is adequate trough space. Easy to adjust formulation to meet herd needs. Minimal due to pelleting and emphasis on minimising fines. <5% when fed in-shed.

A good option for an in-shed feed system. High energy due to the presence of grains. Balanced in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients. Low wastage and feeding-out costs when fed in-shed, available in a range of formulations to meet needs.

Make sure animals are transitioned onto the pellet sufficiently due to the grain content. Useful way to deliver additives such as bloat remedies and zinc against facial eczema.

| Note: the products above are just a snapshot and average pricing as of November 2020.