ON FARM SHEEP ing profitable performers after 21 days in the feedlot SNAPSHOT: to identify shy feeders and Will and Lachie sheep that just don’t perform in the feedlot. MacSmith, S Cudal, NSW “After that, we can quite confidently predict when they’ll hit their target weight.” Shy feeders In their feedlot trials, Will and Hamish found sheep Will MacSmith finishes lambs in the feedlot so he can leave the pasturehad strong diurnal (i.e. more for Merino ewes and ewe lambs. active during the day than Image: Crown Agriculture night) patterns when it came Area: to feeding time. 750ha They designed and built at least 35kg on entry and Enterprise: a feedlot – separate to are fed from 30 to 60 days. If shy feeders didn’t get a their main facility – so they chance to feed at the peak Mixed farming – cropping could capture data for a Will has also adjusted how feeding time, they didn’t and sheep feed‑efficiency trial funded sheep are managed in feed at all, even though the the feedlot. Livestock: by MLA Donor Company. feeding stall was empty for 2,200 Merino ewes He believes that, with the the other 18 hours of the day. They backed this up with Pasture: further trials focusing on right ration for the target In response, they performance and tight increased head space in Phalaris, cocksfoot and feed rations, environmental weight ranges (within 5kg), clover blend effects and genetics. the commercial feedlot to sheep don’t need to be provide at least 30cm per Soil: “Trial data has weighed too frequently. sheep so every animal could Clay loam enabled us to “It seems they don’t gain feed at the same time. (red basalt loam) see where the weight for three or four days The additional trough space, Rainfall: after being weighed but their combined with a changed 600mm profitability is,” intake remains constant,” ration, allowed induction Will said. Will said. times in the MacSmiths’ Will MacSmith “If they’re weighed every feedlot to be reduced from E: william@ “The cross‑over in terms of week, it’s going to have 18 days to 5 days. crownagriculture.com.au cost of gain seems to be a significant impact on The MacSmiths now use their 55–60kg; beyond this they performance. commercial feedlot as part of just seem to be eating too a whole‑farm approach, and much for their growth rate.” “Combined with changing the have been able to run more Based on this, he doesn’t social structure every week, ewes and take pressure off keep lambs in the feedlot that isn’t a good thing.” grass quickly, especially in past 60kg. Lambs are ideally The MacSmiths weigh lambs the warmer months. ■ 25