| dc.description.abstract |
The objective of the present review was to establish levels of conserved fodder wastage when feeding livestock (sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle) under various conditions and using various feed-out systems, and to determine the factors affecting wastage. The mean wastage of hay recorded in the literature reviewed was 17% of the DM offered, but the range was from 4 to 77%. The main factors affecting the degree of wastage were storage method, packaging method, method of feeding out, amount of fodder on offer and its palatability and/or quality and the impact of wet weather. Although the emphasis was on hay, the principles should also apply to silage. If wastage was 40% rather than 5%, the cost of feeding conserved fodder to livestock would be a third greater than producers might expect or budget on. |
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