Less hay is wasted when fed in covered racks to prime lambs in wet weather

Abstract

Prices for weaned prime lambs in Western Australia generally peak after the break of the season in early winter before large numbers of sucker lambs are available for slaughter. To ensure weaned prime lambs meet market specifications at this time they are often trail fed a restricted amount of a grain mix with hay fed ad libitum on the ground. Tudor et al. (1994) demonstrated there was considerable wastage due to spoilage when hay was fed to cattle on the ground in wet weather. This paper reports the value of feeding hay in covered racks to reduce wastage when finishing weaned prime lambs during wet weather in early winter.