Manage grass seeds to improve your bottom line
13 November 2015
Grass seed contamination in sheep and lambs has the potential to impact animal productivity and your profitability, so managing problematic grasses and their seeds can benefit your enterprise.
For example, as few as 25 grass seeds in a lamb can reduce post weaning daily gain by up to 50%. During processing, any grass seed contamination in sheep and lamb carcases may incur a penalty - potentially up to $1.50/kg.
Managing grass seeds at this time of year means considering the best short term options for your situation. Firstly, identify which grasses are in your paddocks and utilise clean paddocks for sale stock. Stubble paddocks or a feedlot may be an option for you.
Planning ahead to manage problematic grasses and seeds will make a difference to your returns. Grazing management, crop rotation, pasture improvement and winter cleaning of pastures are some strategies to consider into next year.
MLA has produced the Winning Against Seeds booklet as part of the National Grass Seed Action Program. This booklet is a comprehensive guide, containing information such as grass and seed identification, grazing and livestock management options and the impact of grass seed contamination across the Australian sheep and lamb industry.
For more information, including grass seed types and management options, video tutorials, case studies and the free Winning Against Seeds booklet, go to the MLA website: www.mla.com.au/grassseeds
Contact your local Best Wool Best Lamb Coordinator if you’re interested in participating in a workshop or webinar on managing problematic grasses and their seeds.
