Feed intake measurement of cattle in the Tullimba R&D Feedlot

Summary

This umbrella agreement between MLA and UNE is supporting ongoing activities to collect individual cattle feed intake data for Bos taurus feedlot cattle (predominantly Angus and Limousine) within the BIN herds.  The scope of the project has been developed in conjunction with the Facility and Restoration Agreement (B.BFG.0059) by which MLA contributes to the underwriting of the operation of the Tullimba feedlot.
The project documents individual animal intake, growth performance data and associated animal behavioural traits for MLA with the intent to generate a rich data set that will ultimately improve the management of beef cattle in feedlots.
Principal activities include; a) Feeding cattle rations supplied by Rangers Valley. These rations have typically been based on 74.8% tempered barley (or equivalent), 4.6% cotton hulls, 6% cottonseed, 5% mill run, 4.6% chopped hay, 5% liquid supplement , b) Recording individual animal daily feed intake and body weight change  across a standard test period of 70 days, plus a 21 day adjustment period (as per Standards Manual developed by NSW DPI), c) Supplying  MLA all raw data and summaries of the data provided by the GrowSafe system and d) routine monitoring of data quality to ensure collated data meets high quality industry standards. Data have been stored in a database accessible by UNE researchers subject to Clause 8.9 of the Head Agreement.
Project activities commenced in 2012 and are ongoing.