by Animal Nutritionist, Howard Stanley
- 1. Animal health plan
Pre-housing vet consultation: Create a herd health plan with internal/external parasite control and vaccinations for respiratory infections etc.
Dung testing: Check for parasites while at grass to ensure clean-out before housing.
Healthy animals = better weight gain.
- 2. Housing facilities
Water access: Clean water must be always available – intake drops drastically without it.
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow; avoid draughts and stuffy conditions. Use a smoke test for airflow assessment.
Feed barriers: Should allow easy access – adjust if animals develop neck lumps.
Lying space: Provide enough room for animals to lie and chew cud comfortably.
- 3. Monitor animal behaviour
Daily health checks: Spot illness early to minimise performance loss.
Feed intake observation: Check rumen fill (left side triangle); weigh silage if no diet feeder is used.
Cud chewing: 70% of cattle should be lying down chewing 2-3 hours after feeding.
Dung monitoring:
— Loose: Digestive upset – poor weight gain.
— Stiff: Low protein or high fibre diet. - 4. Group cattle appropriately:
Group by age, weight, and body condition.
Thin animals: Thin animals might benefit from a longer period of time on a lower cost diet to help before being introduced to intensive finishing diet.
Animals that have a good fat cover and closer to slaughter will benefit from being fed a finishing diet.
- 5. Mineral supplementation
Forages = low mineral content – supplementation is necessary.
Key minerals: Phosphorus & Calcium (especially for young, fast-growing bulls).
Supports immune function and bone strength.
Consult a nutritionist for accurate mineral balancing.
- 6. Feed management
Freshness is critical: Clean troughs regularly.
Spoiled feed = reduced intake and poor performance.
- 7. Get the diet right
Transition diet: Use for 3 weeks – 50-60% of full finishing diet to let rumen adjust.
Diet composition:
— Protein: 12–14%
— High energy
— Adequate fibre
— Access to clean waterTailor to forage type (e.g., high DMD silage vs average).
Seek technical advice for best ration design.