Converting per bale to tonne of dry matter

As a rule of thumb a 10 bale equivalent round is approximately 200 kg’s of Dry Matter (DM). Multiply cost per bale by 5 to get dollars per tonne. If dealing with 8 bale equivalents then multiple cost per bale by 6. If dealing with 12 bale equivalents then multiple cost per bale by 4.

Costing Feed Example

Costing per kg DM eaten and per MJ ME eaten

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Example: Silage Pasture, good costs $80/tonnne; 33% Dry Matter; 11 MJ ME/Kg DM Utilisation of 85% (10% wastage storage + 5% wastage feeding out).

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Introduction

This calculation that uses the hind weight and the fawn weaning weight and days to weaning to calculate total feed requirements of the hind or hind/fawn pair to meet the liveweight targets set. It also calculates the requirements of growing weaners. Weaner feed requirements are calculated based on size and gender.

How is It Calculated

The model assumes that calves are born in November and are 10 kg at birth. It makes no differentiation between hind and stag calves, apart from the user defined weaning weight. The calculated feed requirements for the hind calf pair include the weaning month chosen. This means that if calves are weaned, for example, in early March then February should be chosen as the weaning month.

Weaner feed requirements are calculated for hinds and stags. Recommended upper limits to potential growth are displayed if the target live weight gain is potentially too high. These limits depend on the month chosen and the current liveweight of the weaner, and are based on the seasonal intake variations that have been recorded in research.

The model uses estimates documented by Nicol and Brookes (The metabolisable energy requirements of grazing livestock, In Pasture and Supplements for Grazing Animals, Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, 2007) for hinds and growth requirements for lactating calves.

Acknowledgement

Deer Industry New Zealand would like to acknowledge D Stevens and M Casey for the development of the initial version of the Feed intake calculation.