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no feed reserves for the winter.
• Sell all unproductive animals.
• Tax implications and investment options relating to income from the said sales.
Objective 3: Feed provision for
livestock complement
The starting point is to firstly get
rid of all surplus livestock.
Option 1:
Although agave, spineless
cactus and old-man saltbush
are excellent feed alternatives, it
is not readily available. Obtain
expert advice regarding the
composition of rations.
Option 2:
Chicken litter is a cheap source
of NPN, but not of nutrients. It
is illegal to trade this commodity
unless the product is registered as
animal feed in terms of Act 36 of
1947. Chicken litter may be fed
to animals during critical times
ONLY and in the following
quantities, SHOULD NO
OTHER FEED be available:
• Cattle: 4.5 – 6 kg/animal/day,
or 1% of body mass.
• Sheep: 0.5 – 1 kg/animal/day,
or 1% of body mass.
Take note of the following:
• Chicken litter must be of
good quality, sterilised and
processed.
• It is relatively low in protein
and not on par with certain
other winter supplements.
• Energy should be added in the
form of grains and molasses.
A maximum of 15% molasses
can be added - more could
result in diarrhoea.
• If chicken litter is fed over
long periods of time, Vitamins
A and E are essential.
• Hay / roughage must always
be available - chicken litter
48
can’t replace it.
• Vaccinate against botulism.
• Degeneration of the liver can
occur with more than 3kg/
day.
• Copper poisoning could
occur amongst sheep should
excessive amounts be fed.
• Milk fever amongst milking
cows before calving.
• Ionophore poisoning can
affect the heart muscle of
cattle.
• No legal recommendations
may be made regarding the
use of unregistered chicken
litter as feed.
Option 3:
If it wasn’t possible to plant
feed sorghum as grazing fodder,
green grazing crops is available to
relieve the pressure. Make sure
your feed flow program for the
year is in place. Consult your seed
supplier of choice to establish
the availability of feed crop seed
and until when it can be planted.
Adjust animals gradually to green
grazing and make sure that dry
roughage is available. Mix your
own licks and rations where
possible. Make sure that it meets
the minimum feed requirements
for the specific type of animal.
Objective 4: Cover crop to
limit wind erosion during the
traditional August wind period
The main objective is to
have cover crop or mulch or
material on the field during the
traditional August wind period.
If it was possible to plant late
sunflower or maize, a cover
crop will be available. If not,
early planting of wheat and/
or sunflower will already help
to some extent. The remaining
option is any of the small grain
or green grazing crops.
Feb/Mar 2016 • SENWES Scenario
Green grazing crops and
cultivars are available, which can
be used for a specific purpose,
namely:
• Serve as cover crops to limit
wind damage.
• Can be used in a rotation
system, which would fit
in well with conservation
farming.
• Can be a source of winter feed
for cattle or sheep.
The impact of soil moisture and
rainfall on the decision-making
process
Do not plant in soil of which
the soil depth and chemistry are
unknown. A one hectare crop
failure absorbs profits made from
approximately four hectares.
Should the total soil profile be
dry, wait for at le \