TL;DR: SA sheep producer Brett Nietschke uses containment feeding to protect ground cover and improve lambing rates, showcasing its effectiveness despite initial challenges and dry conditions.
Brett Nietschke, a sheep producer from SA, has adopted containment feeding to combat soil erosion and improve pasture rejuvenation, aligning with the MLA-sponsored Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) project.
Strategic Lambing Preparation
Nietschke’s goal was to enhance ground cover and secure ample feed before the lambing season. This approach, involving 400 Merino ewes in a containment setup, is aimed at sustainable wool production alongside effective pasture management.
The Setup
The farm, with a 70% crop and 30% pasture split, uses early grazing on cereal crops to bridge the winter feed gap. The containment area, crafted economically within a 4-ha paddock, separated ewes based on their pregnancy status, ensuring targeted nutritional support.
Containment Feeding: A Closer Look
Ewes, scanned for pregnancy, were condition scored and fed accordingly. Twins received a mix of grain and hay, while singles thrived on quality hay, fostering optimal conditions for lambing.
Lambing Outcomes
Post containment, ewes were transferred to pastures for lambing, achieving a notable 116% lambing rate. The strategic feeding and condition management during containment played a pivotal role, despite delayed pasture growth.
Survival and Management
The survival rate stood at 97%, with the containment practice simplifying feeding and improving ewe conditions, proving its worth despite the few challenges faced.
Looking Forward
Nietschke’s four-year journey with containment feeding highlights its benefits in managing nutrition and pastures effectively, cementing its place in his farming practices for the foreseeable future.
