FROM:
MICK DOAK
RE:
GOAT NEWS
DATE:
27TH MARCH 03
INFORMATION
ON DROUGHT FEEDING
One of the best bits of information around at present has been compiled by Bruce McGregor from the Department of Primary Industries of Victoria. This up to date Ag Note (DG1088 – February 2003) is titled “A guide to drought feeding of goats” and is available from their web site. We have a hard copy, which can be copied and sent out to anyone who may not have access to the Internet. We will of course need to get permission from the publishes to do so.
The notes discuss such topics as:
·Critical live weight
·Critical body condition scores
·Stocking rates during a drought
·Managing Goats in a drought
·Introducing grain
·Frequency and methods of feeding
·Nutritional requirements
·Energy requirements
·Feeding weaned kids
·Feeds and feed costs (based on Victorian prices but can be adapted for WA)
·When the drought breaks
·Goat welfare and disease
Bruce had written these Ag notes some time ago but has recently revised them after consultation with breeders and others to come up with the latest edition in a five page condensed version.
Adult Mohair was 10% down which could have had something to do with the sale of a large amount of this fibre from the Texan stockpile. The other reason could have been the rise in the South African Rand.
Finer fleece types such as Kid and Young Goat attracted good interest to sell at a par with the past sale.
The first sales in Australia are due in April, which should give us an indication on where we are going here. The drought throughout Australia will have an effect on the amount of Mohair produced in all states so it will be interesting to see if our smaller anticipated supply has an effect on prices or will other things as the Aussie Dollar etc take their toll.