Production

New generation saltbush saves supplementary feeding in WA

Beef Central 02/08/2024

NEW generation saltbush has proved to be a viable option to help reduce supplementary feed costs, while revitalising poor land and improving carbon sequestration credentials.

The trial at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD’s) Katanning Research Station produced sufficient feed in just six months to reduce autumn supplementary feeding by up to 30 per cent.

DPIRD senior research scientist John Paul Collins said the saltbush performed well and helped fill the autumn feed gap, despite the protracted dry seasonal conditions of 2023-24.

“A 70 hectare moderately saline site was planted with Anameka saltbush seedlings in early-mid September 2023 and grazed six months later,” he said.

“The site was sown at about 600 plants per hectare in twin rows, three metres apart at a spacing of two and a half metres, with an inter-row width of 10 metres.

“The saltbush flourished on the site, tapping into the water table to grow to a height of about 0.5 metres at an 80-90 per cent survival rate, despite no further rainfall being received after it was planted.”

Another 15 hectare salt-affected site at the station was direct-seeded to Old Man and River saltbush at a rate of 200 grams per kilometre in early September, at the same time as the saltbush seedlings were planted.

The saltbush performed well in the dry conditions and produced 0.5-1 tonnes of edible dry matter per hectare in six months.

The saltbush was fenced into paddocks of 10-20ha and rotationally grazed for six weeks during April to May with the station’s Merino weaners, until there was 10-20 per cent leaf material remaining.

“The saltbush provided about 30 per cent of the flock’s daily feed intake, partially replacing the cost of the pellets that would otherwise be required,” Mr Collins said.

“Saltbush is also high in protein and vitamin E, providing additional nutritional benefits.

“The saltbush also enabled the department to defer grazing pasture paddocks to aid establishment, while also preserving ground cover.”

Several of the saltbush paddocks were recently undersown with tall wheatgrass and messina, which have germinated well, to provide additional out of season feed.

One of the paddocks was sown to barley to be used as standing fodder to complement the saltbush at the next grazing opportunity.

“While the saltbush seedling option requires a significant initial financial commitment, these paddocks will be able to be grazed and save on supplementary feeding costs for the next 20 years,” Mr Collins said.

“It has also been a great investment in the future of the site.”

 

Source: DPIRD. More information about the trial is available in the June edition of the Ovine Observer newsletter, found via the department’s website www.agric.wa.gov.au.

 

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