THE use of either loose lick or block mineral supplements in livestock enterprises has long been debated.
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Independent trials at the Temora Agricultural Innovation Centre demonstrated the positive benefit of Fabstock supplements on lamb growth rates finished on high quality lucerne pasture.
Lambs provided with ad lib Fabstock Feedlot mix achieved growth rates up to 100 grams per day higher than without supplement.
The increase in growth rate was achieved across all weight categories with lambs reaching growth rates around 500 grams per day at stages during the trial. This indicates that mineral supplementation of lambs needs to be maintained throughout the finishing time frame.
The average advantage of the supplemented lambs at sale was $9 per lamb and with the cost of Fabstock for the six weeks averaging $1.50 per head. This represents a return of 600 per cent on the expense of Fabstock.
Definitely worth its weight and more, even on high quality pasture.
Another independent trial at Temora recorded the influence of loose lick supplement on the growth rate of lambs grazing cereal stubble. Lambs on barley stubble with supplements had growth rates equal to 74 per cent above the control group, while those on wheat stubble and Fabstock stubble mix showed an increase growth rate of close to 40 per cent.
For more information on Fabstock and a brochure, phone 1300 733 644 or call into Australian Farm and Fencing, Wagga.