A recent Lincoln University research study has further proven many of the benefits we have heard from users over our 29 years servicing New Zealand’s Primary Industries. Faster weight gain, healthier stock and better pasture were some of the key findings but what do these mean for your operation? Here a some insights:
18.5% Increase in Average Daily Gain from Lambing to Weaning in AgriSea Treated Rye and Clover compared to Untreated
- Put simply, lambs averaged 4.8kg more weight gain on the AgriSea treated pasture over the 80 days between lambing and weaning. (385g/d vs 325g/d) This increase allows farmers to wean earlier, catch early season premiums while also reducing feed pressure on other farm stock.
- This increase of 4.8kg per lamb represents an extra $19.20 in revenue per lamb at a conservative store lamb price of $4/kg or an impressive $24 per lamb at $5/kg.
- At a stocking rate of 12SU/ha this represents a revenue increase of $230 – $288 per hectare. Given that the cost of the AgriSea mix applied (5L Soil Nutrition, 5L Pasture Nutrition and 7L Ocean Nutrition) over this time period starts at $83.46, the net gain on lamb weight gain from using this AgriSea mix is between $146/ha and $204/ha.
Improved ewe health and performance
In the same trial, ewes on AgriSea treated pasture gained 89 g/day from lambing to weaning, compared with just 16 g/day on untreated rye and clover – so they were actually putting condition back on while rearing lambs.
NEFA bloods (energy stress marker) told the same story: ewes on untreated rye and clover averaged around 39% higher NEFA levels (1.141mmol/L), indicating an energy imbalance and higher risk to metabolic stressors than the ewes on treated rye and clover (0.69mmol/L).
In practical terms, AgriSea treated rye and clover pasture meant less metabolic stress, faster recovery in body condition, and ewes better set up for weaning and the next mating.