5 Tips for Choosing the Right Animal Feed for Coastal Climates

Selecting the right animal feed is not just about filling troughs; it’s about ensuring animals get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and productive. This guide provides some tips for choosing quality feed tailored to coastal climates and your animals’ requirements.

Every type of livestock has unique nutritional requirements, which are essential for general wellbeing. Knowing these basics allows you to choose the feed that best support your animals.

• Cattle need protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre to maintain energy, milk production and weight. Key minerals like calcium and phosphorus support bone health, while vitamins A and E will enhance immunity.
  
• Horses thrive on fibre-rich diets, primarily from hay or grass, with protein supporting muscle health. Requirements vary based on age, activity and whether they are working, breeding or retired.
  
• Poultry require high-energy grains balanced with protein for muscle health and calcium to produce hearty eggs.
  
• Goats and sheep benefit from protein-rich diets, especially during lactation, along with minerals like copper for goats and selenium for sheep to prevent deficiencies.
  

Selecting the right type of feed depends on factors such as the life stage, activity level and specific dietary requirements. Here’s a breakdown of common feed types:

• Pelletised Feed: Offers a balanced nutrient mix in each serving, making it easy to control portion sizes and store long-term. Ideal for animals with specific nutrient needs.
  
• Grains and Seeds: High-energy grains like corn, oats and barley are useful for livestock that need more calories, such as working horses and laying hens. For example, corn provides extra energy, while oats deliver both fibre and protein.
  
• Hay and Chaff: Hay supplies essential roughage for cattle and horses, promoting healthy digestion. Chaff, or cut hay, is a softer alternative, suitable for older horses or those with chewing issues.

Matching Feed to Animal Needs:



• Horses: Primarily hay, with grains for active, working horses
  
• Cattle: A mix of hay, pelletised feed and protein supplements for lactating cows.
  
• Poultry: Grain-based mixes enriched with calcium for egg-laying hens.

Choosing the right mix ensures your livestock receive balanced nutrition suited to their needs.

Not all feeds were created equal, so choosing high-quality and nutrient-dense options is vital.

A Quick Checklist for Evaluating Feed Quality:

• Nutritional Content: Look for balanced protein, fibre and fat ratios with added vitamins and minerals.
  
• Trusted Brands: Opt for brands with a reputation for both quality control and natural and reliable ingredients.
  
• Avoid Fillers: Skip the feeds that rely on low-nutrient fillers like corn husks or mill run.

Premium ingredients ensure your animals receive the essential nutrients they need for health and productivity.

Our high humidity here in Yeppoon can spoil feed quickly, affecting its quality and safety. Proper storage practices are key to maintaining freshness and ensuring livestock receive high-quality nutrition.

Tips for Storing Feed in Humid Climates:

• Airtight Containers: Use sealed bins to keep moisture and pests out.
  
• Cool & Shady Areas: Heat accelerates spoilage, so store feed in shaded and ventilated areas away from direct sunlight.
  
• Rotate Stock Regularly: Use older feed first to keep inventory fresh and reduce waste.
  

Consulting with Local Feed Suppliers for Tailored Advice

Local suppliers offer valuable insights into feeding practices that suit Yeppoon's climate. Partnering with knowledgeable feed providers helps your livestock get the right products for their dietary and environmental needs.

Experienced suppliers can assist with:

• Specialised Supplements: Recommendations for supplements addressing local mineral deficiencies.
  
• Product Selection: Helping you choose the best brands and types of feed for your farm’s needs.

Working with local experts supports the health and productivity of your animals year-round.

Especially in a coastal environment like ours here in Yeppoon, selecting the right feed is crucial for maintaining livestock health. Yeppoon Stockfeed & Rural Supplies, serving Yeppoon and the surrounding areas, offers expert guidance and quality feed options to keep animals thriving. For tailored advice and a full range of products, call (07) 4939 5832 or visit us today!