The new wellbeing diet - for livestock

In Australia, decisions about the nutrition of grazing animals have been guided since 1990 by a set of 'Australian Feeding Standards', which for livestock are the equivalent of the dietary guidelines used in human nutrition/dietetics.

Following a complete revision, overseen by Mike Freer and Hugh Dove from CSIRO in Canberra and John Nolan from the University of New England, the latest standards have just been released in a new book, Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Ruminants.

The book incorporates the results of the most recent research on the energy, protein, mineral, vitamin and water requirements of ruminant livestock, and their responses to changes in feed quantity and quality.

It has a particular application to grazing animals, by taking into account factors influencing feed intake, but is equally applicable to animals in feedlots or drought yards.

The book also incorporates the latest technology, directing readers to computer-based decision support tools and spreadsheet programs which help them to apply the nutrient requirement data provided in the book.

Nutrient Requirements of Domesticated Ruminants provides comprehensive and useful information for graziers, livestock advisors, veterinarians, feed manufacturers and animal nutrition researchers.

The book is available through CSIRO Publishing, at www.publish.csiro.au or by contacting 1300 788 000.

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