Spotlight - what's behind the latest pelleted feed innovation?

Cutting methane while lifting performance has long sat in the “too hard basket” for many sheep producers. But a new pelleted ration from Milne Feeds is challenging that thinking - delivering strong weight gains while significantly reducing emissions. Backed by years of in-house research and commercial-scale trials, Easy2Gro LM is now rolling out across southern Australia. Milne AgriGroup Pty Ltd Sales Manger Paul Nenke explained what it means for producers.

What is Easy2Gro LM and what problem is it solving?

Easy2Gro-LM™ is a pelleted sheep feed produced by Milne Feeds using patent-pending technology developed by Milne Feeds. Its key features are: · High palatability and feed efficiency, resulting in high daily weight gain, · High fibre content and buffers, making it safe to feed adlib to sheep straight off pasture, · Optimised for rumen efficiency, reducing enteric methane production, · Easy to use and cost effective, delivering excellent cost of liveweight gain with minimal labour, helping producers improve profits.

There’s a lot of talk about low methane feeds – why is this different?

Milne Feeds developed new processing technology to improve the nutritional qualities of its standard ingredients and then redesigned formulations to reduce methane by redirecting the energy into growth.

What performance have you seen?

Trials and experiences of customers have shown lamb growth rates (ADG) of more than 500g per day with feed conversion ratios less than 5 from lambs taken from 35kg through to slaughter weight. Individual growth rates depend on sheep genetics, water quality and management.

How do sheep transition onto the ration? Any setbacks early?Generally, growth isn't stalled when sheep transition from pasture or home-mix to Easy2Gro-LM™. This could be because it is designed to be highly palatable and encourage high intake from the first day. Inevitably, there will be some shy feeders in every mob that need to be identified and managed.

The methane reduction figure is significant - how is that measured?

Milne uses OP-FTIR to measure methane emitted by sheep at its commercial scale feedlot in WA.  OP-FTIR sends an invisible beam of infrared light across an open space, and by analysing how much light is absorbed, the device can determine methane concentration in the air. By comparing methane levels before and after animals enter a paddock or pen, and using weather data, researchers can estimate emissions and monitor changes in real time.

What level of methane reduction are you seeing in trials?

Trials of Milne Feeds LM formulations on thousands of Merino-cross lambs consistently achieved methane emissions per kilogram of liveweight gained 70-80 per cent less than lambs on a home mix ration including grain, straw and premix, where both rations have the same energy and protein specification. The methane reduction achieved on a farm or in a feedlot will vary depending on sheep genetics, management, and reference feed.

What research underpins this product?

Milne Feeds first tested its technology in the laboratory using a sophisticated artificial rumen, during the multi-year development of this product.  Once the feed was optimised, Milne Feeds established its own commercial-scale trial feedlot near Mt Barker, WA with capacity of more than 800 lambs.  To date, more than 2000 lambs have been fed from about 35kg through to slaughter weight, with all trials recording average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost of liveweight gain and methane emissions.

Who has been involved in the research? 

The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr April Leytem from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Services (USDA-ARS) - The collaboration draws on Dr Leytem’s extensive expertise in methane measurement techniques, ensuring each trial is designed and executed with scientific precision, and data are verified. The researh was funded by Milne.

 Is it practical for commercial operations?

Easy2Gro-LM™ is formulated with ingredients used in sheep feeds for many years. It contains buffers to minimise disruptions to rumen pH and can be fed to animals directly from pasture or as a supplement, with very little adaptation.

Where can producers access it?

Easy2Gro-LM™ is available throughout Western Australia and Eastern States by ordering directly from Milne Feeds or through Milne Feeds’ depot network.