Managing stress in livestock is as crucial as ensuring adequate nutrition. Stress can significantly impact animal welfare, growth rates, and overall productivity. During stress events, animals may stop eating but they usually keep drinking water. DIT AgTech set up a trial, in partnership with Elliots Rural Services, to evaluate the effectiveness of delivering the uCALM supplement into stock drinking water through the uDOSE™️ system at Stock Route Rd Feedlot in Ouyen, Victoria.
The aim was to determine how uCALM could improve lamb growth, reduce stress, and ultimately enhance economic returns for farmers. The results were compelling, offering clear evidence that uCALM can make a tangible difference in flock management.
Why stress management matters
Stress in lambs, whether caused by handling, environmental factors, or social dynamics within the flock, can lead to a range of issues, including reduced feed intake, lower growth rates, and increased susceptibility to disease. Traditional methods of managing stress, such as providing a calm environment and consistent handling routines, are essential but may not be enough to mitigate all stressors.
This is where uCALM comes into play. By delivering key nutrients like dextrose, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus and other key trace elements, through uDOSE™️, our precision water supplementing system, uCALM helps maintain a more balanced physiological state in lambs, even under challenging conditions.
Trial results
The trial was conducted over a 28-day period, involving 447 crossbred (XB) lambs, which were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received the uCALM supplement, while the second group served as the control, with no supplements delivered. Both groups were managed under identical conditions, with no drafting to separate smaller, lighter, or shy feeders from the rest.
Group with uCALM:
– Initial average weight: 38.21 kg
– Final average weight: 49.13 kg
– Total weight gain: 10.92 kg
– Daily weight gain: 390 grams/day
– Total consumption of uCalm over 28 days: 15.16Lt / $151.62
– Cost per head: 2.4c per hd/day
– Mortality rate: 0%
– Behavioural observation: Lambs were noticeably calmer and more settled during handling, which is critical in reducing the risk of injury and stress-related weight loss.
Control group (No Supplement):
– Initial average weight: 38.19 kg
– Final average weight: 45.05 kg
– Total weight gain: 6.86 kg
– Daily weight gain: 245 grams/day
– Mortality rate: 0%
– Behavioural observation: Lambs were more flighty and had more shy feeders.
Economic impact
From an economic perspective, the trial results highlight the clear advantages of using uCALM. The group receiving the supplement showed an additional weight gain of 4.06 kg per lamb (live weight), translating to a dressed weight gain of 1.95 kg. With lamb prices at $8.50/kg over the hooks, this additional weight gain resulted in a net economic benefit of $15.92 per head after deducting the cost of the supplement, which was only 64.52 cents per head over the 28 days. This significant return on investment underscores the value of integrating uCALM into regular feeding practices, not only for its growth-promoting effects but also for the reduction in stress-related issues, which can often incur hidden costs through reduced productivity and increased veterinary interventions.
Conclusion
The findings from this trial provide strong evidence that uCALM is a valuable tool for sheep farmers looking to improve the performance and welfare of their livestock. By promoting calmer behaviour and more consistent growth rates, uCALM helps to ensure that lambs reach their full potential, both in terms of weight gain and overall health. Moreover, the economic benefits observed in this trial suggest that the cost of supplementation is more than offset by the increased returns at sale.
For farmers facing challenges related to stress management and looking for ways to optimise their livestock’s performance, uCALM offers a practical, evidence-based solution. To discuss how uCALM can be tailored to your specific needs and to learn more about its benefits, please contact our team.
Download our lamb feedlot case study to discover the full results.
