web banner feeding4

Feeding deer

When, what and how much should I feed to assist with conception rates and weight gain?

Mark Tapley Huh2

Matching intake with seasonal requirements

The feed requirements of deer differ depending on their age, stage of growth, season, feed quality, environment and management. To maintain good levels of production throughout the year, feed supply has to match the stage of production and seasonal requirements.

Read more >>
14.Denise Pawsey Heads down girls

Balancing supply and demand

Matching deer’s nutritional requirements with the normal seasonal pattern of pasture production can be difficult. In late spring, pasture growth is well beyond the needs of deer, but in winter and summer there is often a feed deficit.

Read more >>
Denise Pawsey Theres plenty up here

Feeding systems

Information on managing the transition from differing feed types which is important when trying to maximise animal growth.

Read more >>
18.Denise Pawsey We are waiting

Intake requirements

The intake requirements of deer are aligned with day length and feed demand. Feed demand is however affected by the amount of feed on offer.

Read more >>
Mark Graham The boys in their prime

Diet selection

The diet selected by deer is a combination of their foraging behaviour, forage preference and feed availability.

Read more >>
21.Grant Charteris Hens party

Feed quality

Deer need good quality feed to perform. The quality of the feed available is made up of plant components and pasture components.

Read more >>
5b

Body condition score

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a quick, visual, on-the-spot method for assessing the health, well-being and nutritional status of adult hinds.

Read more >>
40.Kristil Leslie Say cheese from Grinny 258

Grazing management

Grazing management by the farmer needs to incorporate many factors to achieve high performance targets for deer.

Read more >>
Kate Roberts Scrummy nuts

Feed or energy intake tables

Various tables of feed intake values to help you match feed supply to your production system's needs.

Read more >>
Gail Simons Hay Shearing

Deer feeding resources

Resources to assist with feeding deer

Read more >>
fallow group2

Fallow deer: Feeding and shelter

Read more >>
Rentoul HindFeedingDrought 2024 01

Droughts – how to survive the dry

Droughts can be tough on farmers, farms and their animals. This section has information on drought management.

Read more >>