Feeds can be compared on a cost per unit of energy once the minimum requirement for protein is met. When comparing supplements consider the total cost and quality of each feed. The total cost includes purchase price and the cost of transport, storage and feeding out. So it is important to select the most cost-effective feed. The values of feed, especially protein, vary considerable and the figures in the table should only be a guide.
Oats have a higher fibre content than wheat or barley.
Lupins have a high energy and crude protein content. The table below shows the composition of selected feed types. However, even a relatively bare paddock can supply up to half the energy needs for adult sheep. Pasture hay may be the cheapest feed per tonne, but it can be the most expensive when valued on a value per unit of energy. As a result, it may be more profitable for farmers with hay to sell some of it and buy in cereal or lupin seed when supplementary feeding in the paddock.