LambGro® and the False Break

April 28, 2025

For many Aussie farmers, relying on pasture to support livestock and cropping programs is standard practice. But when those early autumn rains hit, the question is always the same: will there be follow-up rain, or is it just a false break?

A false break can trigger early pasture germination, only for conditions to dry out again, leaving producers with a short green pick that lacks the nutrition required by growing lambs and breeding ewes. This early false start can also affect pasture composition, as legumes like subterranean clover rely on soil seed reserves to regenerate. Without follow-up rain, their establishment is disrupted, reducing legume presence and limiting future pasture quality.

Milne Feeds Sales Manager, Paul Nenke, highlights the role of legumes in pastures, which can provide valuable nutrients for livestock. But when pasture quality is unpredictable, a concentrated pellet has a crucial role in topping up key nutrients. That’s where LambGro® comes in.

LambGro® is a high-quality pelleted feed formulated to support lambs and ewes during critical stages of growth, reproduction and sale preparation. It delivers a balanced mix of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to boost growth rates and survival, especially when pasture alone is not enough.

Available in 4mm pellets, LambGro® suits a variety of feeding systems including self-feeders, troughs or trail feeding. The pellet form helps reduce waste and eliminates the risk of weed seed contamination, an important factor for many producers.

False breaks are particularly tough because pastures might look established but often lack sufficient protein to meet animal requirements. LambGro® helps fill that gap, maintaining condition, promoting growth and weight-gain whilst supporting overall flock health when needed.

Condition is king, especially for lambs that are being prepared for market. LambGro® helps ensure consistent growth and optimal sale-weight. Ewes benefit too, with the feed supporting body condition through joining, pregnancy and lactation.

Made from premium ingredients like cereal grains, lupins, canola meal and straw, enriched with essential vitamins, trace minerals and micro-encapsulated essential oils, LambGro® supports rumen health and digestion to safely promote weight-gain.

Whether you are bridging a pasture gap or preparing stock for sale, LambGro® is a smart and reliable choice for protecting performance and profitability.

For more information on how LambGro® can fit into your feeding program, call Paul Nenke on 0407 720 040.

Reference: Chapman R. & Asseng S. (2001). An analysis of the frequency and timing of false break events in the Mediterranean region of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 52,367-376.

https://www.publish.csiro.au/cp/AR99156