Why roughage is needed over winter

22 June 2026

Dr Jeff Cave, senior veterinary officer

With the ongoing challenges of drought – including higher prices and the need for other feed supplements – you could be thinking about how and why to feed roughage over winter.

Roughage may be needed this winter for any of the following reasons:

• Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing).
• If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage, acidosis or grain poisoning can occur.
• As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allow a way of administering Causmag.

Livestock need to eat more roughage in cold weather to give them energy for heat production.

Roughage in the diet helps keep livestock warm, with the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose generating heat.

If they don’t have enough roughage, their weight will melt off as they burn body fat to generate energy for warmth.

It is recommended to feed roughage late in the afternoon to provide ‘heat’ through the night.

For further information, please contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff or, in NSW, your Local Land Services.

For information about available drought support, go to www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au