Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Take Care Feeding Waste To Livestock

Don't risk unacceptable residues in meat or milk

By DNRE - 12th November 2002 - Back to News

As the drought takes hold and feed for livestock becomes scarcer, producers consider using whatever fodder is available. Material not normally fed to livestock becomes more attractive as feed prices soar. These unusual feedstuffs may include anything from confectionery to crop waste.

Plant material could have been treated with an agricultural chemical. Chemical labels provide advice on avoiding chemical residues for the purpose for which they are intended but do not necessarily include advice on the feeding of the plant or its waste products to livestock. Very small quantities of chemicals in fodder may result in unacceptable residues in meat or milk. This has resulted in serious consequences for trade in the past - remember CFZ in cotton trash?

If producers decide that providing unusual feedstuffs is worth the risk, they can minimise that risk by determining whether:

• it has been treated with chemicals. If so, that label directions were followed.
• that feeding of the material is not prohibited.
• that any grazing withholding period was followed.

If grazing withholding periods are not mentioned on the label, avoid using the material or have chemical analysis undertaken by an accredited laboratory to ensure that it is safe to use. Bear in mind that the cost of analysis often exceeds the cost benefits of the feed.

To guard against any chemical contamination, producers and fodder suppliers should use the Commodity Vendor Declaration for all stock feed transactions to ensure the feed is suitable for feeding to livestock. Records of feeding should be kept including:

• type and source of feed.
• supplier declaration.
• chemical residue test results if available.
• dates the feed was first and last fed.
• percentage included in total ration.
• identification of livestock fed.

National Vendor Declaration forms must be accurately completed regarding the feeding of by-product stock feed.

Let's try and learn from the recent past and avoid any further threats to trade in our livestock industries.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• Bass Coast Sustainability Festival 2026 celebrates community creativity, and environmental care at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on 7 March 2026
  The 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes, celebrates community, creativity, and environmental care with workshops, live music, stalls, food, and special guest Craig Reucassell.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• East Gippsland Council launches 10-Year Waste and Recycling Plan, advancing circular economy and sustainable resource management
  East Gippsland Council has adopted a 10-Year Waste and Recycling Transition Plan, introducing FOGO, expanding kerbside collections, improving recycling, and supporting a circular economy across the region.
• Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
  Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.