Since arriving back home in Western Queensland for Christmas/Summer break, it's been a hard slog feeding animals. Here in this part of Australia, seasons are extreme - either extremely hot or cold, wet - or in this case - dry. My father has been pushing Mulga trees (as seen in the pictures) for livestock to eat for the past year. Thanks to a new and open-minded State and Federal Government, feeding livestock natural, green trees has become a lot easier. Laws and restrictions set by past Labor Government's have been restricted/minimalized in an effort to keep these animals healthful for all Australians to eat.
No rain - no grass. No grass - no food for the cattle and sheep. Alternative? Mulga trees. It's a high source of protein. The catch: the protein cannot be fully processed by the livestock, and to make the most of the Mulga protein, the sheep and cattle are supplemented a Kelp/Algae liquid mix in their water. This liquid supplement, which smells of aniseed is vital for the livestock's physical condition. It increases digestive activity (among many other health benefits including electrolysis, phosphorus, and selenium) and boosts the appetites of the livestock. Result? Cattle and sheep devour the mulga and by looking at their physique, you would not know just how dry and desperate Western Queensland country is right now. Particularly in the dry Summer heat. Humidity hovers between 15-30% and the sun beats down on the Outback. When you wake up at 6AM, judging by the brightness of the sunlight, you wouldn't know if it's early morning or midday.
I've just started cutting Mulga for the cattle and find it a rewarding hands-on job. Not only do you use your own judgement and strength (it's not a walk in the park) to cut the trees, you also watch the cattle follow the line of fallen trees to eat breakfast. A satisfying start to the day!
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