The climate in Western Australia is predominately Mediterranean and as a result the winter rainfall from May to August provides for grass growth in the months of June through to November (Figure 1). However, there is a resulting shortfall in grass growth for the remaining months of the year which must be addressed. This pattern of grass growth is not adequate to feed a cow for her entire lactation. Alternatives to grass growth such as irrigated pasture are limited due to competition for scarce urban water supplies, the increasing energy costs of.
