Piximum

18/07/2025

17/07/2025

16/07/2025

10/07/2025

Yes, Australian farmers often feed hay to cows as a crucial part of their diet, supplementing pasture or acting as a primary feed source. Hay provides roughage, which is important for digestion, and can be more cost-effective than grain, especially in certain situations like drought or when maximizing weight gain is not the primary objective.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Hay as a Roughage Source:
Hay, which is dried pasture or grass, is a vital source of roughage for cattle. This roughage aids in digestion, particularly in the rumen (the first stomach compartment).

Balancing Diets:
While grass is a natural part of a cow's diet, hay can be used to supplement or replace it, especially during periods of pasture scarcity or when additional nutrients are needed.

Hay vs. Grain:
While grain can be a valuable source of energy and nutrients, feeding too much grain to cattle can lead to digestive issues like acidosis (grain poisoning).

Hay's Role in Feedlots:
In feedlots, where cattle are fattened for market, hay is often included in rations (along with grains and other supplements) to ensure a balanced diet and prevent digestive problems.

Hay Production and Fodder:
Many Australian farms produce hay as part of their overall farming operation, recognizing its importance in livestock management.

Drought and Hay Prices:
During droughts, hay can become a crucial feed source, but its price can also fluctuate significantly, impacting farmers' decisions about how much to feed their cattle.

Hay Quality:
Hay quality is important, with factors like color, smell, and mold content indicating its suitability for feeding.

10/07/2025

While Australian farmers do often feed hay to sheep, particularly during times of pasture shortage, it is not accurate to say they only feed hay and never grain. Hay and grain are both important components of a sheep's diet, and farmers utilize a mix of both depending on factors like pasture availability, the sheep's nutritional needs, and cost-effectiveness.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Hay as a staple:
Hay is a crucial source of roughage and fiber for sheep, especially when fresh pasture is limited or of poor quality according to the Dengie Horse Feeds. It can be fed daily or intermittently, and ensuring sufficient hay is available, even for timid sheep, can be managed by feeding it every few days.

Grain supplementation:
Grain is often used as a supplement to hay, especially when sheep require more energy and protein, such as during pregnancy or lactation. Farmers will gradually introduce grain to sheep's diets, starting with a mix of chaff, hay, and grain to avoid digestive upsets.

Balancing the diet:
The specific ratio of hay to grain depends on various factors. For example, ewes with lambs may require different amounts of grain compared to dry ewes. Farmers also need to consider the cost-effectiveness of different feed options and may choose to use lower-quality hay or straw as a fiber source alongside grain.

Importance of roughage:
Regardless of whether grain is being fed, roughage (hay, straw, or dry pasture) should always form a significant part of the sheep's diet, typically at least 10% for sheep and 30% for cattle according to Agriculture Victoria.

Managing feed transitions:
When transitioning sheep between hay and grain or back to pasture, farmers must manage the change carefully to prevent digestive upsets or other health issues.

10/07/2025

Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be used to help control parasites in dogs, both internally and externally. It's a natural substance, but it's crucial to use food-grade DE and follow guidelines to avoid irritation. For internal use, it can help with roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and pinworms, while externally it can help deter fleas, ticks, and other pests.

Internal Use:

How it works:
DE's sharp edges can pierce the exoskeletons of parasites, while its absorption properties can help remove toxins and bad bacteria from the digestive tract.

Dosage:
Food-grade DE is recommended, and it should be mixed thoroughly with wet food to prevent inhalation.

Effectiveness:
DE is effective against many intestinal worms, but it's not a heartworm treatment.

Caution:
When using DE internally, be mindful of your dog's respiratory system. If they have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, consult with your veterinarian before using DE.

External Use:

How it works:
DE can be sprinkled on a dog's coat to deter fleas and other external parasites, as its sharp edges can pierce the exoskeletons of these pests.

Dosage:
Liberally sprinkle DE on your dog's coat, avoiding the eyes and nose, and gently rub it in.

Effectiveness:
DE can kill adult fleas within a few hours and can help control larvae, but it is not very effective against insect eggs.

Caution:
Be cautious when applying DE around your dog's face to avoid irritation, and avoid using it frequently on dogs with dry skin.

08/04/2025

Working on earthy mineral lists and recipes that both detoxes heavy metals and parasites from your whole family.

Imagine yourself slowly lowering into a bath of the perfect temperature, the water embracing you like a warm hug. Enriched with the potent gifts of the earth – diatomaceous earth, epsom salts, and bentonite clay – this isn't merely a bath, but a transformative ritual. Feel the gentle pull as the...

08/04/2025

How herbal teas can help with your hormonal changes.
Easy to find herbs and how they can assist.
Herbal remedies can be a cheaper, easier daily method.

Our shop isn't linked yet, but you can message me to ship to you.

Before there were pharmacies and synthetic medicines, there were herbs – our original companions on this earth, offering their natural gifts to support our wellbeing. Across cultures and continents, herbs have been cherished for their accessibility, affordability, and the delightful vibrancy they ...

08/04/2025

trying to understand your cycle, your hormonal phases?

There is more than one layer to our hormones and as we age, those layers increase.

It is a whole lot of fun but once you understand it you can become more aware and warn others around you 😅

06/04/2025

We often overlook the most fundamental aspect of life: breathing. It's automatic, unconscious, and something we rarely give a second thought to. But what if I told you that the way you breathe profoundly impacts your mood, your ability to cope with stress, and your overall well-being? In today's fast-paced world, many of us aren't breathing to our full potential. We're engaging in shallow, rapid, or overly slow breathing patterns, unknowingly depriving ourselves of the benefits of deep, mindful breaths.

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06/04/2025

WHAT HAVE WE ADDED?

Breathwork, Meditation Videos (more to come)
Affirmations to change those voices in your mind
Chakras' whole in-depth meaning and understanding

We are still working on an online shop, figuring out the best options.

Ever feel like your mind, body, and spirit could use a little boost? That's where Piximums Pantry comes in. We're not just a page; we're your friendly guide to a happier, healthier you. Imagine a place where you can find everything from invigorating herbs to zesty kombucha, all carefully selected to...