Dry Sheep Equivalent

Dry Sheep Equivalent (DSE) is a standard unit frequently used in Australia to compare the feed requirements of different classes of stock or to assess the carrying capacity and potential productivity of a given farm or area of grazing land.

The unit represents the amount of feed required by a two-year-old, 45 kg (some sources state 50 kg) Merino sheep (wether or non-lactating, non-pregnant ewe) to maintain its weight. One DSE is equivalent to 7.60 megajoule (MJ) per day.

The carrying capacity of a farm is commonly determined in Australia by expressing the number of stock carried during a period of feed shortage in terms of their DSEs.[1]

Benchmarking standards used by Grazing for Profit programmes quote that one labour unit (40 hours) is required for 6,000 DSE (other benchmarking standards set the figure at 7,000 DSE).[2]

See also

References and notes

  1. ↑ For example see Gaden, C. A.; J. M. Scott; E. Hall; J. A. Hoad (2003). "Learning how to increase the profitability and sustainability of grazing enterprises by comparing three different input and grazing management systems" (pdf). Newsletters. Cicerone Project. Retrieved 2006-10-18.. Also "Monthly Newsletter – April 2003: Sheep enterprises remain in front of cattle – Farm Benchmarking Results" (pdf). Newsletters. 8x5 Wool Profit Program. 2003. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  2. ↑ Walcha News, 27/3/2003

External links

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