Transfer represents the movement of nutrients in the gut of animals. It occurs when feed is eaten (nutrients ingested) in one place on the farm, and excreta is deposited in another. For blocks, transfer out of a block (nutrients removed from the block) is positive, and into a block (nutrients added to the block) is negative. Net transfer is the sum of all the removals and additions, and hence can be negative. Five transfers are reported:
- From paddock - this is where nutrients are ingested on the paddock from pasture or supplements fed on blocks, and excreta deposited on lanes and farm dairy.
- To paddock - this is where nutrients are ingested from supplements fed on the feed pad, and excreta deposited on the block. This is a negative transfer.
- To wintering pad - this is where nutrients are ingested on the paddock from pasture or supplements fed on blocks, and excreta deposited on the wintering pad. This is a positive transfer (nutrients leave the block).
- From wintering pad - this is where nutrients are ingested on the wintering pad as supplements, and excreta deposited on the block when animals are grazing. This is a negative transfer (nutrients are added to the block).
- To feed pad - this is where nutrients are ingested on the paddock from pasture or supplements fed on blocks, and excreta deposited on the feed pad. This is a positive transfer (nutrients leave the block).
The last three options have values when feed pad/wintering pad plus grazing option is selected.