Shropshire Farming Talk: Top tips for managing forage nutrition shortfalls
Due to the mixed weather conditions farmers have faced this season, forage quality has suffered.
But how can the impact be mitigated when fed out?
Test the forage
Having forage sampled and analysed is a good starting point.
Understanding the forage's nutritional profile is the first step in optimising livestock health and productivity.
Consider supplements to balance a lack of crude protein
Some hay has been reported as being low in crude protein (CP), below the target of 8-11per cent.
This is down to the matured late-cut grasses having diverted nutrients to carbohydrates, in turn lowering the protein content,.
Farmers should look at introducing a protein supplement to balance the shortfall.
The same goes for grass silage, if when sampled it’s below the target 12-16 per cent CP.
Introduce a high protein feed
If pH levels are high, this has a knock-on effect on the protein in the forage.
If pH is elevated, it allows clostridia to break down protein, making it less available for the livestock.. This potentially has negative effects on growth rates and performance.
It’s also worth introducing high protein feed if neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin levels are high.
Incorporating yeast metabolites can also help aid digestion and rumen health – so fibrous silages are more manageable.
Preparation is key
Timing cuts in accordance with the weather, rapid wilting and ensuring clamps are tightly packed are all good methods for helping to ensure optimal forage.
When it comes to clamp management, if clamps are tightly packed to exclude oxygen this can prevent harmful bacteria from growing, and preserve protein integrity.
by Bryn Hughes, national sheep and beef manager at Wynnstay
