Bridge the energy gap to increase milk production

With poorer grass quality and the summer downturn in sward growth underway, milk producers are being advised to take a fresh look at their cows' energy intakes and top them up to increase output.

"Following the cold, wet spring energy levels in grass are below those of the last two years and protein levels are down, too," commented Robert Jones, managing director of Newmarket-based Ufac (UK) Ltd.

"With the increase in milk prices, we're no longer being forced into least-cost production, but instead should be looking to maximise output. In the current situation with a high proportion of grass going for maintenance, providing an energy supplement can result in dramatic increases in yield."

Mr Jones said that improvements amounting to 2 litres per day — had been achieved by herds using the company's own supplement, Xtra-Milk, which has a blend of energy-rich oils, including the valuable omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, that stimulate microbial activity in the rumen.

"Maintenance is the biggest cost, of course, but depending on the cow's genetic make-up, there is enormous potential to increase yield. There is a need to make sure the rumen is working properly and a good stockman will keep an eye on what's coming out of the cow's back-end," he commented.

However, to maintain fertility he also advises using a protected protein supplement. High levels of nitrogen within grass can mean an excess of non-protein nitrogen, which can affect the uterine environment and embryos through lowered progesterone secretion.

For further information please contact:

Robert Jones

UFAC (UK)

01638 665923

email: mail@ufac.co.uk

Martin Looker

BHR Communications

01473 823842

e-mail: mlookerbhr@aol.com