Forage shortage could have been averted by using a
The use of a high-quality silage additive could have helped many livestock producers avoid a shortage of home-grown forage and reduced their dependence on bought-in feeds this winter, according to Mole Valley Farmers, the UK's largest farm requisites supplier and rural retailer.
"With many farmers currently reflecting on a challenging silage making season, during which grass yields and forage quality were significantly lower than in the previous year, now is a good time to emphasise that the productivity and profitability of UK dairy herds would be improved significantly if all farmers used a high-quality additive," emphasises Graham Ragg, Arable and Fertiliser Sales Manager.
"Grass yields in the South West were down by as much as 15% this year due to the unusually hot, dry summer. Our analysis of forages from farms throughout the South West has confirmed that the quality of grass silages is also lower, while below-average yields of maize have compounded the situation. Producers must therefore work closely with their nutritionists to assess the type, quality and quantity of forages available, review feeding methods, evaluate supplementary options and establish an optimum approach to winter nutrition.
"Reducing the inherent variability of grass and maximising the nutritional consistency of rations can make a huge difference in terms of optimising herd output and profitability. The use of a high-quality silage inoculant would have done much to help maintain silage drymatter, improve nutritional content and maximise palatability, the keys to achieving high intakes. Grass contains a mixture of 'simple' and 'complex' sugars, but most inoculants access only 'simple' sugars such as Glucose and Fructose, which under good silage making conditions account for up to 45% of sugars. However, in average or poor conditions this can fall to as little as 15%, while the proportion of 'complex' sugars such as Fructans, which are beyond the reach of a conventional silage additive, may rise to 85%."
To help farmers improve their silages, Mole Valley Farmers recently introduced Powerstart instant®, an 'instant' inoculant containing the unique Fructan-degrading bacteria, Aber F1, which was discovered by scientists at the Institute of Grassland Research and Environmental Research (IGER) and subsequently patented by Genus. It accesses sugars immediately upon application, providing fast fermentation, allowing more nutrients to be retained and ensuring that more of the valuable true protein fraction and other vital nutrients are preserved.
Independent research at ARC Hillsborough in Northern Ireland has demonstrated that the use of a silage inoculant produces a 0.54 litres/cow/day average yield advantage and improves milk quality. Even accounting for the cost and slightly higher intakes, the financial advantage still amounts to £11 per cow over a 120-day winter period. In addition, because a rapid fall in pH and faster fermentation minimises protein and energy losses, feed value can be improved by 5% - 10%. Given that silage is worth, or has cost to make, more than £20 per tonne, a relatively small investment in a high-quality additive therefore represents a very worthwhile return.
Further details about Powerstart instant® are available from Mole Valley Farmers on 01769 576239, or www.molevalleyfarmers.com
