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September 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SUPER DRY-KLENZ - BEDDING CONDITIONER FOR DAIRY COWS... PRESSED PULP... SUGARBEET... NEW PRODUCTS We have been working closely with two of our suppliers and have been conducting on farm trials, over the past two years. Our findings have been amazing, which has led us into introducing a couple of new products to our agricultural sector. The problems are real, and have a detrimental effect to your stock and in turn your bank balance. Ultrabond and Super Dry Klenz, are now available for you to try! Once you have had time to digest this months’ articles, and if you have any questions please give Gareth a call on 01948 661602, and he will be happy to discuss them. ULTRABOND The hidden risk in home grown forage - Mycotoxins As genetics has improved in recent years so has growth and performance of both dairy and beef animals. Feed intakes are higher in modern animals than at any stage in the past and it is because of these high intakes that the total challenge on the animal can impact much more than in the past. It is therefore essential to reduce the risk of mycotoxin ingestion... Take the Toxin Challenge... Do you want:- Improve Milk Yield Increase Nutrient Utilisation Increase Immunity Improve Fertility Protect feed from threat of Mycotoxins Powerful, Economic and independently proven! Special introductory offer Order just 4 x 25kg bags of Ultrabond Delivered on farm for just £99! Super Dry-Klenz – Bedding Conditioner for Dairy Cows Super Dry-Klenz – Bedding Conditioner for Dairy Cows In moist, warm conditions bacteria will flourish and multiply rapidly. Cattle are able to tolerate most bacteria at low population levels but if given a favourable environment, bacteria like E-coli can soon reach pathogenic levels. Once established, these harmful bacteria may soon start to have quite a considerable and detrimental effect on the health and performance of the cattle. Ammonia is a very pungent gas, which is released in large quantities from fermenting urine and faeces. When exposed to high levels of ammonia and other noxious gases the health of your livestock can start to be affected. What is Super Dry-Klenz and what does it do? Super Dry-Klenz is a free-flowing pink powder, made to a unique formula based on extremely absorbent compounds and materials, which are capable of absorbing noxious gases and liquids. Super Dry-Klenz is able to absorb over 1 and a half times its own weight in liquid and trials have shown it will absorb up to five times the amount of liquid compared with other desiccant powders. This drying effect keeps livestock bedding drier and reduces bacterial activity. Super Dry-Klenz also helps to clear the air as its honeycomb crystalline structure absorbs pollutant gases such as ammonia and sulphur dioxide. Its non-aggressive mode of action makes Super Dry-Klenz kind to both you and your livestock. What are the Benefits? Healthier livestock Reduces bacterial cell counts Reduces feet problems Lowers total bacteria counts Helps to prevent bacterial mastitis Cleaner atmosphere, and less ammonia Drier bedding and floors Improved welfare for livestock and personnel When do I use Super Dry-Klenz? Super Dry-Klenz has several applications Cow Cubicles – Damp bedding gives bacteria the ideal conditions to grow and multiply, with the use of Super Dry-Klenz it can help to keep sheds dry and reduce bacterial challenge. Used in cubicles this product can help to reduce bacterial mastitis and help to reduce ammonia production from wet and soiled floors. Calf Pens- Calving Boxes – The life of straw bedding in calf pens can be extended due to Super Dry-Klenz absorbent properties. Used in calf pens, it helps to reduce ammonia production from wet and soiled floor, along with reducing bacterial counts, therefore protecting the young calf. Covered Yards and Walk Ways – Super Dry-Klenz is particularly effective in these areas again to reduce bacteria levels and to prevent slipping and damage caused by wet floors. How do I use Super Dry-Klenz? Super Dry-Klenz should typically be applied at 50g-100g/square metre to cubicles and loose housing, daily for 3 days, and then once or twice a week. Particular attention should be paid to the back of the cubicle and to damp patches in the bedding. Super Dry-Klenz is also ideal for making a dry footbath by spreading a 25kg bag onto a suitable foam mat. Spread as needed on covered yards and walkways. Pressed Pulp Early offer prices are available, but are due to be withdrawn any day now. Demand for this product is usually high and availability can become difficult - contact Gareth in the office on 01948 661602 if you have a particular interest in using during the winter months. Typical Analysis Dry Matter 27 ME (MJ/kg DM) 13 Protein 9 Fibre 18 NDF 37 Oil 1 Sugar 6 Total Ash 8 Pressed Pulp is suitable for feeding to dairy, beef and sheep (ewes & lambs) Pressed Pulp: Improves the energy density of rations Is useful for supplementing forage when quality and quantity are low Is suitable as a buffer feed Is a natural & traceable product which is UK produced and feed assured Enhances physical nature and ‘open up’ total mixed rations Improved animal performance by stimulating and increasing feed intake Good source of digestible fibre Can be clamped with forage Succulent and palatable Storage Should be tipped in a clean dry area. If fed fresh, it should be used within 5 – 7 days of leaving the factory. If being kept for feeding at a later date, it should be ensiled and fully sealed. Remember to compact as much as possible. Bulk density approx 800 – 100kg/m³ when clamped. Can be pitted up to a height of approx 2m. Sugarbeet Early offer prices now available. Demand for this product is high and availability can become difficult. We believe British Sugar will withdraw this 1st offer very soon, as the Wheat market is now increasing, following recent US crop news. Contact Gareth in the office on 01948 661602 if you have a particular interest. QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION Contact Gareth or Rachel (Office) 01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776
September 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: SUPER DRY-KLENZ - BEDDING CONDITIONER FOR DAIRY COWS... PRESSED PULP... SUGARBEET... NEW PRODUCTS We have been working closely with two of our suppliers and have been...
February - March 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: THE VALUE OF FEEDING YEAST... THE VALUE OF FEEDING A MYCOTOXIN INHIBITOR... SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING... SILAGE STOCKS... FORAGE REPLACERS... STOP PRESS (14th May 2013) McHale 540 baler with wide tyres - only baled 3000 bales from new - £14250 Mc Hale 911 bale wrapper - only wrapped 3000 bales from new - £6750 Hudson Livestock/Horse box seven feet high, demountable top cattle gate and ramps - used very little from new - £2950 Location of machinery is South Wales ring 01948 661601 for contact details. THE VALUE OF FEEDING A MYCOTOXIN INHIBITOR Are your animals experiencing problems similar to the ones shown below? It could well be a Mycotoxins. Mycotoxin problem. are produced naturally from all types of mould, there are hundreds of different known Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins affect animals is a variety of ways and since there are many types, identifying and diagnosing is often very difficult. Common effects of Mycotoxins Variable intakes Inconsistent milk yields Scour Acidosis-type symptoms Impaired immune function Poor rumen function Bloody faeces Lethargy Reduced fertility Lower leg / teat swelling Muscle tremors Unsettled cows General poor performance without any clear explanation Conditions for Mycotoxin production Mould is highly adaptable and will develop on any growing or stored feedstuffs in a wide variety of conditions. Mould will produce mycotoxins under a wide range of conditions and therefore, the challenge should be considered ever-present. It will almost certainly be a problem in all silages when harvesting conditions are difficult (e.g. 2012) Plant stress - soil infertility, insect damage, extremes of temperature or moisture. Harvest stress - late harvest, crop too dry, slow clamp filling. Storage stress - wet grain, poor clamp consolidation, poor fermentation. Feed-out problems - poor hygiene, spoilage at face, poor face management, are all responsible for the presence of mould / mycotoxins If you are looking to feed both a Yeast & Mycotoxin inhibitor we have a combined Yeast/ Mycotoxin product called RA25 Mycobind. This is highly effective in addressing the situation(s) described above, and is efficient in controlling and overcoming the well-known problems where Mycotoxins are present, be it in silage (usually of higher dry matter), maize or wholecrop, or from cereal sources. At around 5 - 9 pence per day dependent on animal, it is highly competitive with other products, most of which only address a single situation! Feed at 25gms/cow/day. RA25 Mycobind (contains protected Selenium and Zinc) This concentrated live yeast product to stabilse the pH in the rumen along with the mycotoxin binder that will neutralise a broad range of mycotoxins. SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING HEIFERS FOR DAIRY REPLACEMENTS The art of heifer rearing for dairy replacements is a very precise and ‘attention to detail’ job. Latest figures available show that the true cost of rearing a heifer is around £1300 to £1400 which will take the average dairy cow almost 1½ lactations to recover the cost. It is vitally important that throughout the rearing process, from birth to giving birth herself, the heifer is managed within a strict regime. Stage 1 Over 5% of all dairy calves born in the UK each year will die, and others who have diseases in the first 3 months of life could also cause significant financial losses throughout their lives. Figures show that around 15% of heifer calves don’t make their first lactation with another 19% culled during their first and 24% culled during their second lactations. It is critical that all calves receive colostrum followed by a milk substitute or whole milk. Figures show that by feeding milk powder rather than whole milk is more cost effective, and you can also put the whole milk in the tank for a better return. There are numerous types of milk powders on the market but we concentrate on selling the VOLAC products (see fig 1). Solid food in the form of a coarse mixture or pellet should be made readily available from 2 – 3 days after birth along with ad lib water and hay or straw. When the calf is eating 1kg of dry food it can be weaned (usually 6 weeks) but not before as it is less resistant to disease (fig 2). Straw is preferred to hay due to higher fibre levels being better for the development of the rumen. Stage 2 After weaning it is vitally important you maintain optimum growth rates up to twelve months of age when the mammary cells are increasing in number and size. This is easier to control whilst heifers are housed but when turned out to grass you can lose track of intakes and nutritional values. One suggestion is by control of stocking rates using small paddocks and restricting intakes so they do not get too fat. Daily livewight gains of 0.7 To 0.8 kgs per day are essential to get to the correct weight at the bulling stage (fig 3) Age at calving is a personal choice but the best time financially is around 24 months old. If you decide on 30 months it will mean you have to have 25% more animals to maintain replacement rates, which in turn means 25% more feed is used. If you follow all the basic steps, but above all grow your heifers like beef animals, aiming for maximum growth rates, you should end up with a heifer calving at 2 years old, in good condition which will then go on to produce good lactations in the future. Fig 1. VOLAC RANGE OF MILK POWDERS NAME USES COST PER LITRE MIXED Blossom Easymix (18% Oil, 23% Protein) Bucket & cold ad lib systems. Can be fed through certain feeding machines 23p Blossom Freeflow (18% Oil, 23% Protein) Machine feeding 23.2p Enerlac Freeflow (20% Oil, 20% Protein) Machine feeding 19.6p Enerlac Instant (20% Oil, 20% Protien) Once or twice a day feeding and some ad lib systems where an instant powder is required 20.2p Heiferlac (16% Oil, 26% Protein) Mixes instantly in warm or cold water. Bucket feeding, cold ad lib systems and certain feeding machines 24.3p Maverick Once A Day (20% Oil, 24% Protein) For once a day feeding. Bucket feeding and automatic feeders. Feed @ 125gms / litre twice a day for first 2 weeks then 155gms / litre once a day up to 3½ litres / day 25p Maverick Healthy Start Rearer (20% Oil, 20% Protein) Instant mixing in cold or warm water, in bucket, cold ad lib systems or certain automatic machines 18.5p *All products mixed at 125 gms / litre unless once a day feeding INCREASE TO 150GMS / LITRE IF VERY COLD WEATHER MAXIMUM INTAKE 6 LITRES / DAY Fig 2. GP FEEDS DRY FEEDS FOR HEIFERS NAME USES Coarse Calf 16 Mixture 2 days up to 10 / 12 weeks Coarse Calf 18 Mixture 2 days up to...
February - March 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: THE VALUE OF FEEDING YEAST... THE VALUE OF FEEDING A MYCOTOXIN INHIBITOR... SUCCESSFUL CALF REARING... SILAGE STOCKS... FORAGE REPLACERS... STOP PRESS (14th May 2013) McHale 540...
Nov - Dec 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: FOOD FOR THOUGHT... ENERGY FROM FORAGE... ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS?... MOLASSES... FORAGE SAVER BLEND... DOUBLE ACTION ECOSYL... FOOD FOR THOUGHT To the present time, almost without exception, milk production through 2012 has been well below the norm. In reading this, you the producer will be well aware of many of the reasons, but it may be worth reiterating some of the obvious! It is worth noting that now in early December most herds are anywhere between 3 to 5 litres/cow below expectation. Why? With the wettest summer for over a 100 years, while grass growth wasn't an issue, what it produced was well below normal in productive terms. Grass samples taken through the summer consistently showed low sugars, and while ME, D value, NDF and protein levels were close to the mark, cow`s didn't think much of it! They just didn't milk, and with low Dry Matter levels cows struggled to maintain satisfactory intakes, and thus also lost condition. A poor summer for milk from grass! Consequently, and of no surprise, silages reflected similar characteristics, and with many cuts much delayed by poor conditions, nutrient values have been highly variable. Even those who managed to make `rocket fuel` silage, (on paper!), have found cow`s are simply not producing as expected. With weight loss fertility has also widely suffered. The Reason It doesn't take a genius to work out that the fundamental missing ingredient was Sunshine, which latterly has also reflected in maize silage samples, which while they appear close to average,(yield not withstanding), look as though they will need careful balancing with extra starch and sugar to make them feed as they should. Many farmers have tried all kinds of `add ons` to try and boost production, but for the most part responses have generally been minimal and certainly not economically viable. However there have been some successes using Molasses, (sugar), in one form or another dependent on forage type(s). With grass silage normal molasses has shown worthwhile responses, and in some instances even allowed a reduction in concentrate use without any yield penalty. With maize and or wholecrop based diets the Nutrimaize range of products, (with a range of available regulated release protein levels), has also shown positive responses. It is also interesting to note that farmers who have adopted these approaches, have consistently maintained the quality of their concentrate feeds, as parlour compound or blends, and not gone down the `cheap` route, which would further dilute the density of their diets. With raised NDF levels in most silage types, fibre digestion enhancing products such as Yeast, (RA25) and Amaferm are likely to have an influence. At GP Feeds we recognise that farmers are facing a difficult winter for a host of reasons, and in many herds until condition is regained, cows will just be `coasting along`. However there are signs now that more recently calved animals that have been housed for a while are getting closer to expectation. One other factor in the equation is the widespread incidence of the Schmallenberg Virus, which can result in variable production, as well of course as deformity in calves and abortion in some instances. So if you haven't already considered the `sunshine factor`, it may be worth looking towards an appropriate Molasses product, and also don`t be tempted to go down the `cheap route`, because with raw materials costs as high as they are, the difference in cost between good and how shall we say, less good, is relatively small. For more information and prices on the products mentioned please call the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth. ENERGY FROM FORAGE Silage quality this year reflects the exceptionally wet season we have experienced in the North West. Lack of sunshine led to low grass sugars which in turn have led to lower energy levels in forage. For low yielding cows this is not normally a serious problem as increased feed intake driven by appetite will make up the deficit. However even these cows will suffer when silage sugar levels are low. For high yielding dairy cows coming into milk however the option of boosting energy through forage is not an option as they are normally in energy deficit post calving anyway. Concentrates have traditionally bridged the gap but this depends on a fully functioning rumen capable of dealing with a significant loading of highly fermentable starch. In years where forage quality is good and rumen micro flora develop positively, this is not a problem. But where rumen volume is limited and energy demand is high, looking beyond the rumen to the true stomach the abomasum is what should be considered as well as addressing rumen function wherever possible. Where energy is limiting, ignoring this demand from high yielding cows who will strive to perform to their genetic potential, will lead to significant problems unless additional energy is provided. Symptoms of low energy include the obvious reduction in milk output and quality, but also because high yielding cows lose bodyweight in early lactation a negative energy balance may impair fertility by delaying first oestrus. This limits the number of cycles before insemination and successful conception is linked to the number of cycles preceding insemination. High yielding dairy cows have been bred to produce more milk, mostly through their ability to mobilize fat and muscle to support milk production in early lactation. The result is a loss of body condition and is associated with alterations in blood metabolite and hormone profiles which in turn influence fertility. Excess body condition loss can leave the cow vulnerable to poor performance in the following lactation too and a gradual reduction in health through a depleted immune system. The solution is to maximise all stages of the digestive process, both rumen and abomasum. Feeding a combination product like CS-Plus which contains readily available sugars in the form of glucose and maltose (which is slowly converted into glucose) and a high quality slow release fat source that is slowly released into the rumen maximises rumen function and supports the rumen microflora which would otherwise decline in numbers. The correct balance of oils in CS-Plus both unsaturated and saturated are released later in the abomasum. The benefits are improved fertility, increased milk and butterfat levels, and importantly for future production, maintained body condition. Fats contain around three times the energy level of cereals and by this careful release mechanism they can increase milk yield and butterfat without affecting rumen function or appetite. CS-Plus is a GP Feeds Exclusive product so for more information and prices ring Gareth on 01948 661602. ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER? Early reports from this feeding season are that silages are not 'working' as well as...
Nov - Dec 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: FOOD FOR THOUGHT... ENERGY FROM FORAGE... ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS?... MOLASSES... FORAGE SAVER BLEND... DOUBLE ACTION...
July 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ECOSYL 100... CS PLUS - EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS... POT ALE SYRUP... AMINO PRO-TEK... EARLY GRASS SILAGE AVERAGES - JUNE 2012... LUCERNE - IS IT THE NEXT STEP FORWARD?... With another round of milk price cuts for some, it is easy to be despondent, but we at GP Feeds would like to bring some positivity to our industry. If you look at huge 1st cut silages, many of our customers have used their early order Ecosyl stocks up on just 1st cut when it should have covered them for 1st & 2nd cut. With this in mind, please check your stocks give us a call if you need to replenish ready for 2nd cut - which will still be at the early order offer price, not the current increased price - what a great deal! Quite a few of our customer are experiencing high milk ureas, in excess of 3.0 to 3.5 we can take full advantage of this with Amino Pro-tek, which in the past has given us a minimum of 1 litre increase and up to 5 litres on one case. Although the average increase is around 2 to 2.5 litres. At a cost of 8.5p per cow per day it has a pay back of 3 fold, just on litres in milk, and that is not taking into account the health benefits of the animal. Many are also suffering with low butterfats, don't forget we have our own butterfat enhancer 'CS Plus' (which stands for condition score plus). It is a well tried and tested product and not only does it work, but at around £100 per tonne cheaper than Megalac, and most other fats on the market it really is worth considering. Looking forward to the next few months we will be trading the Wheat Distillers products coming out of Vivergo on Humberside. We will have at our disposal around 350,000 tonnes of dried home produced 34% protein Wheat Distiller Pellets, which will be a direct replacement to Rapemeal and some Hipro Soya. On top of the dried products we will also have liquid Wheat Syrups, in different protein forms available to us. Also with Barley Distillers now going to be burnt in the Bio-Fuel industry this will release to us, about 40,000 tonnes of Pot Ale Syrup, which was previously used as the protein source on the Barley Distillers. So watch this space for cheap liquid proteins!! This can only be good news for all of us, as it now brings home grown proteins to the market. So there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Please see the attached pages for details of the products mentioned and if you want to discuss anything further please give Gareth a call on 01948 661602. Don't forget to have a look at our website (www.gpfeeds.co.uk) which is full of useful information for our industry and your comments are always welcome, and remember we are only a click away. Don't forget we can be contacted on: Tel 01948 661602, Fax 01948 871776 & E-mail admin@gpfeeds.co.uk and coming soon on Twitter when Gareth's been trained! "ONE FOR ALL" For treating all grass and legume silage Available for liquid or dry application in 100 tonne packs Liquid can be applied from 20mls up to 2 litres per tonne Can be applied by any applicator, on any harvester Recommended for conventional or organic use Applies 1 million MTD/1 bacteria per gram of treated silage 2 year shelf life in a cool, dry place AMINO PRO-TEK In order to maintain high yields in the Spring/ Summer producers need to fine tune the overall ration, but this must be cost effective. One route that has worked well for many dairy farmers is to add Amino Pro-Tek to the diet. This is a sugar mineral complex that is non GM and fits in well to most feeding regimes. It works in the rumen and enables better use to be made of the protein in home grown forage, but especially in conjunction with high protein spring grass. We have in previous years seen improvements in milk yield of 1.8 to 2.5 litres per head per day in average and high yielding herds where Amino Pro-Tek has been included. Please ring the office on 01948 661602 to hear all about this "magic dust" as it has becoming known!! Remember high urea levels can also dramatically affect conception rate. Please click here for further details... CS PLUS - EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS Are you one of the many farms suffering with butterfats problems, if so the solution could lie with our EXCLUSIVE product CS Plus. This product is very competitively priced, please click here for details... POT ALE SYRUP Pot Ale Syrup is a co-product liquid of the malt whisky distillery process that contains a highly nutritious blend of carbohydrates, yeast residues, proteins and minerals. It is highly palatable, enhances forage intake and provides a valuable source of dietary protein and energy for farm livestock... Early Grass Silage Averages - June 2012 (re-printed by kind permission of FWTN) The Met Office data for the UK shows that April 2012 was the coldest since 1989 and the wettest on record. May continued cool and unsettled with variable rainfall across the UK until the 21st May when the weather became settled, dry, sunny and hot. Some first cut grass silage was taken during the unsettled period in early May on 'typical' cutting dates, but most was cut later in ideal conditions. There is plenty of grass silage in most clamps and the analyses of 455 first cut samples from the FWTNI laboratory reveal that the average grass silage has good nutrient value, is well made and will feed well. It is similar to the early season averages from previous years, albeit slightly lower in dry matter (1%), energy 0.2 MJ/kg DM and intake potential (4.5g/kgLwt0.75) than 2011, but similar to 2010. An intake of 10kg dry matter of this average grass silage will support approximately M + 7litres. Early Grass Silage Averages 2010 - 2012 2010 2011 2012 Average 2012 Minimum 2012 Maximum Dry Matter % 31.9 32.9 31.6 15.1 58.7 Crude Protein % 13.4 14.7 14.4 10.8 19.4 'D' Value % 70.1 70.8 69.7 60.3 76.7 ME Mj/kg DM 11.2 11.3 11.1 9.6 12.3 pH 4.1 4.2 4.1 3.6 5.4 NH3N % 4.6 2.7 2.8 1.0 16.6 Sugar % 3.0 1.4 2.7 2.1 5.8 Ash % 8.8 8.6 8.7 6.5 10.9 NDF % 48.4 46.6 44.3 38.4 57.2 ADF % 30.7 30.8 30.8 25.2 36.0 AD Lignin g/kg 40.0 44.0 47.8 11.5 69.9 Oil % 3.7 3.8 3.6 2.7 5.0 VFA g/kg 27.4 26.8 19.2 0.5 61.4 Lactic Acid g/kg 71.3 65.0 73.6 9.1 189.0 Vitamin...
July 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ECOSYL 100... CS PLUS - EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS... POT ALE SYRUP... AMINO PRO-TEK... EARLY GRASS SILAGE AVERAGES - JUNE 2012... LUCERNE - IS IT THE...
April & May 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: HEIFER REARING - THE FACTS... VOLAC RANGE OF MILK POWDERS... REGULATION OF SILAGE ADDITIVES IN THE EU... ECOSYL 100... ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE... CLAMPFILM... AMINO PRO-TEK... HEIFER REARING - THE FACTS The art of heifer rearing for dairy replacements is a very precise and 'attention to detail' job. Latest figures available show that the true cost of rearing a heifer is around £1300 to £1400 which will take the average dairy cow almost 1½ lactations to recover the cost. It is vitally important that throughout the rearing process, from birth to giving birth herself, the heifer is managed within a strict regime. Stage 1 Over 5% of all dairy calves born in the UK each year will die, and others who have diseases in the first 3 months of life could also cause significant financial losses throughout their lives. Figures show that around 15% of heifer calves don't make their first lactation with another 19% culled during their first and 24% culled during their second lactations. It is critical that all calves receive colostrum followed by a milk substitute or whole milk. Figures show that by feeding milk powder rather than whole milk is more cost effective, and you can also put the whole milk in the tank for a better return. There are numerous types of milk powders on the market but we concentrate on selling the VOLAC products (see fig 1). Solid food in the form of a coarse mixture or pellet should be made readily available from 2 - 3 days after birth along with ad lib water and hay or straw. When the calf is eating 1kg of dry food it can be weaned (usually 6 weeks) but not before as it is less resistant to disease (fig 2). Straw is preferred to hay due to higher fibre levels being better for the development of the rumen. Stage 2 After weaning it is vitally important you maintain optimum growth rates up to twelve months of age when the mammary cells are increasing in number and size. This is easier to control whilst heifers are housed but when turned out to grass you can lose track of intakes and nutritional values. One suggestion is by control of stocking rates using small paddocks and restricting intakes so they do not get too fat. Daily livewight gains of 0.7 To 0.8 kgs per day are essential to get to the correct weight at the bulling stage (fig 3) Age at calving is a personal choice but the best time financially is around 24 months old. If you decide on 30 months it will mean you have to have 25% more animals to maintain replacement rates, which in turn means 25% more feed is used. If you follow all the basic steps, but above all grow your heifers like beef animals, aiming for maximum growth rates, you should end up with a heifer calving at 2 years old, in good condition which will them go on to produce good lactations in the future. VOLAC RANGE OF MILK POWDERS NAME USES COST PER LITRE MIXED Blossom Easymix (18% Oil, 23% Protein) Bucket & cold ad lib systems. Can be fed through certain feeding machines 22.1p Blossom Freeflow (18% Oil, 23% Protein) Machine feeding 22.5p Enerlac Freeflow (20% Oil, 20% Protein) Machine feeding 19.0p Enerlac Instant (20% Oil, 20% Protien) Once or twice a day feeding and some ad lib systems where an instant powder is required 19.6p Heiferlac (16% Oil, 26% Protein) Mixes instantly in warm or cold water. Bucket feeding, cold ad lib systems and certain feeding machines 23.4p Maverick Once A Day (20% Oil, 24% Protein) For once a day feeding. Bucket feeding and automatic feeders. Feed @ 125gms / litre twice a day for first 2 weeks then 155gms / litre once a day up to 3½ litres / day 21.3p Maverick Healthy Start Rearer (20% Oil, 20% Protein) Instant mixing in cold or warm water, in bucket, cold ad lib systems or certain automatic machines 17.8p *All products mixed at 125 gms / litre unless once a day feeding GP FEEDS DRY FEEDS NAME USES Coarse Calf 16 Mixture 2 days up to 10 / 12 weeks Coarse Calf 18 Mixture 2 days up to 10 / 12 weeks Calf Starter 18 Pellets 2 days up to 10 / 12 weeks Heifer 18 Nuts 10 / 12 weeks onwards Supergro Heifer 20 Nuts 10 / 12 weeks onwards Excel Pre Calver Rolls 4 weeks prior to calving WEIGHT FOR AGE (kgs) NAME USES Three months 110 Four months 140 Five months 165 Six months 190 Seven months 215 Eight months 240 Nine months 265 Twelve months 340 Fourteen months 400 - Serving period Fifteen months 430 - Serving period Eighteen months 480 Twenty four months 620 Total gain 510 kgs (over 640 days equivalent to 0.8kgs / day) For further information and prices on products please call the office and speak to Gareth on 01948 661602 Regulation of Silage Additives in the EU By Dr Shirley Heron, Ecosyl Products Ltd, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, UK. A number of agricultural health issues over the past decade have resulted in the European agricultural industry facing huge increases in legislation. Feed additives is one area that is getting a lot of attention, the main focus being on food safety and security. This has led to the creation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent body tasked with risk assessment of food and feed. Regulation 1831/2003 is explained here by Dr Shirley Heron, Ecosyl Products Ltd... If you haven't already booked your silage additive yet - give the office a call to discuss ECOSYL. Our sales of Ecosyl have continued to increased tenfold over the last 2 years - surely those customers who choose to use it can't be wrong. We would like you to join our increasing list of very happy and satisfied customers. ECOSYL 100 For treating all grass and legume silage Available for liquid or dry application in bigger 100 tonne packs Liquid can be applied from 20mls up to 2 litres per tonne Can be applied with any applicator, on any harvester Recommended for conventional or organic use Applies at least 1 million MTD/1 per gram of forage treated 2 year shelf life in a cool, dry place Proven to increase Milk Yield and LWG For more details ring the office on 01948 661602 or speak to your local GP agent - WELL WORTH THE CALL! If your silage is looking wet or may be contaminated you may want to consider: ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE One of the best known and respected of all acid silage preservatives, Add-F, is now available in a non-corrosive formula from us, called Add-F NC (for non-corrosive). Originally developed by BP...
April & May 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: HEIFER REARING - THE FACTS... VOLAC RANGE OF MILK POWDERS... REGULATION OF SILAGE ADDITIVES IN THE EU... ECOSYL 100... ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE... CLAMPFILM... AMINO PRO-TEK... HEIFER REARING...
March 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: AMAFERM... WHAT ADVANTAGE IS THERE TO FEEDING YEAST?... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS?... FATS... MARKET REPORT... We can't believe that as we write this newsletter, it is November already - where has this year gone, or are we just getting old! AMAFERM Following on from our December newsletter, we have been monitoring 3 local customers, who have been using Amaferm since the beginning of December. Nothing else on the farms has changed feeding wise, other than adding Amaferm into the diet at 100gms per cow per day. Farmer 1 has seen an increase in milk litres by 1.6 litres Farmer 2 has seen an increase in milk litres by 1.9 litres Farmer 3 has seen an increase in milk litres by 2.1 litres Costing just a 1/3 rd of a litre, it has been very profitable for these 3 customers. Why not give it a try and see the difference it can make for you. The feed additive Amaferm has been developed specifically to improve fibre digestion... WHAT ADVANTAGE IS THERE TO FEEDING YEAST? Many dairy and beef farmers are seeing the advantages that the feeding of yeast brings. If the diet within the rumen of the animal is either very wet, low in energy, low in fibre or too starchy and is unbalanced, the pH within the rumen is not stabilised and the bacteria cannot absorb the fibre content correctly. As a result of this you can see depressed appetites, the lowering of milk quality, loss of liveweight gain in beef animals, acidosis, and associated problems with feet and overall health issues. By feeding a yeast product it will stabilise the rumen pH with the result that you will see less acidosis, increased yields, positive effects on milk quality, and improvement in overall health and an increase of daily liveweight gain in beef animals and youngstock. This last year we have seen a dramatic increase in sales of our yeast Product RA25 with positive results in all cases. For a cost of 5p per cow per day you can expect an improvement in your margins as well as the added benefits of contented healthy cows. With its very low feeding rate you do not have to pay to have full pallet load, as you may have to with products fed at 100gms per day, with the added benefit of containing protected selenium and zinc. Feed Rates Dairy cows 25gms per cow per day Beef 4 gms per 100lg l.w per day Example For a herd of 100 cows you will feed 2½ kgs per day For a herd of 200 cows you will feed 5kgs per day Delivery Pack Size 20kg bags Minimum delivery 10 bags A minimum delivery of 10 bags for 100 cow herd will last 80 days A minimum delivery of 10 bags for 200 cow herd will last 40 days For more details ring the office on 01948 661602 or speak to your local GP agent - WELL WORTH THE CALL! ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS? Forage stocks are currently lower than most farmers would like, therefore most forage extender products are in high demand. We do have available some spot loads of Fodderbeet, Stock Feed Potatoes, Stock Feed Carrots and Brewers Grains. Please call the office on 01948 661602 for up to date prices and availability. We can also offer you our very own unique FORAGE SAVER BLEND formulated from a blend of raw materials especially to extend your silage stocks. It has high levels of rumen friendly fibre from Sugarbeet and Soya Hulls. Can be fed to all classes of Ruminant livestock Contains high levels of digestible fibre Feed at 2kgs per animal per day to replace 10kgs of average quality silage When fed at the above rate it will save over 60 tonnes of silage per month on a 100 cow herd plus followers Only top quality ingredients are included in the ration PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE ON 01948 661602 FOR PRICES FOR SALE 4TH CUT HIGH DRY MATTER GRASS SILAGE AVAILABLE IN THE OSWESTRY AREA. FOR DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT GARETH AT THE OFFICE ON 01948 661602. Do you suffer from Mycotoxins and the resulting issues - talk to us about Mycobind and how this product can help. ECOSYL ORDERS - Don't forget to consider taking advantage of the early order pricing and save money. Call now to place your order. FATS Are you one of the many farms suffering with butterfats problems, if so the solution could lie with our EXCLUSIVE product CS Plus. This product is very competitively priced, please see details below: CS PLUS - EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS A specially formulated fatty acid blend processed with a selected glucose preparation into a free flowing dust-free meal. CS Plus has been designed for the high performing dairy cow, in particular for raising butterfat levels and milk yields while maintaining cow condition. The blend of protected and slow release fatty acids rich in C16, has been put together to maximise synergistic effects on net energy yield and milk quality. The unsaturated to saturated ratio is close to 3:1. The glucose blend enhances liver function and the hormonal, nervous and enzymic systems to increase overall animal performance. Benefits Specific fat profile high in C16:0 to maximise butterfats A high energy content to encourage milk yield Designed to maintain body condition High glucose sugars to sustain milk yield Promotes optimal liver function Highly palatable, free flowing and easy to use Feeding CS Plus is designed for mixing into compound feeds or home mix diets. The recommended usage rate is 500g/cow/day. Levels of up to 1500g can be used with high performance dairy cows. CS Plus maybe included in compound feed at a rate of up to 50kg per tonne. MARKET REPORT Hipro Soya South American weather patterns still dominate the market. Hot dry and whatever the speculators and shippers can make up. This will continue for the shot/medium term. So the market will remain very volatile so keep in touch with the office and let us know your requirements, so that we can give you a ring when there is a break in the market. Rapemeal Supply is very tight until April. The main Rapemeal shipper is oversold and this has lead to the spot market trading at nearly £200/t. May onwards seem a little more reasonable than at present, again keep in touch with the office for regular updates. Citrus & Soya Hulls Both products on the spot and going forward for the summer, are looking very competitive against Sugarbeet. Today they are trading at around £30 - £40 per tonne cheaper than Sugarbeet. Both offer a good source of digestible fibre, for this coming spring. Sugarbeet Tonnage is currently being put into stores, so...
March 2012 Newsletter
This months linked article's: AMAFERM... WHAT ADVANTAGE IS THERE TO FEEDING YEAST?... ARE YOU SHORT OF FORAGE STOCKS?... FATS... MARKET REPORT... We can't believe that as we write this newsletter,...