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July 2018 Newsletter
Running short on forages: Speak to us about the following: Forage Saver Blend (14% Protein) Just as the name suggested this Forage Saver Blend is for use with your own forages to extend them. Feed at 2kgs/animal/day to replace 10kgs of average quality silage. When fed at this rate it can save over 60t of silage/month on a 100 cow herd + followers. This is the perfect alternative when silage stocks are getting low and general stock feeds are short in supply. Available in bulk only. Dried Lucerne Bales High in quality effective structural fibre. It improves rumen function and provides a floating mat in the rumen. 88% dry matter, which stimulates dry matter intake. Provides the scratch factor in the ration without reducing the nutrient density or bulk of the diet like straw does. Increases saliva production, which contains high levels of natural bicarbonate to help buffer the rumen and reduce acidosis. Consistently high in quality proteins. Nutritionally Improved Straw (NIS) A 6mm pellet made from cereal straw which has been alkali treated. The treatment increases the digestibility of the straw fibre by 30%. The pelleting process increases potential dry matter intake. Includes enough effective fibre to balance high sugar/starch diets, without depressing dry matter intake. Has nearly double the energy content and is 30% more digestible than straw. Silaboost (19% Protein) Silaboost with Brewers Grains being quoted in the high £60/t which works out a nearly £300/t of dry matter, with cereal crop yields being constantly downgraded, and many farmers already looking at reduced silage stocks, may we introduce a ‘now for something completely different’ take on “what to do”? Silaboost is a fully mineralised product. It is to be mixed with silage as a replacement at 1kg for 4kgs of silage. As long as dietary fibre levels are maintained, it’s possible to replace up to 15kgs of silage per cow/day. This works out cheaper than adding Brewers Grains, it’s a much higher quality feed, and will allow cows to increase both the energy AND protein of their diet through this strange weather patterns of 2018. Take advantage of the improved milk price, and help your cows not only get through the shortages, but actually improve their productivity, milk quality, profitability and well-being. Silaboost – why not settle for more? Available in bulk only as either a blend or pellet. QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION To discuss any of these products, along with your other on farm requirements please call GP Feeds on 01948 661602 or use our text line number 07969 808188 Gareth or Rachel (Office) 01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776
July 2018 Newsletter
Running short on forages: Speak to us about the following: Forage Saver Blend (14% Protein) Just as the name suggested this Forage Saver Blend is for use with your own...
December 2016 Newsletter
Please find below some thoughts as to what we actually believe is happening with this year`s grass silages. The approach suggested may seem quite radical, but we believe will also prove to be economically viable. Many of this years silages are particularly high in cuticular wax. It is a plant self defence mechanism to avoid been washed out or dehydrated. It is also one of the prime reasons, apart from management why we sometimes get slippage. 2012 was one of these years, when there were a lot of slippages, and silage under performed for the same reason. There is a "hardness" about the fibre we don`t normally see, so the normal method of evaluating fibre content and digestibility via NDF and ADF doesn’t hold true. NIR analysis uses calibrations from the past, hence many variable factors are not considered when predicting silage values. Therefore we have an oily/waxy silage, high in cardboard/woody fibre, which cows are clearly having a hard time in extracting the theoretical energy/protein from. Increasing protein alone is not the answer, as it may encourage excess loss of body fat, reduce fertility and may actually drop milk and constituents. It is almost impossible to manipulate the diet to provide extra energy, as fat or starch, as it won`t be utilised correctly, as the silage will probably have a high intake factor, but with low digestibility. The rumen is therefore packed with indigestible, rumen microflora `limiting lumps`, many of which we`ll find on the floor behind the cow! What can we do? In truth what needs to be done is to replace a significant part of the silage, which is costing X litres per cow per day, for something that has a much higher nutritional profile. Our New product, Silaboost pellets, which are cooked, is slower fermenting with much elevated digestibility due to this process, as well as more bypass protein, as compared to conventional Blends and Compounds. It is there to replace something that is effectively 10% Crude protein with low energy for the reasons explained above! We know your silage analysis will suggest otherwise, but the `black and white mobile laboratory' will tell you what is happening! For every kg of silage Dry Matter that is replaced there is a 1.5 litre potential gain in milk output. Thus, if silage is say 25% DM, you would theoretically reduce silage intake by 4kgs for every 1Kg of Silaboost. It also contains a vastly better mineral/trace element package, with important advantages into pregnancy and late lactation output. The longer the product is fed the greater the gain will become, as the flow of energy and protein will effectively flatten out the lactation curve. NB Ensure cows have access to some long fibre, preferably Hay NOTE. It is NOT a concentrate replacer, though one can probably cut out a bit of cake and a bit of blend, and the product should be introduced slowly over a few days. Overall concentrate usage will be higher, but the economics will pay, and we would suggest that we will see further milk price increases conceivably quicker then we may as yet think over the next two/three months! This may all seem somewhat radical, and in a `normal year` we would not need to take such an approach, but we would suggest that this is a route worth considering this year, both in terms of increasing output, and also of economic benefit. This season is proving a difficult one for producers across the country, hence why we are 10% down on National production compared to this time last year. We had had 3 customers feeding Silaboost Pellets for the past 2 weeks. Each of them have seen an increased milk response of between 2 & 2½ litres per cow. Quite a result! If you wish to discuss this in more detail and as to how it could be applied in your own system, then please contact: Gareth Perkins 01948 661602 Nick Sharp 07870 210550 James Lightfoot 07967 448854 QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION To discuss any of these products, along with your other on farm requirements please call GP Feeds on 01948 661602 or use our text line number 07969 808188 Gareth or Rachel (Office) 01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776
December 2016 Newsletter
Please find below some thoughts as to what we actually believe is happening with this year`s grass silages. The approach suggested may seem quite radical, but we believe will also...
September 2015 Newsletter
This months linked article's: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES... SILO-SOLVE FC - THE NEW WAY FORWARD... PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER THIS SEASON... NOT ALWAYS BAD NEWS Back in the winter of 2014, for the sake of the discussion, let’s say Mr. Dairyman, was at the end of his tether, as cows production had slumped by around 2,000 litres p.a. from previous highs, and despite expensive concentrate, purchased maize silage, and a well-planned and implemented re-seeding programme to misquote the song that Tony Blair rode to fame, "things could only get worse". So Mr. Dairyman, having tried the best (or so they said), decided to try the rest, and asked Gareth Perkins, and sidekick nutritionist Colin Orr, in their farm-calling guise as Ratman and Bobbin, to have a look at the situation... On inspecting the cows, and spotting some of the signals associated with Mycoplasma infections, blood samples were taken by the farms vets, and confirmed that both Mycoplasma Bovis and Mycoplasma Wenyonii were strongly present. According to Colin Orr, this isn't always a sign that a Mycoplasma infection is causing the problem, but is collateral damage as a result of a poor immune status in the herd. So GP Feeds went to town (unusually on this occasion, Gareth was not arrested for disorderly behaviour!), and assayed all the ration components for macro and trace element content, as well as potential toxins from other contaminants. A HEALTHY COW IS A PRODUCTIVE COW There were some issues in the silage, so these were addressed, and a ration formulated which was intended primarily to be as "healthy" as possible, as low as possible in acid-inducing ruminal fermentation products, and designed to boost immune status in the cows. (Using cell wall carbohydrates and a very sophisticated approach - I know this is a shock where Gareth and Colin are concerned - to protein supply, by increasing the supply of the amino acids involved in boosting immunity). In addition, anti-inflammatory compounds were fed, along with a very high pH form of Sodium to alkalize the ration, as well as a natural zeolite, to improve acid-base status. Progress was made fairly quickly, but on the regular visit cycle, a couple of months later, the signs for parasitic infection were showing, so Ostertagia and Fluke were suspected, and confirmed by the farms vets. It’s always essential to act quickly when parasitical problems occur (it’s a great shame that elections are only 5 years), as the damage from the parasites can be permanent unless immediately addressed. PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES MAY GET A GOOD TAN BUT UNLESS THEY ARE VERY GOOD LOOKING, THEIR BATHROOMS CAN SPOIL YOUR DAY Mr. Dairyman’s building was on the face of it a perfect environment for cows - high roof, double space boarding, good open doors to a yard, adequate trough space, and comfortable, not over-populated cubicles. But... observation showed that the cows were spending a lot of time standing (they should be lying down for 14 hours a day), cud rate and frequency was less than optimum, and there were always a high percentage standing outside on the concrete. Water supply was in troughs that were probably a little on the high side for heifers to comfortably drink, but the main issue appeared to be ventilation. Now, many farms spend thousands of pounds on fans, which are terrific at moving the dirty, hot air around the building, but do absolutely nothing to freshen the environment - as soon as Mr. Dairyman provided 0.5 ft (this is an ancient measurement form, similar to metres, but based on the logical use of ones "feet" to represent errrrr "Feet") of central roof ventilation space per cow, the "chimney effect" sucked the dirty air out, pulled clean air in from all the previously described areas, and dramatically (the cows began to perform opera at milking) improved the numbers lying down, and the efficiency of rumination. Cost was in hundreds, not thousands - and it worked. FAST FORWARD TO A QUOTE FROM MR. DAIRYMAN Cows are now performing the best we’ve ever had, up around 5 litres a head on the last few years, which is worth about 4p a litre to us, fertility is much improved, I’m now proud to show people the way my herd looks. Milk price is a (hopefully) temporary, unavoidable disaster; poor health and depressed productivity in the cattle is always in the farms own hands to correct. It’s not difficult, but it may take time. In the end, a healthy herd is a profitable herd. SILO-SOLVE FC - THE NEW WAY FORWARD Introducing SiloSolve the new inoculant technology that preserves the nutrient value of your forage. Current economic realities dictate that the investment in highly valued silage must be optimized... PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER THIS SEASON Excel Pre Calver Rolls A one stop shop product. Contains quality energy sources to meet the cows nutritional requirements in the dry period, with higher energy levels compared to other dry cow rolls. Also contains specific proteins to enhance the wide range of amino acids that are essentials during the dry period and early lactation... Fed at the correct rate of 2½kgs/cow/day to prevent retained cleansings / milk fevers - this is not a product to be scrimped on! Grain Balancer 38 Nuts With cheaper grain now available our Grain Balance 38 nuts could fit into your diet very well this season. Full of quality proteins and a very high inclusion level of top quality minerals, which can be either cattle or sheep to suit your needs. This is a very competitive way of feeding all types of stock this winter... Also available in meal form if required. Fodderbeet Can produce more dry matter / acre than cereal grains. A sugar rich energy feed for ruminants but the composition can vary. Soil contamination must be avoided to prevent digestive upsets as should excessive feeding. The digestive upsets are due to excessive sugar in the rumen and / or mineral imbalance. Chopping enhances intakes and ruminants relish the root due to its succulence and sugar... Availability: Feed loads - whilst stocks last. Whole Sugarbeet With British Sugar warehouse full of refined sugar, no extra contracted beet tonnage will be purchased. So feed Sugarbeet may become available - if this is of an interest to you please contact the office on 01948 661602. 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... BREWERS GRAINS LARGE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR PITTING TONNAGES - whilst stocks last... QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION To discuss any of...
September 2015 Newsletter
This months linked article's: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES... SILO-SOLVE FC - THE NEW WAY FORWARD... PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER THIS SEASON... NOT ALWAYS BAD NEWS Back in the winter...
October 2014 Newsletter
This months linked article's: YOUNGSTOCK... PROVIMI MILK POWDERS... DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... SOME UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS ABOUT WHAT SILAGE CAN - AND CAN'T - DO The analysis is great, but the cows aren't milking... We take an analysis of our grass, whole-crop, or maize silage, then send it to a laboratory, which generally uses a technology called “NIR Spectroscopy” to provide estimates of the nutritional values. This technology exploits the fact that many natural products absorb NIR radiation at specific regions or wavelengths. Some proteins absorb more radiation, equally, some sugars reflect less, so a massively complex mathematical model compares the reflected/absorbed IR wavelengths with previously calibrated “reference samples. But that’s not what a cow does For instance, let’s take a herd averaging 27 litres. The cows (on average) are eating 10 KGs of concentrate from TMR and parlour feed per day. For maintenance and production, that gives a requirement of 207 Mj of energy. We know the concentrate is delivering around 117 Mj, so the silage is delivering 90 Mj. How much silage is the cow eating? 40 Kgs of 25% DM silage, is 10 KGs of DM. So the cow analysis of the silage, is that it offers 9 Mj/Kg, and that is not an estimate, it is the reality. That’s what a cow does Less Milk from Silage - Is it time to hit the Panic Button? Of course, it’s not just that simple…. NIR analysis gives us a guide, and how we interpret it is the determining factor in how well the ration is formulated to achieve the genetic potential of the cow. But in the following article, we’ll look at some of the things that do go wrong with silage, and that aren’t picked up by standard analysis, and what you can and can’t do about them. Macro and Trace Elements Many of us have used “DCAB” systems in transition cows, which work on the basis of Calcium utilization in the ruminant being subject to the dietary cation/anion balance (macro elements are either positively or negatively charged, the cumulative positive/negative balance affects all aspects of nutrition). Silages, particularly after a lot of years of slurry application, and soil compaction, have taken on in recent years, very different characteristics to even 25 years ago. Legislation such as the “Clean Air Act”, have reduced markedly the levels of what were classed as pollutants (such as Sulphur), sometimes to the detriment of the soil. A typical farm making 1,000 Tonnes of grass silage, is harvesting, for instance, around 6 Tonnes of Calcium from the fields, and exporting a proportion of that from the farm each year in milk and animal. Equally, the annual concentration of Potassium, for instance, ends up concentrating in the plant material, with severe consequences for both milking and transition cows. These shortages and excesses, can often combine to depress yields, fertility, and immunity. Analysis – and correct dietary interpretation – we as a business have the experience in this area, more so than the rest. Protein All protein is comprised of the basic building blocks – amino acids – and it is how those building blocks are chained together, and how they are folded, that determines how “good” a protein is for the cow. Although 65% of the protein the cow needs can be assembled by the rumen (via the rumen microflora) there are some amino acids (essential limiting amino acids) which need to be fed as they can’t be synthesized. When grass silage is made, the fermentation process directly changes or loses, some of the proteins, that’s why the grass containing 20% + Crude protein, frequently produces a silage at 12 – 14% Crude Protein. In “poor silage years” this breakdown/loss is amplified. Some of those limiting amino acids, such as Methionine and Lysine, are simply not adequately supplied in the silage, and some, such as Leucine, are relatively higher in maize silages than grass, even where the basic crude protein measurement is lower. To ensure that the rumen microflora are adequately supplied, it’s really important to compensate via our fixed formulation feeds as, we can specifically target the concentrate fraction, for the deficiencies in the silages. Amines and Amides As a direct result of bacterial processes in silage making, sometimes toxins such as amines are created. Most people will know about histamine, and its involvement in inflammatory responses in , for instance, hay-fever sufferers. But silage can carry such amines as Histamine, Cadaverine, Putrescine, etc., which exert potentially harmful effects on the health and fertility of dairy cows, particularly by interfering with some of the mechanisms that control appetite – reducing intakes not only of the silage itself, but of the whole TMR. Where this problem exists, it’s critically important to balance the diet with the correct antioxidants and anti-inflammatory elements, and to ensure that environmental stress factors are reduced. This requires careful management of proteins, within the diet. We have had much success with feeding specific Amino Acid supplements to improve blood flow. Acids If this is the case on your farm, we recommend RA25 Mycobind - contact Gareth on 01948 661602 for details The often ignored section on our NIR silage analysis, includes lactic acid, and VFA (volatile fatty acid) content. However, these are probably the most important figures on the page, as the acidity will frequently represent the amount of conversion of soluble carbohydrate (sugars), its efficiency, and potential risk for factors such as yeast spoilage, and acidotic conditions. High lactic acid in silage is not desirable; 35 years ago, when some lactic acid bacteria inoculants were first available, efficient conversion of low levels of grass sugars to help preserve the crop were desirable. Modern, sugar-rich grass leys, improved harvesting and ensilage, and clamp management, all mean that retention of the original nutrients is a preferable option to excessive lactic acid production. Where silages are > 90 g/Kg as lactic acid, it is probably necessary (as well as beneficial) to ensure that rations are formulated with slow fermenting carbohydrates, TMR alkalized, and buffers provided. As yeasts (such as Hansenula and Torulopsis sp) can grow rapidly in highly lactic silages, producing heat, and thus the ideal conditions for moulds to follow on, it’s imperative that silage face management is exemplary. In warm, muggy weather, a minimum face should be exposed to air, plenty of weight needs to be on top of the exposed silage (to reduce the ingress of air, as it is the first whiff of oxygen that trigger the years growth), and blocks should be cut as tidily as possible. YOUNGSTOCK The foundation of any good quality yielding herd, is only as good as the youngstock you replace into it. It is vital that your herd’s next generation is fed correctly in order to be an...
October 2014 Newsletter
This months linked article's: YOUNGSTOCK... PROVIMI MILK POWDERS... DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... SOME UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS ABOUT WHAT SILAGE CAN - AND CAN'T - DO The analysis is great,...
March - April 2014 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... NEW IMPROVED DAIRY FEEDS FOR SPRING... LITRES FROM GRAZED GRASS... FORAGE STOCKS A number of farmers are currently experiencing a shortage of forage, due to very little ‘carry over’ from last years’ long feeding season, because of adverse conditions and also because of lower grass silage tonnages due to the very dry summer. We have available a number of replacement type feeds (eg Brewers Grains, Fodderbeet, and Supergrains). The table below (table 1) for dairy cows shows the situation, but you have to bear in mind the wetter the product the more it will need to replace 1kg of silage. Conversely the dryer the product the less space is taken up in the rumen but would replace wet feeds at approximately one fifth the amount. Take into account that some of these products may also add extra protein or energy (starch) to the diet more than the silage it is replacing with the need to check the overall diet again. Table 1 – Lactating Cows Product DM % Amount fed / day to replace 10kg silage Cost / Day Wet Feeds DryFeeds Fodderbeet 18 Approx. 15kgs N/A 66p Grass Silage 28 Approx. 10kgs N/A 40p Maize Silage 30 Approx. 10kgs N/A 45p Brewers Grains 23 Approx. 10kgs N/A 65p Soya Hulls 90 N/A 3 kgs 55p Citrus Pellets 90 N/A 3 kgs 55p Wheatfeed Pellets 88 N/A 3 kgs 55p GP Feeds Forage Saver 89 N/A 2 kgs 43p It is vitally important to remember a cow needs at least 12 – 14kgs DMI from forage per day An alternative dry feed to consider as a replacement would be GP FEEDS FORAGE SAVER BLEND available in Bulk only. Fed at 2kgs per day it would save over 60 tonnes of silage per month for 100 cow herd and followers at the very competitive price of 43 pence per day, also adding 11 days extra silage saved for each month on the system. With a good energy content and a crude protein of 14% it mirrors good silage excellently. NB Another way of saving silage is to put your heifers onto straw ad-lib and feed 3kgs GPF Heifer 18% nuts or Supergro Heifer Rearing 20% nuts. For more information on Forage Saver or to check availability of other forage extenders, please contact Gareth at the office on 01948 661602 FORAGE SAVER 3.41% Oil, 14.1% Protein, 14.6% Fibre Contains: Sugarbeet, Soya Hulls, Wheatfeed, Maize Gluten, Palm Kernel, Distillers, Wheat, Molasses. We have formulated a blend of raw materials especially to extend your silage stocks. Contains high sugar levels to compliment grass, maize and wholecrop. The protein levels are higher than most forages. Do you need to make your silage stocks go further, and are struggling to get hold of alternative stock feeds, then this is the product your should consider. Available as either a coarse blend or 5mm nuts Bulk only (minimum delivery 5t) Can be fed to all classes of ruminant livestock Feed at 2kg per animal per day to replace 10kgs of average quality silage When fed at the above rate it will save over 60 tonnes per month on a 100 cow herd plus followers When fed at 25kg per animal will save over 60t / month of average silage For further information please contact the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth. GPF Heifer Nuts 4% Oil, 18% Protein, 14% Fibre Contains: Wheat, Rapemeal, Soya Hulls, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernel, Sunflower, Molasses, Biscuitmeal, Sugarbeet, Minerals & Vitamins, Vegetable Fat Palatable ration that can be fed at higher levels without compromising animal health mainly on grass forage systems Designed to get heifers to bulling weight economically with reasonable quality forage Balance starch and energy sources to promote efficient weight gain without laying down fatty tissue Selective protein sources to maintain the growth frame for the correct size at bulling stage Value for money ingredients with balance sources of starch and sugars Available in 25kg bags, ½t totes and 1t totes as well as bulk Value for money product that produces great results Supergro Heifer Rearing 20 Nuts 4% Oil, 20% Protein, 9.9% Fibre Contains: Distillers, Rapemeal, Sunflower, Sugarbeet, Hipro Soya, Maize, Barley, Wheat, Palm Kernel, Citrus, Molasses, Biscuitmeal, Minerals & Vitamins, Vegetable Fat 20% protein ration for feeding to heifer replacements from 12 weeks of age to calving Primarily to be fed in conjunction with straw systems Designed to be fed to beef animals on low protein forages Feed at heifer at 2kgs – 4kgs per day based on age and condition Minimum of 35% cereal inclusion Available in 25kg bags, ½t totes and 1t totes as well as bulk 35% Cereal inclusion NEW IMPROVED DAIRY FEEDS FOR SPRING Every farmer can’t wait for spring to arrive and this year is no exception following a long wet winter. We know that spring grass will boost milk production due to its high protein, high energy status and young nutritional stems and leaves. However with all its attributes it can also have it’s down side such as reduced fibre intakes, the variability of intakes subject to weather conditions, the possibility of reduced butterfats, possible cases of ‘grass staggers’ and the overall feeling of ‘loss of control’ that you do have when they are housed on a TMR or semi TMR diet. We are all aware of these problems so what can be done to try and counteract them. Firstly because of the high levels of grass being eaten the rumen is very limited to dry matter capacity (especially in wet weather) so intakes of ‘top up’ feeds have to be very condensed with high energy levels, digestible fibre levels and mineral levels all packed into a very small package because of the physical lack of room in the rumen. On top of this the feed has to be very palatable to encourage these small intakes. As a result of these facts we have improved our Spring dairy rations by the following: Increased energy levels Good source of high digestible fibre to counteract the lack of it in grass Enhanced palatability and flavour Micro pack mineral inclusion (all the minerals needed in a condensed package) Dairy nuts to suit all systems and feeding regimes Higher levels of magnesium to offset hypomagnesaemia Ingredients to utilise the fibre content fully if so required Condensed packages that really pack a punch LITRES FROM GRAZED GRASS We are often asked during the spring and summer ‘How many litres can I get off grass this month’? This is a bit like which comes first, the chicken or the egg? The answer to the question of the value of grass grazed will vary on every farm dependant on a lot of facts, like grass...
March - April 2014 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... NEW IMPROVED DAIRY FEEDS FOR SPRING... LITRES FROM GRAZED GRASS... FORAGE STOCKS A number of farmers are currently...
October 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... AMAFERM... MOLASSES... MILK PROTEINS... IS IT ECONOMICAL TO GROW FORAGE MAIZE?... WHAT PRICE MOISTURE LEVELS? If a feed company, consultant or nutritionist provides a ration of overall diet for you it is based on a dry matter (DM) basis. It is the overall dry matter intake (DMI) of the diet that is essential to all species, water having no nutritional value but being essential. As cows are fed on this basis it is obvious that the lower the dry matter content of the ration will lower the energy and protein intakes also. Further to this if a ration has a moisture level over 13% (87% DM) there could be the possibility of the product, if kept in warm conditions over 2 or 3 weeks, going mouldy with the increase in toxicity levels rising. The European Union voluntary code of practice states that moisture (or dry matter) does not have to be declared on the delivery ticket, but if the ration is worked out on a dry matter basis why do some manufacturers not declare it? The majority do but some companies deem fit not to be fully open in their declarations. One wonders why, but conclusions could be drawn. All the extruded products (nuts or pellets) that we manufacture average 12.2% moisture (87.8% DM). On our travels we see a lot of declaration tickets that go as high as 14% moisture (86% DM) and dependent on the cost of the product this could mean up to £6 per tonne must be added to be equal with our prices. The higher the moisture level the lower the intake of energy and protein will be limited as explained earlier, so milk production and growth rates will be affected. Take careful note of the moisture levels declared on your tickets (if declared) you might find you have a shock at how high some of them are and with water being relatively cheap compared with other raw materials are you getting a fair deal? If you would like to talk to us about moisture levels in raw materials, compounds or blends please ring the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth, who will be happy to discuss them with you. ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER? Early reports from this feeding season are that silages are not 'working' as well as they should! Reports from many farms are that cows are eating well and silages appear to have high intakes – usually a good sign – but somehow the benefits are not being seen in the bulk tank. Many nutritionists have commented that despite trying the usual nutritional tweaks, cows are still lacking that 'spark' to get milk really flowing. It is clear that cows are just not extracting as much energy from their forage as expected. Forages typically contain 45-55% fibre. Fibre is not as well digested and utilised as the other components of the diet (starch, oil, protein etc.). In fact, only 40-65% of fibre is digestible and available for milk production - indicating that a lot of potential still lies 'untapped' within forage! AMAFERM We have been monitoring 3 local customers, who have been using Amaferm. 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 third 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. In fact, Amaferm is the only feed additive registered in the EU as a digestion enhancer for dairy cows! Amaferm has been proven to increase fibre digestion by around 30% and milk production by an average of 4.8% across 18 peer reviewed scientific experiments. During the past two winters, many tens of thousands of cows within the UK and Ireland have been converting energy from forage into milk more efficiently thanks to the effects of Amaferm. With cows not milking as well as expected from forage this winter, Amaferm provides the ‘spark’ that is needed to get your cows milking AMAFERM Stimulates fibre digestion Improves milk yield by an average of 4.8% Proven locally and internationally For further information please contact the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth. MOLASSES Maximising intakes can be a challenge, this is where molasses fits into the diet very well. Highly palatable, high in energy and high in proteins and all available from a liquid. Caneflow Sweet black liquid that is high in Fermentable Energy and Sugars. This product is 5 times more flowable than standard molasses at low temperatures and improves intakes of all forage types. Very similar to Cane Molasses but has CMS (condensed molasses solubles) added which lowers the dry matter but increases the flowability of the product. Cane Flow is suitable for inclusion in the diets of all ruminant livestock and can offer a very effective way to increase the palatability of feeds whilst contributing high levels of energy from sugars. Typical Analysis Dry Matter 71.5 Crude Protein 5.4 ME 12.7 Starch & Sugars 65.0 Nutrimaize Range Sweet high Protein liquid feeds (available in 20, 28, 40 or 46 protein levels) which are based on a blend of pure cane molasses and 100% bonded urea (making it fully available to the animal, unlike our competitors who are only 50% bonded). The High Nutrient Density of the Nutrimaize range is designed to make it perfect for high yielding dairy cows. The bonded urea element in the liquid gives a regulated release of energy and protein for Better Rumen Utilisation. Typical Analysis Dry Matter 64 > 70 (dependant on product) Crude Protein 20 / 28 / 40 / 46 ME 12.0 Starch & Sugars 54 > 62 (dependant on product) We will as always still be highly competitive on any molasses products you may require. Please take a little time and have a look at our range of molasses available. For more information on molasses please call the office on 01948 661602 and speak to Gareth. DON’T HAVE A TANK? – NO PROBLEM! INTEREST FREE TANK SCHEMES AVAILABLE RING GARETH FOR DETAILS. MILK PROTEINS A small number of farmers still think it is the protein level in the diet that determines the milk protein in the milk. As we know this is not the case but it is the overall energy level in the diet that affects the...
October 2013 Newsletter
This months linked article's: ARE YOUR COWS LACKING THAT 'SPARK' THIS WINTER?... AMAFERM... MOLASSES... MILK PROTEINS... IS IT ECONOMICAL TO GROW FORAGE MAIZE?... WHAT PRICE MOISTURE LEVELS? If a feed...