Scottish barley distillers’ feed the best for blends this winter
With more energy and rumen-bypass protein than rapemeal, plus yeast fragments to help stimulate rumen activity and drive production, Scottish barley distillers’ feed is probably the current ‘best buy’ for blends and TMR mixes this winter.
“Scottish farmers are in the unique position of having some of the best quality livestock feeds produced on their doorstep,” explains Trident’s Neil Woolf. “They aren’t necessarily the cheapest, but with very high levels of both energy and protein they are amongst the best value.
“Scottish barley distillers’ feed is a great example – at 13.0MJ ME/kg and 26% crude protein (on a dry matter basis), it contains virtually the same energy as barley but more than double the protein. Plus, a higher proportion of that protein is in the form of the rumen-bypass protein so crucial to high milk yields.”
It’s also a better choice than rapemeal, containing 1.2MJ ME/kg DM more energy. For a typical inclusion of around 2kg/cow/day, that extra energy could increase daily milk production by 0.5 litres/cow, giving an extra value (based on a 25p/litre milk price) worth £62.50/t compared to rapemeal.
In addition, the high digestible fibre content in Scottish barley distillers’ feed helps to buffer against acidosis and improve rumen function, making it ideal for feeding alongside cereals, whole crop silage or acidic grass silages. Cows fed Scottish barley distillers’ feed also benefit from the yeast remnants left over from the distilling process that are known to stimulate good rumen function, potentially leading to better fibre digestion and increased feed conversion efficiency.
“These are the key reasons why Scottish barley distillers’ feed is so popular in blends,” adds Mr Woolf. “Combined with the feed’s great palatability, it really help drive intakes and produce a more efficient conversion of feed into milk.
“With good pellet quality, a great nutrient content and highly cost-effective, Scottish barley distillers’ feed really is the best choice for blends this winter. If you live in Scotland, a blend really isn’t the best blend it could be without Scottish distillers’ barley feed.”
For more information contact Trident direct on 01733 422214.
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