Making the most of homegrown forage

A focus on the efficiency of feed utilisation to maximise milk from forage will be critical to dairy producers through the winter, amid continued concerns over tight margins and meeting contract requirements.

“Attention should be focused on areas we can influence, if we are to maximise margins. That means making the most efficient use of what is homegrown,” says Charlotte Ward, Trident Feeds ruminant technical manager.

“Feed efficiency is directly linked to making the best use of forage, and balancing rations appropriately. Due to the high variable forages this season it is important to test your forages on a regular basis to help balance your ration effectively,” she adds.

Dairy producers therefore need to maintain the highest quality of feeding, focusing on what will promote efficient feed utilisation.

Supplement more energy

Ms Ward says it will be important to focus on getting the cow to take as much as she can from every mouthful. For example, a more fibrous and less digestible forage, with high lignin levels and lower energy and protein, may negatively impact intakes and milk production unless it is balanced correctly.

“With those high-lignin, low D value silages, there will be a requirement to supplement more energy in the rations to maintain production. A good solution is dried sugar beet feed which provides a balanced source of energy supply,” she says.

Dried sugar beet is highly palatable and can stimulate intakes of less palatable feeds when mixed as part of the total ration, helping to increase overall dry matter intakes. The high digestible fibre content of sugar beet will also promote milk fat production, increasing the value per litre of milk.

“British-grown, and non-GM, sugar beet feed provides a balanced source of ‘rumen friendly’ energy, helping to maintain or increase milk production, without increasing the risk of acidosis,” says Ms Ward.

“The digestible fibre also provides the building blocks for milk fat synthesis, increasing value, and an improved carbon footprint, per litre of milk,” she adds.

The slowly fermentable energy in sugar beet also helps to balance more rapidly fermentable sources, supporting optimal rumen function, and therefore feed conversion efficiency.

“Making better use of forage, improving feed efficiencies, and making more informed decisions on when you need to invest in feeds can make a difference. Sugar beet feed can help boost that efficiency,” she concludes.