Using silage analysis
Now is the time to look carefully at silage quality and carry out silage analysis.
A silage analysis provides essential analytical and performance information for your livestock. Most farms have been able to conserve enough silage and for many the quality is better than last year. The most important factors are energy value (MJ/kg DM) and dry matter content. Good fermentation is also important in terms of pH and ammonia content. The analysis also gives predicted intake figures for beef cattle and sheep and is a measure of palatability. The feeding reports provide useful guides to expected performance and concentrate requirements for sucklers, beef cattle and sheep. Use this information to make the best use of your silage stocks over the coming winter.
Restricting silage intakes
Good quality, well fermented silage with a high dry matter will have a high predicted intake and may result in higher intakes than required for some cattle. This can be the case with dry suckler cows and some restriction of silage is essential for cows in body score 3 or better. On some farms restricting silage intake is difficult due to housing/feeding arrangements. However, batching cows according to condition and providing separate feed arrangements for first calved heifers is a good start. If the intake of some of the herd is restricted, for example, dry cows in body score 3+, a considerable saving in silage costs can be made, as well as avoiding increased calving difficulties. If the intake of 20 cows is restricted by 20 per cent over a 200 day winter, £1,000 in silage costs can be saved (silage cost £25/t).
With good housing, management and feed planning, winter feeding costs can be reduced for the coming winter by using body reserves built up at grass.
Cattle grazing a paddock
Extended grazing for cattle
Grass saved for autumn grazing on drier areas can be efficiently utilised for autumn grazing of cattle. Assuming normal weather patterns this works best for young cattle, such as light cattle and suckled calves, and ideally where daily access back to housing is provided. Good grass covers need to be built up, that is, about 3,500-3,800 kg dry matter per hectare and graze swards back to about 1,800 kg dry matter per hectare. Strip grazing with a back fencer works best allowing for about three days grazing before each move. This reduces the impact of poor weather. The system works well for spring/early summer born calves still on the cow and a creep gate in the shed allows calves access back to the pasture. Calves quickly learn to access the pasture on a daily basis. This system also helps reduce the stress of housing and provides a gradual reduction of the calf/cow bond for weaning later. Provision of a small amount of calf creep (1kg per head per day) along with grazed grass will ensure calves continue to thrive and also reduces silage requirements.
Weaning calves in the house
Plan to have clean, well bedded housing for suckled calves at weaning. Good ventilation is crucial and requires a high roof/air space and adequate roof outlets for stale air to escape. Air inlets above calf height at the sides and gables of sheds are also essential. Avoid draughts at calf height.
Gradually break the cow/calf bond by providing a straw bedded creep feeding area in an adjacent pen for the calves and reduce time with the cows over a two week period.
Clipping cattle at housing
Cattle tend to get very dirty during the first four to eight weeks after housing and generally get cleaner after they start to shed their winter coats. Clipping tails will help reduce the spread of dirt over the animals. Clipping a 150 mm strip along the back of animals reduces heat stress in housed animals and the effect of external parasites, as well as providing a better site for pour-on treatments.
By Pat McCambridge
(Source – Farming Life – Pat Mc Cambridge – 06/11/2013)