This summer has presented its challenges evident in the great variability in forage quality however as ever the focus must now be on balancing these forages for complete herd performance to ensure a profitable season. Here the Thompsons Technical Team highlight their products and services which drive not only high yields of quality milk, but also offer proven means of addressing the hidden costs of fertility, lameness and udder health.

The summer of 2011 will be remembered by many as difficult at best. After an excellent early spring, May and June however, accepted as the two key months of the summer, badly under-performed with not only well above average rainfall but also significantly lower temperatures both driving much poorer grass growth than is usual. Not only did this present a significant challenge when grazing cows but also made the conservation of 1st cuts a very stop/start process. A cool June also hindered grass growth in many areas and second cuts in many cases were not only down on quantity but also of variable quality with unsettled weather throughout July and August. Many however, perhaps with more control over the silage making operation, have achieved high quality forage at some stage in the year albeit wetter than ideal. To summarise having analysed hundreds of 2011 forages at this stage average figures for 1st cuts (Table right) show lower Dry matters, ME and particularly crude protein levels whilst 2nd cuts in many cases will have the edge on quality and on average dramatically better than the past few years.

Variability is however the key word and this year it is especially important to have forages analysed. Making assessments on total quantity of forage available will also be important. With continued difficult weather recently there is still a significant tonnage of third cut to be ensiled this being especially important on many units with lighter 2nd cuts.

With an optimistic outlook on milk price at least until the turn of the year, it is important to take stock of both forage quality and quantity on farm over the next few weeks and use this information as the cornerstone to balancing diets for optimal performance this winter.

Making the right nutritional decision is very important

WITH winter fast approaching it is important to make the right nutritional decisions this winter. Forage quality is variable across the province, and therefore tailoring concentrate to suit your farms needs will be extremely important. The correct feeding decisions will allow performance to be maximised throughout the winter period. With large amounts of forage cut late in the season and much silage analysis showing a digestibility value below 66%DM and abnormally low levels of crude protein, it will be important to stimulate forage fibre digestion through increased microbial activity. This will in turn lend itself to greater dry matter intakes (DMI) allowing the cow to maximise production from forage. In order to achieve these goals it is important to achieve the optimal speed of fermentation. This can be altered significantly by the raw material make up of a ration.

Low D-value forage may be complimented with sources high in rapidly fermentable carbohydrate such as wheat. This will promote fermentable energy (FME), allowing for increased forage fibre digestion. This is critical as slow rumen turnover will exacerbate negative energy balance, reducing the productive performance of cows.

High D-value silage (+70 %DM) due to its increased rate of fermentation within the rumen should be complimented with slowly fermentable sources such as maize for optimal cow performance. Cereal based rations will also enhance the glucogenic nutrient content of diets. This is crucial as a glucogenic diet will improve milk yield, enhance milk composition and reduce day’s anoestrus in early lactation.

Within the Thompsons Classic and HGM ranges there is a selection of maize and wheat based rations, ranging from 18 – 22% crude protein, each having its own trademark allowing all forage to be adequately supplemented.

Classic Ranges

On units with low D-value forage the classic magnum and classic country ranges provide an excellent option to maximise microbial breakdown of low D-value forage. With features such as Rumitech available in the classic range, it will be possible to maintain optimal rumen health despite variable forage quality and elevated feed rates. C16 protected fat is also available within the classic range; which is a proven butterfat enhancer on Northern Ireland farms.

HGM Ranges

The Thompsons HGM range has a number of glucogenic rations, tailored to meet the needs of high production cows. These high energy diets have been designed with the aim of allowing cows to maximise glucose production, a building block of metabolisable energy; therefore reducing negative energy balance throughout lactation.

Fertility, lameness, mastitis and herd health have a massive impact on milk yield and the overall financial performance of Northern Ireland herds. To combat this all HGM ranges contain Availa four protected minerals. Tried and tested the inclusion of Availa four protected minerals improves fertility, reduces lameness, lowers somatic cell count as well as improving the productive performance of lactating Dairy cows.

Megalac a form of rumen protected fat is also present in HGM ranges, helping to further enhance energy density of diets. These components all compliment the inclusion of Rumitech, the next generation in rumen enhancement. Evaluated through Northern Ireland research Rumitech has demonstrated benefits of up to 7% in milk yield and further improvements in terms of milk quality.

For further details on how to maximise the performance of your herd this winter contact your local thompsons sales representative or belfast on; 028 9035 1321