Now there’s a Brexit deal, UK sheep producers are being urged to invest some of the better than expected returns from the autumn lamb and prime sheep sales into preparing for a successful 2021 lambing season. “On the back of recent prices, there’s a fair amount of optimism about despite concerns about the implications of […]
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Farmers looking to make better silage in 2021 to reduce reliance on bought-in feeds should start planning now, urges Volac silage specialist, Ken Stroud, to allow time for appropriate actions. Based on experience, he offers a timely five-point plan. Review your silage analysis Begin by examining the analysis of your 2020 silage, says Mr Stroud. […]
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Stabiliser Cattle Company will continue to lead the beef industry forward in technology advancements and genetic development with its appointment of Stephen Fell as the new chairman, effective from 1st of December 2020. Mr Fell succeeds Robert Rook, who is retiring from the position after serving 15 years with the organisation. “For more than 20 […]
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Supplementing with a digestible undegradable protein block will support colostrum production while helping to meet increased energy requirements leading up to lambing. In the six weeks leading up to lambing, 75 percent of foetal growth takes place, significantly increasing metabolisable energy (ME) and protein requirements for ewes. According to Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco, […]
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Spring 2020 trial work examining the efficiency of rearing surplus lambs on performance-formulated milk replacer has confirmed the efficacy of the practice for high prolificacy flocks. Two studies – one at Harper Adams University (HAU) and another on a commercial sheep unit in Lancashire earlier this year – clearly demonstrated that with sound husbandry practices, […]
Read Article FiveF Alka Limited has launched a range of bespoke mineral supplements formulated specifically to complement alkalised ruminant rations including Alkagrain or Alkalage. All the new in-feed Alkaboost minerals contain additional sulphur to help ruminant livestock utilise the excess non protein nitrogen (NPN) produced in the rumen by alkalised diets. The sulphur allows animals to build […]
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Early forage analyses suggest the acid loading effect of many grass and maize silages will be high within TMRs this winter. “Whilst many grass silages do seem to have a decent energy and protein level, many crops also have a set of characteristics that could make them difficult to utilise effectively in dairy cow rations […]
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With UK farmgate milk prices maintaining a downward trend since the start of 2020, dairy farmers are being urged to maximise their contract returns by continuing to produce low somatic cell count (SCC) milk. And feeding protected selenium can help, says a nutrition expert. “Milk buyers penalise you for high SCC milk, which can be […]
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A combination of management and genetic changes can reduce the carbon footprint of an individual UK suckler unit by up to 40% while contributing to beef production efficiencies, shows data from a lifecycle analysis by Alltech E-CO2 and Stabiliser Cattle Company. “The UK suckler industry is under immense pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while […]
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Livestock producers looking to make the most of grazed forage can increase intake and digestion by 10 percent when supplementing pastures with a nutrient-rich Rumevite block, says Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco. “Supplying a balanced combination of nutrient-rich ingredients, the blocks stimulate the rumen to work harder by fuelling and increasing the rumen bug […]
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New research from Michigan State University, USA, demonstrates significant improvements in cow productivity with specific fatty acid supplementation through early lactation. The concept of feeding fat in dairy rations is nothing new – the energy-dense nutrient is hugely beneficial to meeting increased nutritional requirements as cows simultaneously produce milk while maintaining body condition ahead of […]
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As grass growth rate and quality starts its usual decline over the later summer months, autumn calving suckler herds are being urged to monitor cow condition score closely this year. “Calving beef cattle in the autumn invariably coincides with a period of decreasing grass availability and quality, so this can be challenging for some herds. […]
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