Bollin Farmers Meeting – Winter Dairy Cow Diets

Keith Jamieson, the Senior Nutritionist with H J Lea Oakes, took the Bollin group through the expected dietary requirements for Dairy Cows over the 2011/12 winter:

 

Grass Silage Analysis / Wholecrop Silage Analysis

Keith took the group through the table of the average silage analysis for 1^st and 3nd cut grass together with Wholecrop for this seasons production.

 

Grass Silage

• Lower Proteins
• Half the normal sugars
• Good Intake potential @ 104%

 

Wholecrop Silage

• Higher Energy
• Higher Starch Content

 

It was stressed how important it will be to take account of these analysis in order to optimise winter milk production.  Lower sugars require the need to provide more sugar.  A range of products for blending were given by Keith which can be taken as blends or incorporated into compounds.

 

Keith stressed that each farm situation will be different and should be taken into account.  If you do not produce an analysis then it will be difficult to prepare and exact return.  Keith offered to:

 

·         Take samples and have them analysed

·         To produce a recommended diet based on the analysis received

·         To work with any Independent Nutrition specialist if required

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