WINTER 2018 – FORAGE – TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED
2018 has not been like any other in recent years for Livestock farmers. This year’s summer with its extreme growing conditions has set the stage for a winter thriller for Farmers and Nutritionists alike. The plot on most farms will be including some forage shortage issues which have been well documented in the press already, but what else are we in for?
Feedback from the labs has come back extremely positive on most fronts for this year’s forages (even if quantity is lacking). With the ‘disruptive’ growing season most farmers have had to think again regarding their harvesting dates and routine. The outcome has been:
Maize Silages
- Harvested the earliest on record
- Higher Starch Contents because of a higher cob to stem ratio
- Reduced Lignification in the plant giving higher digestibility of the Structural Carbohydrate
- Higher Energy Levels from overall increased digestibility
- Increased Risk of Acidosis
Grass Silages
- Higher Protein – which might affect keeping of opened silages
- Higher Energy with lower NDFs and Lignin levels
- Increased Risk of Acidosis
The recurring villain in Grass and Maize Silages is increased acid loading which coupled with the forage shortages could make for the perfect storm unless diets are considered carefully (the use of conventional blends and co-products to extend forage may exasperate rumen issues). With the widest variety of growing conditions across the country we anticipate the greatest variability on forage analysis.
The first step to preventing any issues in your diets this year is to get your forages analysed and get your diet checked by a Feed Advisor Registered (FAR) accredited Nutritionist.
Secondly be aware of the options available to help you reduce the issues of Acid loading. There are many well-known and widely available tools including Yeasts – like Actisaf and Rumen Buffers like Vital Buff.
