As the days shorten and a new flush of growth appears in our fields, it’s easy to think the grazing season is winding down. However, for many UK livestock farmers, autumn brings a heightened risk of a serious and often fatal condition: grass staggers. Also known as hypomagnesaemia or grass tetany, this magnesium deficiency can strike cattle and ewes without warning, making it crucial to be prepared.
Energy demand for any dairy animal depends on their specific requirement for; maintenance, reproduction, milk production and body reserves. Whilst our mature cows are pregnant their energy demand is focussed on maintenance and foetal growth.
For generations, providing consistent water for crops and livestock has been a fundamental, yet often challenging, task for farmers. Hauling water to remote fields or grappling with rising electricity bills for conventional pumps can be a significant drain on time, resources, and finances. But what if you could harness the abundant power of the sun to solve your water woes? Enter the solar powered water pump – a technology rapidly transforming how farms manage their water supply, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and incredibly reliable solution.
With huge scope to maximise productivity from forage, Wynnstay has launched a new Forage4Profit campaign, which is designed to support farmers to improve meat or milk from forage.
The 2022 Kingshay report indicates that the average milk from forage on UK dairy farms is 2,900 litres, showcasing that there is huge scope for improvement, with some of the best farms reaching over 5,000 litres.
Grazing in the spring often leads to a loss of production in dairy cows. Grass tetany may be the cause. The disease causes a decrease in appetite, milk production and milk fat content. The cause: a lack of magnesium, often associated with a drop in ruminal pH.
Over the past year, Wynnstay’s Dairy Technical Team has collaborated with the University of Nottingham's Centre for Dairy Science Innovation to implement a soya-free diet for the university’s dairy herd. The work conducted at the university’s farm has shown that dairy cows can thrive on this optimised, soya-free diet, not only increasing milk production from forage but also maintaining high milk quality.
A successful turnout requires careful preparation to prevent health issues and ensure animal well-being. A gradual transition from winter feed to lush pasture is essential, allowing the rumen to adapt and prevent digestive upset.
Mineral supplementation, particularly magnesium, is crucial during the spring grazing period amongst other seasons to avoid deficiencies like grass tetany, also referred to as grass staggers. Well-maintained pastures with adequate grass and water, coupled with close health monitoring, contribute to a smooth turnout, minimising stress and maximising health and productivity.
A survey carried out by Wynnstay and Alltech involved the mycotoxin analysis of fresh maize silage from farms across England and Wales.
Several samples were collected and analysed using the Alltech 37+ mycotoxin test which identified the differing types and concentrations present in the maize silage. The results also predicted the milk yield reduction and somatic cell count increase as a result of feeding contaminated maize silage.
Fluctuations in weather conditions across the UK have correlated with high levels of mycotoxins present in maize silage, particularly that of Fusarium mycotoxins. The contamination of animal feeds and forages can negatively impact cow health and performance.
QLF have a range of molasses products available with varying protein levels and sources, in this article QLF look at ration options to ensure livestock farmers take the maximum benefit from the increase in maize availability, for their stock.
Rearing heifers are a sizeable investment to a dairy enterprise, with rearing costs not being recouped until the cow reaches their second lactation. Studies carried out by AHDB show that on average 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before their second lactation (AHDB, 2023).
