2023's spring and summer saw frequent wet spells and lower levels of sunshine, which had an impact on harvesting windows and according to Trouw Nutrition GB analysis, and has resulted in variable silages across the UK, with some wet and unpalatable, and some dry and low protein grass silage. Maize silage yields were good if the weather allowed the harvest at the right time, albeit starch levels are lower than usual. High maize silage diets coupled with lower protein gras silages may leave a shortfall of rumen degradable protein and fermentable energy in rations. .
Putting the economics to one side, a dairy cow has a genetic potential to produce milk and they will try their best to achieve this whether we choose to feed them appropriately or not. We must meet a cow’s nutrient requirement and feed for genetic potential or risk a negative effect to health or milk production. The skill for a nutritionist during challenging periods of feed cost is to manage the purchased feed cost per litre to mitigate the impact, whilst not sacrificing health or yield. Easy!
All good nutritionists know that every single farm has a minimum of three rations. The first is the ration that the nutritionist formulates, the second is the one that is loaded, mixed and fed out and the third is the one the cows sort out and consume. The difference between the first and final ration can be enormous & the principal affects grass-based herds as much as TMR fed ones. Afterall there is the grass that is measured (either by eye, sward stick or plate meter), the grass that is allocated to the cows (by field or fence) and the grass (and concentrate) that the cows consume and digest.
