News
IMPROVE FEED EFFICIENCY AND MILK MARGINS
By Silvie Andrieu, European Technical Ruminant Manager, Alltech (Reproduced by kind permission of Alltech (UK) Ltd) Many dairy producers will look at lowering feed costs to improve financial performance, but few actually look at measuring and improving feed conversion efficiency (FCE) as a way to increase profitability. "Yet in many cases greater gains can be made from improving FCE than can be achieved by cheapening the diet," says Alltech's European ruminant technical manager Sylvie Andrieu. "A 5% improvement in conversion efficiency resulting in an extra 1.5 litres of milk/cow/day from the same level of feed intake can be worth an additional 0.39 €/cow/day. Even if it takes another 0.11 €/cow/day to achieve this by altering the components of the diet, the net gain still equates to an extra 28 €/day for the average 100-cow herd. "This may not look like a significant improvement, but over a typical 180-day winter this would deliver an extra 5040 € in margin over feed costs." In the pig and poultry sectors feed conversion efficiency is monitored on a daily basis to ensure every gram of liveweight gain is achieved from their high cost rations. While she accepts that controlled environments and consistent rations mean it is relatively easy to get an accurate measurement of FCE in non ruminants, Mrs Andrieu argues that it is possible to get a handle on dairy cow feed efficiency especially on units using feeder wagons. "We need to be realistic about what is practical on a dairy farm, and highly accurate daily assessments of the situation may be neither feasible nor necessary," she suggests. "My recommendation as a starting point would be to monitor total dry matter intake for the herd on a weekly basis, by subtracting any left over feed from what has been fed. It is then simply a matter of taking account of the number of cows and the total volume of milk produced in order to be able to work out the FCE and monitor any upward or downward trends that will be relevant indicators of performance." Feed conversion efficiency does vary during lactation and is at its highest in the first few months after calving when it can be as high as two kilograms of milk for every kilogram of dry matter intake. Towards the end of lactation this value can be closer to 1.1 because the cow is diverting more energy towards building body reserves. "By taking a weekly whole herd FCE snapshot you can keep track of the amount of milk you are actually getting out of every kilogram of dry matter intake," says Mrs Andrieu "Feed conversion efficiency can be affected by a number of factors, and not least the genetic potential of the cow," she adds, "but influencing performance on a daily or weekly basis can be achieved by improving feed utilisation and helping the cow extract more nutrients from the fibre component of the ration in particular." In a recently completed trial at Harper Adams University College cows were supplemented with Alltech's live yeast culture Yea-Sacc1026 and the impact on yield, liveweight and feed efficiency was monitored over a three-month period. At the start of the study the cows were, on average, about eight weeks into lactation and achieving daily yields of 38.1 kg/cow. Both the trial and control group of 20 cows were fed a basic TMR, comprising one third grass and two thirds maize silage along with Caustic Wheat, Soya, Rape, Molasses and Minerals. The trial group of the cows were also supplemented in the TMR with Yea-Sacc1026 Farm Pak at a rate of 50g/head/day. The supplemented group built up to a yield response of an extra litre/cow/day when compared with the control group. The supplemented group also achieved a significant increase (12%) in feed efficiency during the first fours weeks of the trial and remained with a similar or higher FCE throughout the remaining weeks of the study. The positive FCE response achieved by feeding the live yeast culture results from improved rumen function. Yea-Sacc works by stabilising the rumen environment and stimulating the activity of beneficial rumen bacteria, thereby improving fibre digestion (and feed conversion efficiency). A more stable rumen pH is a fundamental part of this process, and particular the maintenance of a pH level at 6.0 or above, as this ensures the continuing activity of the fibre-digesting bacteria. Recent trial work carried out in Spain confirmed the effectiveness of Yea-Sacc in this context, and therefore underlined it positive impact on FCE. In these trials, the animals receiving the live yeast culture maintained an average rumen pH of around 6.5, with reduced fluctuations compared with the control group. In contrast, the animals in the control group endured significant periods when rumen pH fell to less than 6.0, therefore creating an environment in which the fibre-digesting bacteria would cease to function. "By creating a more stable environment for key bacteria to multiply and get to work, the yeasts are improving the efficiency of digestion and at the same time speeding up the passage of the feed through the rumen, which encourages the cow to eat more often," explains Mrs Andrieu "In the Harper Adams trials, and indeed in many typical farm situations, this increased efficiency translates into a sustained yield response of 1- 2 litres/cow/day once the rumen has had a short period of time for the processes to become established. To emphasise the real significance, this means more milk for each kilogram of feed intake, which has to be good news at any level," she says. "It is important to remember that this improvement in feed conversion efficiency is also beneficial in terms of improving fertility in early lactation, and is not just about extra milk."
IMPROVE FEED EFFICIENCY AND MILK MARGINS
By Silvie Andrieu, European Technical Ruminant Manager, Alltech (Reproduced by kind permission of Alltech (UK) Ltd) Many dairy producers will look at lowering feed costs to improve financial performance, but...
JULY O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IMPROVE FEED EFFICIENCY AND MILK MARGINS... NANTWICH SHOW 26TH JULY 2006, DORFOLD HALL, NANTWICH Please be sure to come and see us at Nantwich Show (Stand No 88) and enter our competition to win a free weekend for 2 at Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire. Remember to bring your enclosed invite with you to claim your free beef roll. GOLDSTAR 98 Following on from last months newsletter looking at C16 products, look out for an article on our exclusive C16 product GOLDSTAR 98 in the July edition of 'The Farmer'. Free copies of the article will be available from our stand at Nantwich Show. FORAGE GP Feeds are totally aware that forages are the key to successful, profitable production. However, through much of this past winter many apparently good silages did not feed to their 'theoretical' value, and many farmers / advisors have been asking the question - why? One area that we have questioned is the accuracy of most modern analytical methods, and as a consequence have been doing our own homework! By chance perhaps, we have come across an analytical company 'Bioparametrics Ltd' which in our opinion has developed analysis techniques which are likely to leave the rest of the field 'trailing behind', and which actually determine what the ruminant 'thinks' of the feed, and not what a piece of paper suggests she might! Watch this space for developments in the weeks and months to come, as we believe it will be in your interests to do so as the pressure of milk price, fuel cost etc, impact on the industry. For more in depth information please come and see a representative of 'Bioparametrics' on our stand at Nantwich Show. IMPROVE FEED EFFICIENCY AND MILK MARGINS Many dairy producers will look at lowering feed costs to improve financial performance, but few actually look at measuring and improving feed conversion efficiency (FCE) as a way to increase profitability. More>> COUNTING THE COST OF BUYING CHEAP To get the best from your animals GP Feeds believe that: They should be fed quality ingredients A fixed formulation A balanced nutritious diet The correct level of vitamins and minerals Palatable feed No fillers When fed correctly, your animals will be more profitable to your business and increase your turnover. GP Feeds believe that this is the only way to feed animals. Too many feed companies are supplying poor diets, lacking in the essential vitamins and minerals to sustain healthy animals. Feeds are often full of fillers that will fill an animal up, but don't provide the nutrition that is vital for health, fertility and growth. This feed may be cheap to buy and make your accounts look good in the short term, but in the long term this will be detrimental to your business and you will be seeing more of your vet, less on your milk cheque and an increase in your cull figures. As the old saying goes: ' Buy cheap, buy twice'. There is another way and although you may be spending slightly more money on your GP Feed, the bigger picture will show an increase in profits due to the improved health of your animals. Why not ring GP Feeds and we will be very pleased to discuss our approach to feeding your animals with you. Please ring the office on 01948 661602 or alternatively come and speak to us at Nantwich Show.
JULY O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IMPROVE FEED EFFICIENCY AND MILK MARGINS... NANTWICH SHOW 26TH JULY 2006, DORFOLD HALL, NANTWICH Please be sure to come and see us at Nantwich Show (Stand...
JUNE 06 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS?... C16 COMPARISON CHART... IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS? The cows go out and butterfats plummet. It's a picture repeated across the country every year. But is it worth doing anything to maintain butterfats, and if so what? David Woodcock, Technical Business Manager with Optivite considers the options...More>> RAW MATERIAL REVIEW The whole world is experiencing a new era on how commodities are being evaluated due to their relationship with the energy / fuel market Thousands of tonnes of Palm Kernal Expeller, Wheatfeed and Oatfeed are currently being burnt in our power stations. While energy costs stay firm and continue to rise, the calorific value of products which can be burnt for their energy puts a higher value base price on these commodities and has increased the prices by £5 - £10 per tonne, this can also have a knock on effect for the replacement material required. This being the case we can expect to see starch based bio-products more expensive than last winter. Maize Gluten / Maize Distillers These products are only generally offered in the UK until October 2006. This is due to another GM variety of maize being grown in the US, which does not have the approval of EEC (contains a gene called B10). Any shipment, which entered the EEC market, which was found to have the B10 gene, the cargo would automatically be rejected. No shippers will ship corn bio-products until the EEC will accept B10. Hopefully it will be sorted out. Wheatfeed pellets A product, which will remain in tight supply, and this is likely to be reflected in its price due to the above. Oct to April £82 - £88 per tonne delivered. Rapemeal There is a large crop of rape seed forecast, but processors of the seed are having to bid up the market to buy seed required for their crush, this is having an impact on the Rapemeal prices, expect a price range for the winter of £84 - £100 per tonne delivered. Soya Meal The US is in the middle of planting a large crop (record average) and it is being sown into a good moist seedbed. Everything for the crop is ideal no bad news - YET! The only other news that can improve the crop is perfect weather. When you look at what can go wrong; less acres planted, drought, rust, frost etc we think prices are comparatively cheap compared to other products. The only real threat is a pandemic of bird flu. Hipro for the winter £140 - £155 per tonne delivered. Sugarbeet Pellets The summer will remain very tight for UK produced product, with expensive imported tonnage available to fill any potential void. For new crop, expect prices to be £3 - £4 above last year, always providing the new crop does not suffer drought damage. Citrus This would appear to be good value. Nov - April at about £82 - £90 compared to Sugarbeet pellets. Soya Hulls This is currently being sort after due to the price of Sugarbeet pellets and the non-availability of Citrus pellets, spot available at £92 - £100 per tonne delivered but ASA (After Safe Arrival) July - April at £82 - £90 per tonne delivered. Palm Kernal Expeller A good food helpful through its oil content for butterfats, good value at £72 - £80 per tonne delivered July to April. Anyone feeding it to cattle as a straight feed should be made aware that the meal contains particles of shell which are as hard as flint and can get stuck in cattle hooves and cause lameness, particularly if it is a slurry based system. Wheat - Old Crop It seems apparent that we are scraping the bottom of the barrel in the western region when trying to locate fresh supplies of wheat. As a result prices have firmed with ex farm levels in excess of £80 not unheard of. A word of warning, this may well not last as merchants are holding stocks which in conjunction with DEFRA / HGCA reporting that potential UK carryover stock could be as much as 2 million tonnes, this would almost certainly cap the market and lead to a slip in value. Any further price hike would kill off any potential we have of exporting our final surplus that we have. Wheat - New Crop Pundits suggest that up to 15% of new crop has already been traded however, it is more likely to be nearer 10%. New crop upside potential remains greater than the downside as forward values still continue to be underpinned by the green fuel influence and lack of keen sellers. With most of the crops looking pretty good and with a bit of sunshine forecast all looks promising for a big crop. This could well depress prices for a period as buyers would almost certainly react in an attempt to peg back prices. We think it is fair to say that most mills have forward cover that they are comfortable with but with the avian flu spectre still hanging over us and a largely unsold new crop still to trade it is difficult to convince any buyer to chase the market at this stage. We think it would be fair to say our overall view would be beamish to bullish on new crop. NB: There are many variables with feed commodities, such as exchange rate, the weather, supply and demand and changes of legislation, which can all have large effects on the prices. Therefore the above must be seen only as a guide and nothing more. All prices quoted are based on artic loads (29t) delivered into Cheshire. Smaller loads are obviously available, but will increase the price. SUMMARY All in all most protein sources look quite attractive (despite the problems with Maize Gluten and Maize Distillers, which will hopefully be resolved). Energy sources i.e. Wheat, Biscuit Meals, Sugarbeet, have more pressure to increase rather than decrease in value. Fibre sources again look reasonably attractive. If you take the three groups named above you have the basis for the manufacture of most compounds and blends. We suggest you consider booking forward your winter requirements NOW - we are happy to quote on a fixed formulation basis for any blend and / or compound and neither will be changed without your prior agreement. If you wait until Autumn the chances are you will end up paying more! Ring GP Feeds today! QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION To receive this monthly Newsletter by email please let us know by filling in a simple form
JUNE 06 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS?... C16 COMPARISON CHART... IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS? The cows go out and butterfats plummet. It's a...
MAY O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: COMBAT BUTTERFAT PROBLEMS AT SPRING GRASS USE CS PLUS... WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SILAGE THIS COMING WINTER?... SPRING GRASS... FIND YOUR REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST... 'GPF ALLSTARS' As summer approaches most gentleman's thoughts will be on the World Cup. Who is going to win this year? Will it be Brazil again or France, or will it finally be Englands year? But may we be as bold as to suggest another team for you to take a look at? We feel that this team will perform extremely well, with the performance to beat any other team, and we recommend that you support it whole heartedly. Who is this team we here you ask? It is of course the 'GPF ALLSTARS'! May we introduce the players to you: GOAL Excel Pre Calver Rolls All teams need a safe keeper and one that can get things off to a fine start as well as safeguarding the future. DEFENCE Supergro Heifer Rearing 20, Coarse Calf 16 Mix, Supergro Beef 16, Rich Dairy 16, Rich Dairy 18. A superb defence is needed to build a firm future. With our very strong foundation feeds we build through to the fundamental dairy diets so necessary to todays farms where yield of up to 6,500 litres are required. MIDFIELD Supreme HDF 16, Supreme HDF 18, Supreme 18. The more fomidable and attacking range of products in the team that can supply and score from 6,500 litres up to 9,000 litres. STRIKERS Excel 16, Dairy 10,000 Litre A twosome out of the top draw, that can certainly earn money for you. They contain those ingredients that can achieve the highest yields and goals of your dreams. SUBSTITUTES Summer Buffer Blend Combats shortages of grass - fits in the team well Youngstock 17 A real attacking middle of the park workhorse for all systems. Calf Starter 18 Has all the essentials for quick growth and excellent results So there you have it, what we consider the most formidable team available. It combines a safe keeper with a defence to match anybody moving through to an attacking mid field trio who support our star strikers. A sure way to be a winner this summer - score with the GPF ALLSTARS. If the player you want isn't here let us know and we'll be sure to search him out! Brewers Grains With silage stocks, at an all time low for the past 5 years or so, brewers grains for pitting under 1st cut silage may be the answer. Ring today to secure your order, as we only have limited tonnage available for May and June. Supergrains (Free 10 year old whisky) Supergrains is an excellent feed for high yielding dairy cows, combining both energy and protein with high intake characteristics. Supergrains cost less than other wet feeds on a dry matter basis and also come with a high 14 ME value. They put reliability in your clamp and helps avoid problems with poorer 2nd and 3rd cut silages. Supergrains is mixed with propionic acid, which enhances their keeping quality. Keeping the best for last, a free bottle of GLENKINCHIE 10 year old Scottish Whisky when you order 100 tonnes or more for pitting before 30th May. Again only limited tonnage available so ring us to book today! STOP PRESS To all organic farmers, we can now offer our famous fixed formulation guarantee on organic blends. Yes organic blends! We now have a supply of the following raw materials for you to choose from to bespoke your own diet, to maximise your return for your endeavours. Organic Non GM Wheat Barley Maize Prairie Meal Peas Potato Protein Lucerne Scottish Wheat Distiller Soya Expeller Wheat Feed Soya Oil Molasses Wheat Bran If the above is of any interest to you ring the office on 01948 661602 and we will talk it through with you, to see how we can help you achieve your goal.
MAY O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: COMBAT BUTTERFAT PROBLEMS AT SPRING GRASS USE CS PLUS... WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR SILAGE THIS COMING WINTER?... SPRING GRASS... FIND YOUR REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST......
BEEF RATIONS
It is always very encouraging to report good news and at GP Feeds we were particularly pleased to hear that live animals, beef and beef products should be able to be exported by the end of April, this year. We emphasise this year as the ban of UK beef exports was imposed in 1994 to protect against the spread of BSE and in spite of many false dawns since then, this news should be welcomed as it now opens the gate upon another opportunity to sell into a market with a value of £675m a year. Of course the environment minister, Margaret Beckett, said it was "a vindication" of the UK's efforts to control BSE while the EU vets committee unanimously adopted a resolution to lift the ban as the UK has taken the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Alleluia, but has the political football really taken this length of time to reach this judgement. However, we will not continue with more cynical comments because the tide has turned in our favour and now presents an opportunity for farmers and GP Feeds. The benefits to your business could be quite profound with its knock on effect of barren and calf values whilst the beef finisher should see an upturn in his fortunes. As the opportunity unfolds we would like to share the benefits with you by considering your purchase of future feeds via GP Feeds, after all we do have the knowledge and collective experience to supply the products you seek to give the best returns in the market place. At GP Feeds we believe that by focusing on good performance from feed you will be able to ensure live weight gains are adequate to attain high output of meat. It is also important to recognise the correct feed for the right animal in the most suitable environment for the best market returns and please bear in mind that your feed costs should always be judged against the performance you want to achieve. As it is now in the dairy sector, we are finding that quite a number of our beef producing customers are now favouring a blended product to match other on farm forages and that this has the distinction of increasing overall feed intakes and live weight gain. Increases in live weight gain can lead to the better utilisation of buildings and a 13% increase in animal throughput. This will present a considerable contribution to farm profit. See our ration pages for our Beef diets - and don't forget we can also customise a beef ration specific to your herd's needs! EXTRAGRO BEEF 14% NUTS SUPERGRO BEEF 16% NUTS YOUNGSTOCK 17% NUTS SUPERGRO HEIFER REARING 20% NUTS
BEEF RATIONS
It is always very encouraging to report good news and at GP Feeds we were particularly pleased to hear that live animals, beef and beef products should be able to...
APRIL O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IF YOU WANT MORE BUTTERFAT: WE RECOMMEND - CS PLUS... SILAGE ADDITIVES... BEEF RATIONS... FIND YOUR REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST... SPRING / SUMMER FEEDING Springtime will soon be here again, a time when a natural instinct may be to say "bye-bye" to your feed merchant for a few months and produce all your milk from grass. This of course will be fine for a week or two but the repercussions could be catastrophic! Fresh spring grass can only produce 25 litres of milk, at best and the balance of each cows' production will come off her reserves unless you feed for it. As a result, a rapid loss of weight, loss of milk, infertility, poor milk quality and loss of income will occur. Of course you can drastically reduce your feed inputs in Spring, but let it be a planned, sensible operation that will help the cow to produce to her maximum, leading to more profit for you. With milk prices where they are today, it will be even more critical that you produce as much milk as economically as possible without putting your cows under needless stress. Feeding silage, as a buffer feed (if you have any left), and perhaps incorporating a GP Feeds blend will produce better milk quality and better cow health. Because of the high protein, high energy and high sugar content of fresh grass, coupled with buffer feeding, a 'special type' of blend or compounded nut is needed to balance it. Spring grass is a wonderful product for producing milk but it is lacking in one aspect, digestible fibre. It is green, full of nutrients and very palatable, but it is also full of water and high protein. The result of all this means it passes through the rumen very rapidly, in fact too quickly for all the nutrients to be absorbed and utilised to the full. This progression through the rumen has to be slowed down by the addition into the diet of some form of digestible fibre. By offering either grass silage or maize silage if possible, you are well on the way to balancing the problem, but as in winter your cows can only produce a certain amount of milk off a certain amount of forage, the rest has to be supported by an additional digestible form of feed and that of course is where we can help. HE Supreme HDF 16 Nuts Ingredients (4% Oil, 16% Protein, 9% Fibre, 7.5% Ash, 13.2 ME mj/kg) Sugar Beet Wheat Processed B Maize Citrus Maize Gluten Palm Kernel Rape Meal Sunflower Soya Molasses Hi Spec Dairy Mineral Megalac Fat Premix HE Supreme HDF 16 is our most popular spring / summer ration, it accounted for 40% of our spring / summer sales last year. This is a high quality nut, made of high quality raw materials. This ration will help to maximise your milk production whilst maintaining butter fat levels at a time when the grass will naturally decrease them. Excel 16 Nuts Ingredients (4.5% Oil, 16% Protein, 7.5% Fibre, 7.5% Ash, 13.5ME mj/kg) Sugar Beet Wheat Soya Processed B Maize Citrus Palm Kernel Biscuit Meal Maize Gluten Molasses Sopralin Hi Spec Dairy Mineral Megalac Fat Premix Excel 16 is the Rolls Royce of our spring / summer range. We are very proud of this nut! With Sugar Beet, Wheat and Soya making up 46% of the total feed. Excel 16 has been especially formulated for spring calvers producing more than 40 litres. The emphasis is on lower protein and a range of quality energy sources. This ration will help to maximise your milk production whilst maintaining butter fat levels at a time when the grass will naturally decrease them. Rich Dairy 16 Nuts Ingredients (4.5% Oil, 16% Protein, 9% Fibre, 7.5% Ash, 12.6 ME mj/kg) Maize Gluten Wheatfeed Palm Kernel Wheat Molasses Rape Meal Sunflower Hi Spec Dairy Mineral Sugar Beet Fat Premix Rich Dairy 16 is our most economic ration. It is aimed at herds producing up to 6,500 litres. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THESE PRODUCTS, THERE ARE NO 'FILLERS' AT ALL IN OUR RATIONS AND GUARANTEED FIXED FORMULATIONS. CAN YOU CURRENT SUPPLIER SAY THE SAME? ARE YOU RUNNING LOW ON SILAGE? WE HAVE SOMETHING TO SUIT ALL SITUATIONS & NEEDS As you can see from previous months the list of products still available is now very limited so ring us now to book your requirements. Product DM (%) ME MJ/KG DM CP (%) Fibre (%) Description Delivery to Cheshire Brewers Grains 24 11.7 24.5 17 Moist brewing co-product from barley. Suitable for all ruminants especially dairy cows. 4kg can replace 1kg of concentrate. Traditional £24.50 Mash Filter £23.50 Supergrains 26 14 30 20 A palatable, moist feed comprising cooked cereal co-products from grain whisky manufacture. Artic Loads £36.00 Rigid Loads £38.00 Pressed Pulp (Ag bag) 29 13 9.4 18 Moist shreds of sugar beet. Energy rich feed. Artic Loads £28.50 Sticky Orange Pudding 51 13.5 21.5 11 A moist blend consisting of a mixture of relatively even proportions of Pot Ale Syrup, Citrus, Processed Bread and Palm Kernel. Well-balanced in terms of energy and protein. Not suitable for sheep. Artics only £64 Forage Saver Blend 88 12.6 15 9 A Coarse blend of palatable high digestible fibre products such as Sugar Beet, Citrus, Maize Gluten, Molasses. 5 tonne + £120 All prices (Apr 06) are only guides - dependant on exact delivery address and load size. BEEF RATIONS It is always very encouraging to report good news and at GP Feeds we were particularly pleased to hear that live animals, beef and beef products should be able to be exported by the end of April, this year... More>> STOP PRESS Watch underpayment on milk cheques - it has been reported in local press that some farmers have found discrepancies on what milk has been collected compared to what they have been paid for. It may be worth checking your paperwork.
APRIL O6 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: IF YOU WANT MORE BUTTERFAT: WE RECOMMEND - CS PLUS... SILAGE ADDITIVES... BEEF RATIONS... FIND YOUR REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST... SPRING / SUMMER FEEDING Springtime will soon...