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START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON
It is now probably over 3 months since you started winter feeding your cows. How many of you have checked the feeding programme since? Things almost certainly will have altered, especially the silage. Perhaps production or quality performance is not as good as expected. Now is the time to check all the inputs again and if necessary alter things. If you would like advice or help please give us a ring we will only be too pleased to check over your feeding programme. With the ever increasing need for improving efficiency, milk output will need to increase without affecting the fertility or overall health of the dairy cow. A close liaison with your vet and nutritionist / feed supplier is essential to keep everything in order and ensure that maximum output is being achieved in the most efficient manner. Feeding modern dairy cows can be complicated but unless it is correctly done both animal health and profits can suffer. If not fed correctly milk quality and poor fertility could result. As we have discussed many times in previous editions it is not always one single factor that can be at fault, but a number. However, improving the nutrition will get a quicker response than most other changes. It has been claimed in various circles that over 5p per litre can be saved by a combination of improved feed use, improved fertility, improved herd health, improved milk quality, reduced feed costs and through greater longevity. The number of lactations per cow has declined steadily from 4.78 lactations in the 1970's to a modern day average of 3.48 lactations, and the Dutch and American average is even worse. One way in which some of these factors can be improved is by getting the length of chop correct with your silages. We would recommend that all silages should be chopped to a length of 5cms to ensure there is enough long fibre in the ration to get a correct and healthy rumen function. This will also have the affect of 'opening up' the diet and increasing intake. Your contractor needs to be aware of your situation and that he ensures you get what you ask for.
START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON
It is now probably over 3 months since you started winter feeding your cows. How many of you have checked the feeding programme since? Things almost certainly will have altered,...
GOOD QUALITY GRASS SILAGE
One way in which you can also help to keep your cows health at a premium is by ensiling good quality grass silage. As this can amount from 25% to 75% of the cows total daily input it is imperative that quality is at maximum levels. It can be argued that when grass and weather is good no additive is needed but it is fairly certain that an additive ensures better silages are made under less than favourable conditions. We sell ECOSYL PRODUCTS additives for grass silage details of which are set out below. ESTIMATED BELOW 30% DM SILAGE ECOSYL 66 For clamped grass where aerobic stability is not an issue An innoculant containing Lactobacillus plantarumMTD/1 Apply at 1½ litres per tonne Applies 1 million bacteria per gram of grass guaranteed 3 Day tank mix life 1 bottle treats 66 tonnes of grass (mix with 100 litres of water) GMO Free and suitable for Organic use 5% higher intakes Extra 3 units of 'D' value 1.2 litres / cow / day more milk Has most INDEPENDENT performance-proof trials on dairy and beef ESTIMATED OVER 30% DM SILAGE DUAL ACTION ECOSYL For clamped high DM Silage (above 30%) Contains MTD/1 + Potassium sorbate for extra stability with higher dry matter grass Inoculant and Acid applied at 2 litres per tonne Applies 1 million bacteria per gram of grass guaranteed 2 day tank mix life Safe and non-corrosive No growing up or pre-mixing required 1 can treats 50 tonnes grass (mix with 100 litres of water) GMO Free and restricted for Organic use FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE RING THE OFFICE OR YOUR USUAL AGENT.
GOOD QUALITY GRASS SILAGE
One way in which you can also help to keep your cows health at a premium is by ensiling good quality grass silage. As this can amount from 25% to...
ARE YOU FEEDING INADEQUATE VITAMINS & MINERALS ...
Every farm is unique and we, at GP Feeds recognise this. We are constantly striving to give our customers helpful information, that we believe will benefit the day to day running of your business. There are strong links between minerals, vitamins and the majority of dairy cow disorders. These can be caused by deficiencies, excessive amounts, imbalances and interactions between minerals. The overall health status of the herd is of paramount importance for the economic production of all milk and meat. This health is affected to a greater or lesser degree by the mineral and vitamin status of the animal. You may be losing money by extra veterinary costs, unnecessary calving difficulties, impared calf growth and milk fever, to name but a few. But this can be controlled. EFFECTS OF MINERAL AND VITAMINS ON DAIRY COW HEALTH MINERAL DEFICIENCY RELATED MINERALS Associated Problems Calcium Milk Fever,Retained cleansing whites.Lower DMIPoor growth and bone structure PhosphorusMagnesium - Competes with absorption sitesMolybdenum - Liming crops increases Mo levels in grass due to soil PH DisplacedAbomasums.Lower milk yield Phosphorus Milk Fever.Poor Energy UsePoor bone structure Calcium - Bone structureAluminium - forms insoluble complexesCopper - Phos inhibits grass uptake Lower milk yields.Lower DMIWeak bones Sodium Poor acid base balanceReduced DMIReduced fluid balance Potassium - Acid/base balance Udder Odema - heifersPoor rumen stabilityReduced milk persistencyReduced growth rates Potassium Poor Acid Base BalanceReduced DMIPoor Nutrient Use Sodium - Acid Base BalanceMagnesium - Excess Potassium reduces Mag availability. Milk Fever - Excess KUdder Odema - HeifersReduced milk persistencyIncreased metabolic problems Magnesium Milk feverStaggersExtreme NervousnessPoor stress control CalciumPotassium - Reduces Magnesium availability Grass staggers.Lower DMI Copper Retained cleansingsPoor ConceptionEarly Embryonic deathPoor reproductionIncreased Mastitis.Suppressed Immune functionPoor energy Use Sulphur, Iron & Molybdenum - Antagonists that reduce Copper AvailabilityZinc - Competes with the absorption sites Copper Toxicity issues with uncontrolled Copper feeding.Dangerous for sheep Zinc Suppressed immune functionPoor Hormone outputReduced reproductive functionImpaired keratin synthesis- Poor hoof strength and increased mastitis. Copper - Competes for absorption sitesCalcium - Competes absorption sitesBiotin - foot health Increased incidence of lameness and high SCC are common with herds with poor Zinc status. Selenium Reduced ability to withstand stress and diseasePoor Immune functionRetained cleansingsPoor fertilityWhite muscle disease Iodine -Work together in Enzyme systemsVitamin E - Cell antioxidant status Muscular dystrophy- calves Vitamin A Reduced Immune function.Retained cleansingsPoor reproductive performancePoor night sight/blindnessIncreased incidence of mastitic infections Beta - Carotene - Pro vitamin A Vitamin D Reduced Calcium/Phosphorus usePoor bone/skeletal strength (Rickets) Calcium/Phosphorus Vitamin E Impaired Reproduction.Increased Retained cleansingsIncreased mastitis infectionsPoor immune functionPoor health Selenium - Cell antioxidants White muscle disease Minerals don't always get the attention they deserve. Yet they are something that affects all farmers and their stock. We are increasingly being asked to advise about vitamin and mineral inclusion rates and we are finding that some diets offered by many feed Companies, are incorrectly balanced for vitamins and minerals. Here are a few questions for you to consider: Does your current diet supplier supply adequate vitamins and minerals for the modern high yielding dairy cow? Do you include additional minerals in blends fed to dairy cows? What are the adequate vitamin and mineral levels? Does your present mineral meet all the cow's requirements? Over the last few years it has become more important to feed adequate minerals and vitamins because: The increase in the use of blends means that the mineral and vitamins in concentrate cannot deliver the cows requirement. Higher milk yield mean higher mineral and vitamins are required. A wider range of home ~grown feeds being used could be short of minerals of have a detrimental effect (e.g selenium and copper) A dramatic decline in cow fertility. Increasing evidence of the role or minerals and vitamins in animal health. GP FEEDS HAS A RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AND WILL BE PLEASED TO ADVISE. We specialise in making a customised minerals, to complement what you are feeding to your stock already. Our agents will look at what is currently going into your feed and what your individual herds requirement is and then alongside Dr Andrew Pine, we can then formulate a unique Mineral /Vitamin package just for your farm. PLEASE PHONE THE OFFICE ON: 01948 661602 OR YOUR LOCAL AGENT
ARE YOU FEEDING INADEQUATE VITAMINS & MINERALS ...
Every farm is unique and we, at GP Feeds recognise this. We are constantly striving to give our customers helpful information, that we believe will benefit the day to day...
HEALTH CLINIC - Digital Dermatitis
Continuing our new feature HEALTH CLINIC we this month concentrate on a problem that every dairy farmer has to contend with at some time or other - Digital Dermatitis. Digital Dermatitis Although the dairy herd has only been totally housed for a relatively short period of time the incidence of Digital Dermatitis does not take long to rear its ugly head and certainly poses huge problems of stress both to the dairy herd and the farmer. It is now the most common infectious cause of lameness and one of the top three causes of lameness, with over 70% of herds affected. Control of this disease should be a major part of any herd health plan. Controlling Digital Dermatitis: The Key Factors Do not buy in Digital Dermatitis with purchased dairy cows, as it is highly infectious. Check any newly purchased cows or heifers. Inspect feet regularly, that is weekly, determine the extent of the problem and especially the severity of the lesions. Treat the disease early to prevent an explosion of cases later as it does not take long for cases to multiply. Use footbaths with care as clean feet and footbaths are an essential part of a successful treatment but can increase the incidence if used incorrectly. Where there are severe cases treat on an individual basis as footbaths have a limited application. Good slurry management is essential to prevent too much contact with cattle feet. Could you walk around the unit in your slippers just after scraping out has been done? Have a control plan for digital dermatitis as part of your veterinary herd health plan. It is wise to remember that this disease can have far reaching consequences for the health of your dairy herd and the financial benefits of your business, it will not go away, so recognise that early treatment will reduce the overall burden. The MDC website (www.mdcdatum.org.uk) has some information on footbaths and the effectiveness of various treatments.
HEALTH CLINIC - Digital Dermatitis
Continuing our new feature HEALTH CLINIC we this month concentrate on a problem that every dairy farmer has to contend with at some time or other - Digital Dermatitis. Digital...
REASONS FOR COMMODITY INCLUSION IN DIETS
All of the below are excellent nutritional products for ruminant animals. All blends / compounds are formulated in different ways to suit particular on farm situations or systems, but the composition of each individual product is based on analysis the same as, or similar to ones above. Raw materials will vary in analysis from consignment to consignment but this is covered by spot checks and full laboratory analysis to ensure there are no shortfalls. Reasons for inclusion in diets are show below. Barley High energy and starch. Highly fermentable. Encourages milk proteins and fast growth. Although high inputs can cause acidosis. Supagold Biscuitmeal Very high energy. Encourages milk quality. Highly palatable. Boosts energy in rations very economically. Citrus Economical Sugarbeet replacer. Full of digestible fibre acting as a rumen buffer. Single source orange product most palatable. Wheat Distillers By-product from grain distillation process. Energy and protein source with some digestible fibre. Unsuitable for sheep due to high copper levels. Has low starchand sugars. Maize Distillers Distillery by-product. Very high energy. Pre-fermentation leaves low starch level. Palatable but risky if fed to sheep because of copper. Maize Gluten By-product from manufacturing maize starch. Reasonable energy with good digestibility but quickly fermented. Moderate protein. Megalac Protected fat supplement that passes through the rumen and is digested in the lower gut so reducing rumen pressure. The densest of all energy products. Increases milk yield and fertility. Molasses 80/20 Residual syrup mixed with condensed molasses from sugar refining process. Very palatable, high in sugar energy, reduces dust and a valuable source of minerals. Usually mixed with an absorbent to aid flowability in cold weather. Palm Kernal Protein and energy source. Higher levels of inclusion boost butterfat. Storage length is limited due to high oil content. Prairie Meal Also known as Maize Gluten 68. Rich in protein and energy. Protein is very high in UDP. Excellent feed for high yielding dairy cows. High inclusion can lead to fat discolouration in beef animal carcases Rapemeal Rape is part of the brassica family. High protein and good energy. Soya replacement but not as digestible. Can be slightly unpalatable and maximum use of 25% of total diet is recommended. Sopralin High quality Soya protein that has been treated. Contains high levels of DUP. Improves milk yield and milk proteins. Helps subsequent fertility in dry cow diet, liveweight gains in all ruminant stock and improves lamb birth weights when fedin ewe diets. Soya(Braz & Hipro) Recognised as the best quality vegetable protein in the world. High energy and protein which do vary depending on country of origin. Ideal for all livestock. Hipro Soya does not have the hulls de-blended therefore is lower in fibre and higher in protein than other sources. Soya Hulls By-product from dehulling of Soya beans. Good source of digestible fibre with moderate protein and energy levels. Good replacement for Sugarbeet or Citrus especially in spring at young grass. Sugarbeet Highly digestible fibre, which maintains rumen condition. High in FME (Rumen Fermentable Energy). High in sugars and encourages cudding. Its high liquid absorbency makes it ideal as a silage additive to retain feed value from effluent. Wheat High energy and moderate protein. High starch, low fibre and low in vitamins. Increases milk proteins and stimulates growth. Best fed rolled but can also be fed ground, whole (to sheep), crimped, caustic treated or as a wholecrop silage. Improves pellet quality in compounded feeds. We formulate our own range of dairy, calf, beef and sheep compounds which are based on a fixed formulation and fixed price. these are formulated to strict nutritional specifications.
REASONS FOR COMMODITY INCLUSION IN DIETS
All of the below are excellent nutritional products for ruminant animals. All blends / compounds are formulated in different ways to suit particular on farm situations or systems, but the...
FILLER & LOW GRADE MATERIALS THAT WE DON'T USE ...
You may be interested to know why…Check your declaration tickets to see if your feed supplier is putting them in your feed. FEED PALATABILITY LIMITS TO USE NUTRITIONAL BENIFIT Rice Bran Poor Variability in analysis may restrict usage.Oil may interfere with Vitamin E usage. Low in energy. A variable product from different sources due to different methods and potential inclusion of husks. High levels of husk raise the ash value. Shea Nut Bitter Contains Saponine, which can damage the gut lining and cause haemolysis of blood cells. Low feed value and poorly digested Biscuit Meal/ Confectionary Waste Palatable when fresh Plastic packaging can often be included in product. High oil content can reduce Vitamin E. Nutritional values and analysis (especially oil) vary dramatically. The product may be heat damaged, resulting in reduced starch and protein quality. Usually high in energy which may be derived from soft oils, posing strict limits on its use in ruminant diets. Can reduce butterfat percentages. Cocoa Residue Bitter Palatability is poor, reducing intake. Theobromine is naturally present. If fed to horses they will fail dope test. Low in energy levels, good protein, high in fibre. Pea & Bean Waste Palatable Some seeds contain certain toxic factors such as Trypsin inhibitors, as well as other toxins Protein deficient in essential amino acids and Tryptophan. Lopro SoyaAlso 'South American Soya' Palatable Should not be more than 35% of the diet. Lower amino acids than Brazilian Soya. 47% crude protein. Significantly lower in essential amino acids (10%) Lower in protein. Lower in by pass proteins. Groundnut Poor Can contain Aflatoxins. High in rumen degradable protein Low dup, low in starch & sugars, low levels of essential amino acids, especially Lysine and Methionine. Copra(Coconut Meal) Can go rancid Low quality protein High in saturated oils. Low in energy. Low in starch and sugars. High in fibre. Malt Culms Slightly Bitter High fibre and moderate energy content restricts usage to ruminant rations. They absorb moisture easily, causing them to swell, which can cause problems in the rumen when fed at high levels. Over drying will reduce the protein digestibility of the grain. Generally low in starch. Maize Germ Palatable High oil Maize Germ can reduce fibre digestion in ruminants if fed for long periods. It can also cause scouring. Quality depends on manufacturing process but generally ideal for all classes of livestock. The amount of bran remaining and residual oil level can affect suitability for ruminant and non- ruminant feeds. We formulate our own range of dairy, calf, beef and sheep compounds which are based on a fixed formulation and fixed price. these are formulated to strict nutritional specifications.
FILLER & LOW GRADE MATERIALS THAT WE DON'T USE ...
You may be interested to know why…Check your declaration tickets to see if your feed supplier is putting them in your feed. FEED PALATABILITY LIMITS TO USE NUTRITIONAL BENIFIT...