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March 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... MAGNESIUM REMINDER... THE ECONOMICS OF FEEDING DAIRY COWS AT CURRENT MILK PRICES Most farmers realise that feed concentrate costs have risen dramatically since the beginning of autumn 2010. The majority of dairy farmers were offered, by their feed suppliers, to contract at prices fixed in September 2010 for periods of 4 to 8 months. For people who contracted for the longer period it has paid off but the enormity of compound and blend prices will be realised in the spring when the new prices come into operation. We estimate (dependant on your individual contract details) that these increases could be anything from £30 - £70 per tonne. The current raw material market shows little or no decrease for the summer. With the current world market situation being controlled by droughts, floods, more demand from third world countries, speculators and sheer profiteering, how will it affect the production of milk at a time when current prices remain on or below the cost of production. With the possibilities of seasonality reductions, due in the spring on some milk contracts, we know that pushing for higher yields is the most economic way of producing milk but only if it is profitable to do so. Every farmer should know their own costs of producing a litre of milk and the margins that would be left at the end after all other deductions have been taken into consideration. In the table below we give you a guide to costs and margins based on different concentrate prices and different milk prices. Use it as a guide to your own situation and you will see what money is left to cover all other costs and hopefully some profit! Table a. Economics with milk price of 25p per litre and feed @ £250/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.38 £0.62 £1.25 £1.88 £2.50 £3.12 Milk Income (£ per day) £3.75 £5.00 £6.25 £7.50 £8.75 £10.00 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.37 £4.38 £5.00 £5.62 £6.25 £6.88 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 22.5p 21.9p 20p 18.7p 17.8p 17.2p Table b. Economics with milk price of 28p per litre and feed @ £270/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.41 £0.68 £1.35 £2.03 £2.70 £3.38 Milk Income (£ per day) £4.20 £5.60 £7.00 £8.40 £9.80 £11.20 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.79 £4.92 £5.65 £6.37 £7.10 £7.82 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 25.3p 24.6p 22.4p 21.2p 20.3p 19.6p Table c. Economics with milk price of 23p per litre and feed @ £270/t Litres per day 15 20 25 30 35 40 Concentrate (kgs/head/day) 1.5 2.5 5.0 7.5 10 12.5 Cost of concentrates (£ per day) £0.414 £0.68 £1.35 £2.03 £2.70 £3.38 Milk Income (£ per day) £3.45 £4.60 £5.75 £6.90 £8.05 £9.20 Margin over concentrates (£ per day) £3.04 £3.92 £4.40 £4.87 £5.35 £5.82 Margin over concentrates (per litre) 20.3p 19.6p 17.6p 16.2p 15.3p 14.6p What can be seen from the figures show that even at 23p per litre with concentrates @ £270/t a margin can still be made BUT even greater care must be taken with making quality forage so that even in winter at least maintenance + 10 litres is achievable. Also just as important is the ability of rationing concentrates correctly to those animals with potential to produce more and cutting back in later lactation to produce the lower yields from forage alone. If we at GP Feeds can help you in any way to maximise your profits in this, a time of severe production costs, we will only be too happy to discuss it with you on a strictly confidential basis. We are only a phone call away so don't delay call 01948 661602 today! Clampfilm -Prices Held for 2nd year in a row! They said it would never work, but Clampfilm IS now the accepted way to STOP top and shoulder waste! The secret as all farmers know is an 'air tight clamp is a safe clamp'. An anerobic fermentation is essential for making good silages, it is this fermentation process that uses up the oxygen in the clamp sucking the CLAMPFILM onto the surface of the silage, and in effect 'vacuum-packing' the feed. Normal black silage sheeting is not flexible enough to contact the silage in every dip and hollow, and is also oxygen permeable and therefore rarely forms a complete seal. CLAMPFILM is a low cost tough 40 micron sheet with very low oxygen permeability, it is laid directly onto the silage which sucks it down to create a secure seal - eliminating top and shoulder waste. Once in place, side sheets are pulled over and a normal silage sheet weighted down on top. CLAMPFILM is stout enough to withstand walking on as it is laid, it can also be pulled back and reused during the season to allow 2nd and 3rd cuts to be added to the clamp. We have customers who have used it over the last few years and have again already placed there orders for this year. One of the many comments we received about this product is that they have had no waste at all with using CLAMPFILM. Very quick and easy to unroll and spread CLAMPFILM eliminates the time-consuming and laborious salt spreading that many farmers use to overcome the 'top-waste problem'. CLAMPFILM is available in: 7m (23ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 13kg 12m (39ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 21kg 16m (52ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 28kg Beware of imitations - if it's not green it's NOT Clampfilm Use CLAMPFILM with the right additive and get the best results from your silage. Magnesium Reminder Are you considering turnout? It is worth reminding you that magnesium will be an important and necessary supplement. Remember dairy cows do not store magnesium, so it is important to start feeding higher levels around 10 days before turnout. This can be done in a variety of ways: Having higher levels incorporated into your compound feed or blend Change to high magnesium mineral Have your custom mineral magnesium level increased Add magnesium chloride to the water system Add Calcined Magnesite to the buffer ration The modern dairy cow will require the equivalent of at least 25 grams of pure magnesium (or 50 grams of Cal Mag). Here at GP Feeds we increase the levels of magnesium in our compounds as standard ready for the spring. So, speak to the office or your local agent to determine the best way to meet your cow's needs, we can customise your mineral products to any specific...
March 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: CLAMPFILM -PRICES HELD FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW!... MAGNESIUM REMINDER... THE ECONOMICS OF FEEDING DAIRY COWS AT CURRENT MILK PRICES Most farmers realise that feed...
February 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: FORAGE MINERAL AVERAGES 2010... Fat supplements - which one should you choose? Over recent years the increasing milk yield of dairy cows has given rise to new challenges in managing the nutritional needs of these high performance animals. We know that cows are in negative energy balance during early lactation. This means insufficient energy is being taken in by the animal to fulfil the needs of the rapidly rising milk yield. This leads to cows 'milking off their backs' and poor body condition which of course has the knock on effect of other problems, such as fertility. Increasing dietary fat is one method of improving energy intake. Many fat supplements contain 2½ to 3 times the M.E. of cereals so that the inclusion of such a product increases the energy density of the diet so the cows consume more energy per mouthful. However, with numerous fat supplements in the market place it is vitally important to know the differences between them so that you know the one that is appropriate for your own objective on your farm. Fat supplements vary widely in their make-up and such things as % fat, the structure and make-up of the fat, and the degree of rumen protection of the fat. Adding a source of unprotected oil will increase then energy level of the diet as proper but it can also cause detrimental effects such as reduction of fibre digestibility and the lowering of butterfat levels. Products such as brewers grains and distillers grains can have this sort of effect. Supplementing the diet with a rumen protected fat removes these negative effects. The protected fat passes through the rumen and is then absorbed by the lower gut where it is then available for metabolism and the benefits of extra milk, better butterfat, better body condition, better fertility and overall better animal health. Other fat supplements with high palmitic acid levels gives rise to 'C.16's' which have become popular over the past number of years and these are mainly used for increasing milk fat %. Some products such as these can also contain certain other constituents which will give other added benefits. An addition of fish oil, for example, will give greatly improved fertility in certain cases, while other contain ingredients to maximise herd health and condition score. You, as the dairy farmer, have to pick your way through this minefield of fat supplements and with the rapid rise in cost of such products you have to be certain you make the right choice for your farm. We at GP Feeds have carefully studied lots of these products that are available to us and we feel that the ones we have to offer give you the best selection for you own individual farm circumstances. Overleaf we present our products, with each of their own individual features and benefits, to help you before making your decision. PRODUCT MANUFACTURER FEATURES / BENEFITS CURRENT ON FARM PRICE Megalac Volac In excess of 33 M.E Manufactured in the UK and is the worlds' leading brand of protected fat Dense, energy rich product to be used in TMR diets or in a compound or blend Protein benefits include increased milk yield and milk solids and improved herd fertility £820 / t CS Plus Optivite Manufactured in the UK EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS A fatty blend combined with a glucose preparation. The use of glucose syrup ensure that the fatty acids are released slowly in the rumen naturally Specific fat profile high in 'C.16' ensures maximum butterfats " High energy to maximise milk yield and milk protein Designed to maintain condition score Promotes optimal liver function Highly palatable Use in TMR situations, compounds or blends £657 / t Omega Gold Optivite Contains all the features and benefits of CS PLUS with added high levels of Omega-3's Contains additional high quality salmon oil rich in Omega-3's Feeding the fish oil enhance the progesterone and strengthens heats Salmon oil is rich in the Omega-3's EPA and DHA which improve bulling and conception rates Increases fertility Conception rates to first service in the UK have dropped below 40% - this has to improve £751 / t FORAGE MINERAL AVERAGES 2010 (Reproduced with kind permission from Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition) Consideration of the 2010 forage mineral results once again shows variation between years, forage types (cereal silages have a lower mineral content than grass silage) and individual farms. Whilst the trends in changing mineral content outlined below identify the broad issues requiring attention, it is important to utilise individual farm data in the total ration in order to accurately balance daily mineral supply against animal requirements on a year-round basis. In this way, mineral deficiencies and excesses can be avoided and farm profitability maximised. Mineral Trends When comparing 2010 against the previous 3 year average, a number of factors are of interest: Phosphorus The average phosphorus content is lower this year by 5% and 15% in grass silage and cereal silages respectively. This may be a reflection of lower phosphorous output in slurry due to reduced phosphorous input through minerals and feeds closer matching daily requirements. Aluminium, which decreases the availability of phosphorus to the animal, is also significantly lower compared to previous years. Continued attention must still be given to ensure the dietary phosphorous balance is correct. Cobalt The average content of cobalt in silages is over 20% lower than the previous 3 years. This, like phosphorous, may be a reflection of lower and more accurate supplementation against livestock requirement resulting in less wastage in slurry. It remains critical to balance the requirements of 0.3 mg/kg DMI against total daily supply, as cobalt is required by rumen micro-organisms for fibre digestion. A mixed ration would contains only 0.09 mg cobalt/kg DM from 50:50 grass:maize silage and as such requires supplementation with a farm mineral containing 60 mg/kg when fed at 100g per head per day. Clearly, cobalt supplementation is essential. Selenium The selenium content of all forages remains around 0.05 mg/kg DM. This is significantly below the daily requirement of 0.3 mg/kg DMI and therefore supplementation is essential. Copper This years average copper content of 4 to 8 mg/kg DM are below the 3 year average for each forage by approximately 3 to 20% which again may reflect on a more accurate approach to farm supplementation. With a minimum copper requirement of 12 mg/kg DMI for cattle, which is above that supplied by forage, ration balance is essential. Furthermore, when considering copper levels it is essential to also review the key copper antagonists, iron, molybdenum and sulphur, which reduce the availability of dietary copper. The iron content has decreased, indicating less soil contamination at ensiling. The average iron level in all forages is significantly above the typical requirement of 40 mg/kg...
February 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: FORAGE MINERAL AVERAGES 2010... Fat supplements - which one should you choose? Over recent years the increasing milk yield of dairy cows has given rise to...
January 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: THE HIDDEN THREAT OF ACIDOSIS... STOCK FEEDS... NEW PRODUCT We are very pleased to inform you that we now are launching our latest venture. With immediate effect we have been appointed as a supplier of Maize Seed by one of the major distributors in this country. As newcomers to the seed market we have been advised to concentrate on two varieties to begin with, supplied by two of the main breeders namely KWS and Limagrain. The two varieties are new to the NIAB list this year but come with terrific results behind them, as detailed below. KENTAURUS (Maturity 11/12) This variety matures very early without the usual yield penalty of other early varieties. The combination of high yield with above average M.E. means KENTAURUS produces more energy per acre than any other early variety. This coupled with the highest starch yield of any variety, bar one late variety, makes it an outstanding maize. In fact NIAB have been so impressed by it they have given it their award for the most outstanding variety of 2010. To obtain the optimum plant population it is recommended to be sown at 43,000 seeds per acre. More info... ATRIUM (Maturity 6) Maturing later than the early varieties (some 2 to 3 weeks dependant on the season) this new variety on the list has an impressive yield potential. In the last 3 years trials with NIAB, prior to coming onto the list, it has topped all other varieties on the entire list with its M.E. value of 11.7 Mj/kg. This coupled with an above average yield means ATRIUM produces more energy per acre than any variety on the NIAB list. While the energy is concentrated in the cob in all varieties, Limagrain the breeders, are trying to improve the feed value of the stem and leaves. This means the value of the whole plant is greater than any other. Usual sowing rates of 43,000 to 45,000 seeds per acre apply dependent on sowing time, sowing conditions and width of rows. If you want extremely high yields of M.E., starch and total amounts of silage harvested this is the variety to grow. More info... Both these varieties are exclusive to GP Feeds and if you require further information about them, please contact the office, who will be only too happy to help you or arrange for a farm visit by a specialist if so required. So start 2011 in an 'amaizing' way with KENTAURUS and ATRIUM - it is the way to better maize silage production. THE HIDDEN THREAT OF ACIDOSIS A healthy rumen is one of the most important factors for maximising animal performance as this is where the true value of any feed is determined. Ideally a rumen pH of 6.0 - 6.5 is most favourable for the mixed population of rumen micro-organisms. If it falls much below this acidosis results. Rumen pH Effect >7 Alkalosis 6 - 7 Normal <5.7 Sub-acute or Chronic Acidosis <5.2 Acute Acidosis <4 Usually fatal To get the most out of a ruminant diet the fibrous fraction needs to be broken down as fully as possible, a job carried out by the rumen micro-organisms. The fibre digesting micro-organisms are particularly sensitive to pH, their numbers starting to decrease below pH 6.0. Feed digestion results in the formation of volatile fatty acids which would cause the pH to fall significantly if they were not being absorbed from the rumen and buffered by saliva produced during rumination. Acute acidosis occurs when there is a rapid fall in rumen pH to below 5.2 and results in easily recognisable symptoms such as a severe reduction in intake initially followed by a lack of co-ordination and a reluctance to move around due to abdominal discomfort. Sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA) occurs when the pH falls below pH 5.7 and leads to low or variable intake and reduced performance as well as a number of other symptoms: Low or variable intake Low milk fat Reduced cudding Spitting out cud balls Increased water intake Diarrhoea Foamy faeces with casts More undigested fibre particles in dung Lameness, especially front legs Liver ulcers Panting Displaced abomasum Because of this it is highly likely that SARA is much more prevalent than is realised - it is thought to affect more than 50% of all UK dairy cows (source Dairyco). The type of feed and way it is fed both have a big impact on the rate it is broken down in the rumen and the ability of the rumen to maintain a normal pH. Factors leading to acidosis Diets with high levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates Low fibre diets A high concentrate:forage ratio Switching from high forage to high concentrate diets to quickly Poor quality silage with low intake Very low Dry Matter diets Very fine chopped forages Over-mixed TMRs (fine particle sizes) Mycotoxins Diets containing high levels of highly fermentable carbohydrates (sugar and starch), especially if the particle size is small too, results in large amounts of acid being formed very fast. This accumulates faster than it can be absorbed or buffered and the pH falls rapidly to a low level. Below pH 5.2 acute acidosis will occur. High lactic acid silages are often blamed for acidosis but it is not the silage per se that is the problem, rather the overall ration not being balanced properly. The reduced fibre digestion means less acetate is produced. This is the precursor for milk fat so a reduced milk fat is a good indicator of acidosis, especially if you also see diarrhoea as acid accumulation causes an influx of water from the tissues into the gut. Prevention of acidosis It is far better to prevent acidosis occurring than to have to deal with the consequences so ensure the ration being fed is properly balanced to maintain a normal pH with minimum fluctuation and there is enough effective fibre to stimulate saliva production. Feed high quality forage so there are no palatability issues that might reduce intake. Feeding little and often, as with a TMR (don't over process), will help avoid excess fluctuations. A buffer or yeast product can be included to help maintains rumen pH. RA25 The concentrated live yeast product for performance oriented farmers. RA25 enhance cellulytic bacteria and stabilises the pH value in the rumen. CONTAINS PROTECTED SELENIUM & ZINC Fed at 25g/head/day. More info... STOCK FEEDS With moist feeds non-existent at present we still have available: Stockfeed Carrots Highly palatable. Ideal for ruminants to enhance forage intakes, but contain below average protein levels (9.5%). They have a dry matter of 11 - 13% and an ME of 12.3 - 12.8 MJ/Kg DM. They are a good source of beta carotene. As they are high in beta carotene prolonged use at high levels can...
January 2011 Newsletter
This months linked article's: THE HIDDEN THREAT OF ACIDOSIS... STOCK FEEDS... NEW PRODUCT We are very pleased to inform you that we now are launching our latest venture. With immediate...
November 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: WHY YEAST?... MYCOTOXINS... STOCK FEEDS... CHRISTMAS ORDERING... WHY YEAST? Yeast products for ruminants have been around for many years, their mode of function and the benefits to the host animal been well understood by nutrionists and others. But one asks the question do all farmers really know what they stand to gain by incorporating yeast into their diets? The principle yeast used is "Saccharomyces Cerevisiae", of which there are many slight variants, but essentially their mode of action is similar, though some are definitely more effective than others. The rumen is essentially a massive fermentation vessel, wherein the primary activity is performed by rumen bacteria which break down fibre, thus releasing energy, and from sources of readily degradable protein produce Microbial Protein which is then absorbed and utilised in the lower gut. This all sounds good, but the problem with this is that feeding concentrates, whether as straights, blends or compounds, which generally contain significant amounts of readily and quickly fermentable starch, actually depresses rumen ph, which is negative to optimum fibre digestion. Thus each time a cow, or beef animal takes on board starchy feed, ph goes down and effective fibre digestion and thus energy release is reduced. So what can the farmer do? Adding efficient yeast products has the effect of raising rumen pH, i.e. keeping it nearer to an optimal 6. In response to this fibrolytic bacteria actually increase in number and as a consequence make more and better use of the fibre in the diet, thus releasing more of the available energy then would otherwise occur. It also has the effect of increasing Microbial Protein supply. One of the first signs that animals are responding, is to look at the dung. Usually there is quite a significant amount of undigested fibre in the faeces, but after as little as five or six days, dung will begin to look visually more `creamy`, a sure indication that fibre is been broken down better. The whole process may take up to 3 weeks before optimum efficiency is observed and maintained, but it is truly cost effective. Another situation where yeast would be highly recommended is where acidic silage, maize or grass, is been fed, as this will also have a negative effect on rumen bacteria efficiency and numbers. This is an area where if allowed to continue can readily lead to Acidosis, much reduced appetite, reduced output and weight loss. Under such circumstances fertility will suffer too. Yield response does vary, dependent on diet construction, but typically is between 1 to 2 litres extra milk per day in early lactation, and a 10 to 15% increase in liveweight gain in beef cattle. On today's market there are broadly three kinds of yeasts available, 1. Dead Yeast, 2. Part dead and alive, 3. Totally Live. That which GP Feeds supply is in the most effective category, i.e. LIVE. GP Feeds supply a top quality, LIVE yeast product called RA 25. This is fed at 25 gms per day, (NB. there is no benefit in feeding more), usually fed via a TMR or sprinkled onto silages where no additional concentrates are been fed. Additionally it is one of the few yeasts which can be incorporated into compound feeds, and is proven to withstand the effect of pelleting, where both high pressure and temperatures operate. Many products are fed at between 50 to 100 gms per animal, but the bulk of this is merely filler or carrier and has no direct benefit to the host animal. At a cost of around 5 pence per cow per day, it is clear that with a 1 to 2 litre response it is highly cost effective, in addition to the many health benefits associated with a healthy rumen. So as we enter the winter, most farmers will have their diets in place, but are you `missing a trick` that could not only improve performance but have the additional benefits, long term, of improving animal health, as a consequence of optimising rumen function. GP for Great Products MYCOTOXINS Are you experiencing problems? It could well be Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced naturally from all types of mould, there are hundreds of different known Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins affect animals is a variety of ways and since there are many types, identifying and diagnosing is often very difficult. Variable intakes Scour Impaired immune function Bloody faeces Reduced fertility Muscles tremors General poor performance without any clear explanation Inconsistent milk yields Acidosis-type symptoms Poor rumen function Lethargy Lower leg / teat swelling Unsettled cows Conditions for Mycotoxin production Mould is highly adaptable and will develop on any growing or stored feedstuffs in a wide variety of conditions. Mould will produce Mycotoxins under a wide range of conditions and therefore, the challenge should be considered ever-present: Plant stress Soil infertility, insect damage, extremes of temperature or moisture. Harvest stress - late harvest, crop too dry, slow clamp filling. Storage stress - wet grain, poor clamp consolidation, poor fermentation. Feed-out problems - poor hygiene, spoilage at face, poor face management. Control or eradication of toxin's is not as easy task, but a product that can help is Mycosorb - a natural feed supplements based on the inner cell walls from specifically selected yeast. How does it work When Mycosorb is fed, Mycotoxins present in the gut of the animal are absorbed by the yeast sugars and are excreted with the faeces, thereby maintain the health of the animal. Mycosorb has been extensively trialled and is effective against the vast majority of known problem-causing Mycotoxins. Response Mycosorb becomes effective as soon as fed and animal responses are typically seen from 3 days to 3 weeks after inclusion, depending on the type and severity of the Mycotoxins challenge. Feeding Can be fed as part of a TMR or direct into the trough. To be fed at 100g per head per day for the first 7 days, then reduce to 50g per head per day thereafter. 48 Hour delivery service available if required. Call the office today on 01948 661602 to place your order If you are looking to feed both Yeast & Mycotoxin inhibitor we have a combined Yeast/ Mycotoxin product called Mycobind. This is highly effective in addressing the situation(s) described above, and is efficient in controlling and overcoming the well known problems where Mycotoxins are present, be it in silage (usually of higher dry matter), maize or wholecrop, or from cereal sources. At around 9 pence per cow per day, it is highly competitive with other products, most of which only address a single situation! STOCK FEEDS Stockfeed Carrots Highly palatable. Ideal for ruminants to enhance forage intakes, but contain below average protein levels (9.5%). They have a dry matter of 11 - 13% and an ME of 12.3...
November 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: WHY YEAST?... MYCOTOXINS... STOCK FEEDS... CHRISTMAS ORDERING... WHY YEAST? Yeast products for ruminants have been around for many years, their mode of function and the benefits...
October 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... WINTER FEEDS NOW AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS... THIS MONTH'S TOPICAL TIPS... DRY COW RATION FAULTS... WINTER FEEDING... RATION OF THE MONTH - EXCEL PRE CALVER ROLLS... HERD DISPERSAL SALE... A MOVING FEAST The value of your maize silage has moved dramatically over the last few months following the changes in the cereal markets. Standing crops have changed hands at up to £600 / acre in some areas depending on availability and distance, up to 50% more than last season. Those fortunate to have enough of their own crop, need to reflect that the maize you are about to chop has probably never cost you more to grow and is worth £140-£150/tonne of Dry Matter. Early reports from further south suggest that some crops are coming off lighter than the height or inspection had indicated, particularly where there had been earlier patches which seemed to have grown away, but in reality are producing thinner stems and smaller cobs. Last years generally bumper crop resulted in carryover and lower plantings on many farms so with lighter maize this year following the poor grass season, for many of you winter forage stocks maybe in the balance. Did you realise that according to published data, maize silage from field to feed typically loses approx. 20% of its dry matter a lot more than grass. So in other words of that 50 acres you are about to harvest only 40 will find its way in front of the cows. You can plan to effectively cut this loss in half by: Heavy rolling in thin layers plus effective sealing and consistent top weight. Treat the silage with an additive based on a chemical preservative. We recommend Ecocorn. Use Clampfilm under the standard black plastic GP for Great Products DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT Should you be investing in an additive for your maize silage? Are You Still Unsure Which Product To Choose? Start With A Very Simple Question You Need To Answer? Is significant reduction of heating, energy loss and waste, best achieved by treating maize with a bacterial additive or is a chemical preservative more likely to produce a reliable, consistent result??? The independent work including recent research from MGA and Kingshay shows that chemical preservative treatments, keep the silage cooler for longer and the effects are more consistent than bacterial treatments. Now make your choice!!! Ecocorn is based on the most commonly used chemical food preservative Potassium Sorbate. As you consider your options weather to us Ecocorn or not, there are 2 facts to take on board. 1. The Typical Dry Matter Loss from the maize silage process (from field to cow) is recognised as being at least 20%. These losses at 32% Dry Matter can be represented as follows 2. Recent figures put the value of maize in a ration at around £100/tonne of Dry Matter SO HOW CAN YOU SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THESE LOSSES? Fill clamp with long ramp in thin layers Roll continuously… no dual wheels Only lengthen chop under 30% DM With a late crop, chop under 1cm Fill in one day or sheet at night Apply Ecocorn with a focus on the top half Use double top and enveloped side sheet Use New Clamp Film under the black plastic Top weight must be consistant Ecocorn Treatment … The Facts and Figures from Independent Trials You can reduce typical Energy Losses from £90 down to £45/acre so saving £45 /acre You can increase Milk Yield By £90/acre (assuming: 8t/acre:25p/L:50/50maize,grass) Cost of treatment £26/acre so a 5:1 return after product cost can be achieved So give us a call on 01948 661602 for Ecocorn, Clampfilm or just for good advice. WINTER FEEDS NOW AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS Dairy Select 18 Nuts A highly cost effective range, which has sold very well through last winter. We now have two summer rations following on from last winters' successful launch. Contains: Wheat, Barley, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Vegetable Fat. Enhance 18 Nuts Very high in energy and quality proteins, with good digestible fibre sources readily available. Contains: Wheat, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Wheat Distillers, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Biscuitmeal, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Sopralin and Megalac. Supreme HDF 18 Nuts To be fed where a good fibre source is required. Excellent energy levels. Contains: Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Wheat, Rapemeal, Maize Distillers, Maize, Sunflower, Citrus, Palm Kernal, Molasses, Megalac, Mins & Vits and Vegetable Fat. Excel 18 Nuts Top quality ingredients blended together for cows with yields in excess of 7,000 litres. Contains: Wheat, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Biscuitmeal, Rapemeal, Maize Distillers, Maize, Palm Kernal, Molasses, Sopralin, Megalac, Mins & Vits and Vegetables Fat. All the above rations are also available in 20% & 22% Nuts or Blend form. Dairy 10,000 Litre Nuts The 'Rolls Royce' of our range. A specialist product for high yielding cows in excess of 8,000 litres. This product has been proved time and time again to increase milk production. There is no equal! Contains: Wheat, Maize, Palm Kernal, Wheat Distillers, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Biscuitmeal, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Sopralin, Megalac and Vegetable Fat. Youngstock Coarse calf 16 Mixture For feeding to all calves from 3 days of age to 10-12 weeks. Includes flaked peas and flaked maize for maximum digestibility. Contains: Barley, Hipro Soya, Sugarbeet, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Sopralin, Flaked Maize, Oatfeed, Flaked Peas, 30% Protein Pellet. Calf Starter Pellets For feeding to all calves from 3 days of age to 10-12 weeks. Contains: Wheat, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Maize Distillers, Rapemeal, Sugarbeet, Citrus, Molasses, Mins & Vits and Vegetable Fat. GPF Heifer Nuts For heifer replacements on silage systems where good growth is required from 12 weeks to calving. Contains: Wheat, Sugarbeet, Rapemeal, Biscuitmeal, Palm Kernal, Wheatfeed, Sunflower, Molasses, Mins & Vits and Vegetable Fat. Beef GPF Beef 16 Nuts From 12 weeks to slaughter on all beef systems for maximum growth. Contains: Wheat, Rape Meal, Wheatfeed, Soya Hulls, Palm Kernel, Molasses, Sunflower, Supagold Biscuit Meal, Sugarbeet, Min/Vits, Vegetable Fat. Intensive 14% Beef Blend Course blend designed to fed with forage of your choice to all types of beef animals. Contains: Wheat, Barley, Sugarbeet, Citrus, Soya Hulls, Wheatfeed, Molasses, Mins & Vits, Oatfeed and 30% Protein Pellet. 18% Beef Blend Course blend designed to be mixed with on farm cereals for all types of beef cattle. Contains: Sugarbeet, Wheat Distillers, Rapemeal, Citrus, Soya Hulls, Palm Kernal, Wheatfeed, Molasses and Mins & Vits. THIS MONTH'S TOPICAL TIPS 1. Far off Dry Cows This does not mean out of sight! Don't keep these cows out unless a long way off calving. Provide minerals and vitamins and some form of starch in the diet. 2. Close up Dry Cows Get onto winter diets...
October 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... WINTER FEEDS NOW AVAILABLE FROM GP FEEDS... THIS MONTH'S TOPICAL TIPS... DRY COW RATION FAULTS... WINTER FEEDING... RATION OF THE...
September 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: CONTINUED BEEF SUCCESS... DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... FATS... Have you looked at www.gpfeeds.co.uk lately? About 8 years ago, when looking on the internet for certain information via agricultural websites and failing miserably to locate the information we required, we decided to build our own website, with some help from a very clever technical man. This has progressed over the years, and today we believe we have a user friendly site with more useful technical information available, than any other agricultural website. Not only do we list all our compounds, and fixed blends with actual pictures of each product, we list what ingredients are used to make each product. You can then look at each specific raw material and see its analysis page, supplied from the manufacturer of each product. We were the first company to offer a blend quote calculator, allowing you to input your blend requirements. Not only does it send it directly to us for pricing, it also supplies you the analysis of the blend you have requested. You can then check, that what you are asking for, will meet your requirements analysis wise. We also have available an A-Z library of the products we supply, along with analysis pages and pictures of each so that you know exactly what each product should look like. This part of our website has been a real eye-opener for many, for those who have used our website pictures it has led them to question just what has been delivered to their farm, by our competitors. For a guide to our website, anything you need to know about molasses is on our website including products and tank schemes available right down to the size of base you may need to prepare! So are Ecosyl Silage additives and applicators so you need look no further for the information you may require, this is just a fraction what is available on our website. So if you have 10 minutes, give Gareth a call in the office on 01948 661602, and he will help you navigate through just some of the things on our website. Our website has been built with you the farmer in mind, first and foremost. Yes it is a selling aid for GP Feeds, but we believe it can be used for so much more than that. We have tried to cover all aspect of farming, whether it is Dairy, Beef or Sheep, so there is something for everyone. So please have a look and let us know your comments, and don't forget to add www.gpfeeds.co.uk to your favourites or better still make it your homepage! Continued Beef Success Following on from our April Newsletter, the customer from our beef testimonial has had yet more success with his beef cattle at Market Drayton this past Wednesday (1st September 2010). His best animal, weighing around 700 kgs, and at between 16/17 months old, achieved £1.65 per kilo, with a number of his other cattle not far behind. He was absolutely delighted with this achievement, and was asked on the day by a number of farmers what he fed them! His reply was that he fed the cattle on a specific customised 18% protein blend from GP Feeds Ltd, which when mixed with barley on a 50/50 basis, produces a consistent and highly palatable 14% protein ration offered on an ad lib basis. This is not the first time he has topped the market, and it was interesting to note that on the day, prices for finished cattle from other producers ranged from as low as 89 pence/kilo up to around the £1.20 to £1.30 mark. So who says consistency and quality doesn't pay? Additionally for his semi intensively fed Holstein crosses, he uses a 14% customised blend, which suits this kind of animal perfectly, and again consistently achieves well above average market prices. So whatever the system, or type of cattle, GP Feeds are able to design and produce the right product for any given situation, so why not give us a call on 01948 661602 and discuss your requirements with us. DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT Should you be investing in an additive for your maize silage? Are You Still Unsure Which Product To Choose? Start With A Very Simple Question You Need To Answer? Is significant reduction of heating, energy loss and waste, best achieved by treating maize with a bacterial additive or is a chemical preservative more likely to produce a reliable, consistent result??? The independent work including recent research from MGA and Kingshay shows that chemical preservative treatments, keep the silage cooler for longer and the effects are more consistent than bacterial treatments. Now make your choice!!! Ecocorn is based on the most commonly used chemical food preservative Potassium Sorbate. As you consider your options weather to us Ecocorn or not, there are 2 facts to take on board. 1. The Typical Dry Matter Loss from the maize silage process (from field to cow) is recognised as being at least 20%. These losses at 32% Dry Matter can be represented as follows 2. Recent figures put the value of maize in a ration at around £100/tonne of Dry Matter SO HOW CAN YOU SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THESE LOSSES? Fill clamp with long ramp in thin layers Roll continuously… no dual wheels Only lengthen chop under 30% DM With a late crop, chop under 1cm Fill in one day or sheet at night Apply Ecocorn with a focus on the top half Use double top and enveloped side sheet Use New Clamp Film under the black plastic Top weight must be consistant Ecocorn Treatment … The Facts and Figures from Independent Trials You can reduce typical Energy Losses from £90 down to £45/acre so saving £45 /acre You can increase Milk Yield By £90/acre (assuming: 8t/acre:25p/L:50/50maize,grass) Cost of treatment £26/acre so a 5:1 return after product cost can be achieved So give us a call on 01948 661602 for Ecocorn, Clampfilm or just for good advice. SILAGE ADDITIVES Are you doing 3rd cut silage if so you need to consider ECOSYL 100 'ONE FOR ALL'... Our sales of Ecosyl have increased tenfold over the last 2 years - surely those customers who choose to use it can't be wrong. We would like you to join our increasing list of very happy and satisfied customers. If your silage is looking wet or may be contaminated you may want to consider: ADD-F NON-CORROSIVE One of the best known and respected of all acid silage preservatives, Add-F, is now available in a non-corrosive formula from us, called Add-F NC (for non-corrosive). Originally developed by BP forty years ago, Kemira Chemicals have now taken over production and have made it far safer by using their proven gaseous...
September 2010 Newsletter
This months linked article's: CONTINUED BEEF SUCCESS... DON'T MISS A TRICK - TREAT... FATS... Have you looked at www.gpfeeds.co.uk lately? About 8 years ago, when looking on the internet for...