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August 2010 NEWSLETTER
Due to the volatility of the market at the present time we felt it was unwise to send out a August newsletter as the information in it would probably be out of date by the time you read it. However, as you know, we are continually striving to help all our customers / prospects to make better margins. Over the past 12 months one of our new customers in the Sandbach area has seen some dramatic improvements in all aspects of his dairy herd performance. "Less is more" is the slogan this dairy farmer has put to the profile of our feeds and all because of the following: Feed rate reduced by 25% Fertility has improved and the calving index is down by 30 days Increase of milk litres of 16% over the whole herd These 3 key points have happened over the past 12 months, since changing from a competitors to our feeds. All the above aspects have given the whole family a boost and the encouragement to take the business forward and invest in their future. This farmer is so confident that our quality feeds have more than helped to achieve his results, he is happy to share them with anyone else who would like to talk to him. This will be on a farmer to farmer basis, in confidence, with no input from GP feeds, other than making the appointment. If you are interested in how to boost your profits like this farmer just ring us on 01948 661602 so that we can make an appointment for your informal private 'one to one'. QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION Contact Gareth or Rachel (Office) 01948 661602 Fax 01948 871776
August 2010 NEWSLETTER
Due to the volatility of the market at the present time we felt it was unwise to send out a August newsletter as the information in it would probably be...
JULY 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: FORAGE EXTENDERS... HEAT STRESS... WHY CHOOSE GP FEEDS?... MAIZE EYESPOT... RAW MATERIAL REVIEW - WHAT'S HOT & WHAT'S NOT... FORAGE EXTENDERS With the weather still glorious for many, it is playing havoc with some farmer's silage stocks. If you think you may be short for winter you may want to consider the following products. Brewers Grains Demand remains high for Brewers Grains, and if the lovely weather of late continues we could see demand become higher leading to shortages. With England now out of the World Cup, production at the breweries, have been cut by a staggering 50% - if you are interested in Brewers Grains you need to call the office today without delay. Forage Saver Blend / Nuts This product is designed to help extend what forage you may have. It has high levels of rumen friendly fibre from digestible fibre sources. Its starch levels are higher than Wholecrop. With a high sugar level to compliment grass, maize and wholecrop. A protein level that is higher than most forages. It can be fed to all classes of Ruminant livestock. When fed Feed at 2kgs per animal per day, it replaces 10kgs of average quality silage and when fed at this rate it will save over 60 tonnes of silage per month on a 100 cow herd plus followers. Typical analysis: Dry Matter 88%, Protein 16.5%, Fibre 12.7%, Oil 4% Limited tonnage available at 'below' market price. Supergrains Supergrains are a natural moist co-product from the manufacture of grain spirit at the Cameronbridge Distillery. It is a highly nutritious feed for all ruminant stock, being rich in natural protein, energy and yeast residues. Supergrains are principally comprised of the non-starch parts of wheat grains, which have undergone a cooking stage as part of the distillation process, which greatly enhance the digestibility of the product. Pressed Pulp We would suggest that you register your interest with us for pressed pulp. With silage stocks going to be tight this winter pressed pulp will be high on everyone's radar. We can provisionally book your tonnage requirements to ensure you don't miss out (subject to price of course) HEAT STRESS Now is the time to be keeping a watchful eye on your herd for HEAT STRESS. Heat Stress can have a damaging affect on: Feed intakes Reduced milk production Other health implications Heat Stress is triggered by not only temperature but also humidity. When the Temperature Humidity Index reaches 72 or above - problems may become an issue. What to look out for: Elevated breathing - look at individual cows breathing, if more than 40% have faster breather this could indicate a problem Reduced Dry Matter intake - usually between 8 - 12% Reduced milk litres - usually between 5 - 20% Reduced butterfat levels How to reduce Heat Stress: Increase fresh water availability - especially in the collecting yard and also when the leave the parlour. Cows can easily drink 100 litres of water a day. High yielding cows are more prone to heat stress due to higher feed intakes, so will drink more water. Keep an eye on the temperature - when it gets above 26?C intakes often reduce, try buffer feeding early morning or late evening when temperature are generally lower. You could also consider feeding smaller amount but more often to prevent feed heating up and reducing intakes further. Look at the ration - make changes if necessary. High quality forages digest faster so produce less heat. Also consider enriching the cows diet with fat to make it more energy dense. Minerals - salt and other essential minerals can be lost during heat stress - make sure you are feeding adequate mineral levels. Provide shade - especially for higher yielders and dry cows. Keep them out of the midday sun and allow them out at night. Ensure there is enough ventilation in the collecting yard. Increase airflow in the housing by removing parts of side panels and roof ridges to increase air exit points. Reduce walking distance to the parlour, and also time spent waiting in the collecting yard. WHY CHOOSE GP FEEDS? If you are interested in our feeds but a little unsure, pick up the phone and talk to us. We are sure we will be able to answer any questions you may have. Our service is reliable, and using our predictive order system we give you a call well before you run out, so you need never have any supply issues again! Remember we offer: Fixed Prices Fixed Formulations Friendly reliable service Practical farm advice from well respected nutritionists Products that do the jobs they are designed for Don't forget we sell a full range of products including amongst others: Blends (fixed formulations and prices) Compounds (fixed formulations & prices) Fats (including high C16 fats) Youngstock feeds (full range to suit all requirements) Beef Feeds Sheep feeds Straights (including, Rape, Soya, Maize, Biscuitmeal etc) Silage additives (both acid and biological) Moist feeds (including Brewers Grains, Supergrains, Pressed Pulp, Draff etc) Molasses (you name it we can sell it) Minerals (want a customised mineral no problem) Remember with GP Feeds you are first and foremost a customer not merely tonnage to fill our mill, and as the motto goes 'the customer is always right'. With this in mind what you ask for, you get. We don't change things around to suit us, this we feel is worth pointing out, especially in the volatile markets we are currently seeing today. Our rations are created on quality raw materials, not merely analysis and regular ingredient changes. Don't forget if you are looking for something not listed, it doesn't mean we can't supply it - call us on 01948 661602 as we can source most products. MAIZE EYESPOT For those of you growing maize, the following article is well worth reading. Maize Eyespot first hit the UK in September 1998, in the south west with devastating effects, yield losses of up to 75% being reported. Since then it has been present most years over a wider area but with less severe effects due mainly to the influence of the weather. Some agronomists recommend spraying with flusilazole as late as possible was the best way to head off the detrimental effects of this disease. The latest possible application was the end of June or early July when maize plant leaves are at the 8 or 10 leaf stage. It is caused by a fungus that affects the green part of the maize plant. It is commonly associated with continuous maize and reduced tillage. Many UK crops will have this disease lying dormant just waiting for the right conditions to develop. To germinate the fungal spores require cool (10 - 12°c) wet conditions in August or September or...
JULY 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: FORAGE EXTENDERS... HEAT STRESS... WHY CHOOSE GP FEEDS?... MAIZE EYESPOT... RAW MATERIAL REVIEW - WHAT'S HOT & WHAT'S NOT... FORAGE EXTENDERS With the weather still glorious...
JUNE 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: FACTS ABOUT MILK PRODUCTION & NUTRITION IN SPRING & SUMMER... IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS?... CS PLUS... LET US QUOTE FOR YOUR SPRING & SUMMER CUSTOM BLEND / COMPOUND... DRY COWS WHAT TO AIM FOR... FACTS ABOUT MILK PRODUCTION & NUTRITION IN SPRING & SUMMER Spring / Summer is a very critical time for dairy cows that are producing a lot of milk and great care has to be taken in feeding them correctly. We thought that a quick step back to basics would do no harm. Possible problems Are you cows producing higher levels of milk than last year? How do you intend to feed them at grass? Will you be offering them some forage supplementation (i.e. Buffer feeding)? Do you feed high magnesium minerals to avoid death from grass staggers? What levels of parlour feeding (or blends) do you intend to feed? Do you suffer sudden milk drops 2 - 3 weeks after turn out? Do your cows lose condition within a month of turnout? What happens to your milk quality in May / June / July? Do you know how much grass your cows are eating especially on wet days? Possible answers Digestible fibre is needed to slow down the rate of progress through the rumen to take best advantage of the quality grass going in the other end. Buffer feeding is essential to maintain high yields of milk. There is a desperate need for energy and fibre in spring but of the correct type (e.g. digestible fibre). Cows will look after themselves and if not fed correctly there will be big drops in production as the bodyweight falls. Milk proteins and butterfats will fall is nutritional aspect of the diet are incorrect. The biggest Holsteins will struggle to eat enough fresh grass to maintain more than 24 - 26 litres during May and June and the rest of the litres need to be sustained by supplementary feeding. Keep a tight control on stocking rates to avoid wastage and contamination of grass leading to the lowering of daily intakes. Monitor your cows carefully to cover all the points mentioned and be prepared to react to change rapidly. Taking all these factors into consideration means that dairy cows probably need to be monitored even more so than in winter. Very little room is left in the rumen after grazing all day so the input of the dry matter feed (i.e. parlour feed / straights / blends) need to be of the highest quality packed with the correct type of energy, protein and digestible fibre. We have taken all these factors into consideration when formulating our dairy diets for the spring and summer. We also have to cover all types of herds from those producing 5,000 litres average per year to those producing in excess of 11,000 litres, so we therefore have to have a range of product to suit each and every type. One thing we can totally guarantee is that all the diets are based on a FIXED FORMULATION and FIXED PRICE for the May to August period. Take a fresh look at your moisture content on your declaration ticket, we are always 10 > 12% moisture (88 > 90% Dry Matter). We are amazed at how many declaration tickets show 16% or higher (i.e. 84% Dry Matter). Why would you want to buy water in your compound, when if for example, a compound costing £150 at 16% moisture, is the equivalent to an extra £6/t against our compounds. Ours will not go mouldy in the bin, as do higher moisture compounds. We believe we have put together a very practical range of feeds not only to maintain high yields but also to let the cow express their full potential of your cheapest product - GRASS. We know we will be competitive in the market place and we also have the products that will not vary in their make up throughout the summer. Can you current suppler guarantee FIXED FORMULATIONS AS WELL AS A FIXED PRICE? We firmly believe there is no point in selling a product that has an energy value less than grass, you will be wasting your money unless you are using the product as a mineral carrier only - it will not produce milk as economically as a quality higher energy, higher priced product. Cows respond well to our policy of QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION as our many valued customers agree. 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. As ever at this time of year, thoughts turn to what should be done, if anything, to boost butterfat levels at grazing. Nationally we usually see a 0.4% fall in butterfat levels. In some herds the decline can be as much as 1%. There is no doubt that butterfat is increasingly becoming a problem area for those in the EU responsible for managing the overall milk market. Globally butterfat prices continue to fall on the commodity markets, which is a growing concern. However many UK milk contracts still include both bonuses and deductions dependent on butterfat levels. Dairy farmers looking to maximise returns from their contract must keep a close eye on butterfats. The first stage in deciding whether it would make sense to try and maintain fats at grass is to understand the terms of your milk contract. If the contract will reward high butterfats or penalise low levels, then it is worth considering what the options are to maintain or increase levels. If there is no milk price advantage, then don't incur extra costs chasing something you won't get paid for. If it makes sense to take nutritional action to influence butterfats, the next stage is to look at what has happened historically on your farm. What are fat levels at turnout and by how much do they usually fall? What are fat percentages now and how do they compare to previous years? It may be that fat levels are higher than usual now and even if you experience a typical grazing depression you will still exceed the deduction threshold. Once you understand the extent of the possible problem it is time to consider what action can be taken. There are two crucial points that must be remembered. The first is that approximately half of a cow's milk fat production comes from her being able to convert the end products of rumen fermentation into milk fat. The remainder of the butterfat produced comes from fats fed in the diet, or from the mobilisation of body reserves. The...
JUNE 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: FACTS ABOUT MILK PRODUCTION & NUTRITION IN SPRING & SUMMER... IS IT WORTH CHASING BUTTERFATS AT GRASS?... CS PLUS... LET US QUOTE FOR YOUR SPRING &...
MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: REALISTIC APPROACH TO SUMMER DAIRY... SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG... CAN YOU MAINTAIN BUTTERFATS AT GRASS... THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESSFUL GRASS SILAGE - PART 2... SILAGE ADDITIVES... Realistic Approach to Summer Dairy (Reproduced with kind permission of Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International) Phase One of Winter Feeding For the past 3 years the advisor and the dairy farmer have faced a miserable start to the winter due to the general failure of cows to perform to predicted levels. The exception has been those units where attention to detail during the summer months has closely balanced nutrient supply and demand for milk production and live weight change, thereby ensuring the herd enter winter in optimum condition for continued peak performance. The key to year-round dairy cow performance is knowing, and taking a realistic approach, to the potential milk yield from grazing on the farm. Measuring milk yield from grazing The monitoring tools available include the FWTNI Milk Yield from Grazing (MYfG) Analysis service and the MYfG Ready Reckoner. Both are supported by the weekly MYfG summary available by e-mail, which provides an overview of the national averages and notably updates the changing dry matter of grazing required to utilise the ready reckoner on farms. The average monthly Milk Yield from Grazing for the past 5 years is shown below: Clearly, 2005 was the last 'good' grass year peaking at an average of M+22 litres of milk from grazing in June. In comparison, 2006 was a drought year whilst the last 3 summers were wet, yet all produced a similar peak of M+13 to 14 litres. At its peak, there is a difference of 9 litres (45MJ) between the best and worst years'. The realistic average monthly milk yield from grazing (and required grass dry matter intake) for a typical and grassy summer is given in the table. It is particularly interesting to note that even during the 'Indian Summer' of 2009, grazing in September and October still failed to provide for any more than maintenance requirements. Lost winter performance Over-estimation of the milk yield from grazing results in insufficient energy intake and excessive body condition loss. One body condition score loss equates to approximately 75kg live weight. Whilst each 1kg of live weight loss contributes 28MJ (approximately 5.5litres of milk), restoring that 1kg of loss requires 34MJ (approximately 6.5 litres of milk). For example, a cow losing only half a condition score through the summer requires 1275 MJ of energy to replenish it (37.5kg x 34MJ, equivalent to 1.5 x 25kg bags of GP Feeds CS Plus Fat). If replenishment of this body weight loss occurs during the first 3 months of winter feeding, the feed energy lost for milk production equates to 14 MJ per day or nearly 3 litres per cow per day. This is in line with the poor early winter performance noted in previous years - without considering the associated fertility and health issues. Grazing reality check The FWTNI Grazing Reality Check has been developed to focus on the critical impact of inadequate summer feeding. The simple spreadsheet utilizes the actual farm data and predicted milk yield from grazing to compare nutrient supply and demand and thereby predict energy balance and live weight change for that farm situation. In the example, the required milk yield from grazing is some 2.3 litres below that which is available. This results in an energy deficit of 11.7MJ equating to 0.4kg of body weight loss which could easily be rectified by feeding an extra kg of GP Feeds compound or buffer feed. In other situations where milk from grazing exceeds expectations, buffer feeding or GP Feeds compound feed rates could be cut to achieve the required energy balance. The important fact is that the reality check uses the actual farm data to predict the current status and prevent long term under or over feeding of cows at grass. In summary Successful feeding of dairy cows at grazing requires attention to detail. The basis of success is an accurate knowledge of the potential milk yield from grazing. There are several tools tailor made for this purpose. Utilizing these for a true estimation of yield from grass will not only influence performance during the summer months but also into the winter. For further information please ring the office on 01948 661602. Take a look at our spring and summer rations and fats on the following pages and let us help you to take your cows into the winter, fully charged and ready to go. SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG The weather seems have taken a turn for the better in recent weeks, with many of you taking advantage of the weather to catch up on much needed field work, all we need now it a little more rain to get that grass growing so that the silaging season can get going. Whilst you are waiting for that much needed rain why not have a look through our summer range of compounds - we have a product to suit all needs, with prices starting at £150/t depending on product and load size. All our products have our fixed formulation, no substitution and fixed pricing guarantee - who else can offer you this! Rich Dairy Range An excellent cost effective range starting with Rich Dairy 16% nuts. Excellent source of digestible fibre, good rumen protein supply. Ingredients: Wheatfeed, Wheat, Palm Kernal, Sunflower, Molasses, Soya Hulls, Rapemeal, Sugarbeet, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Select Range 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. Ingredients: Wheat, Rapemeal, Barley, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Citrus, Molasses, Sunflower, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Enhance HDF Range New this season, following on from the excellent response of the Enhance range launched during last winter. Well balanced rations of protein, energy and quality fibre characteristics. Ingredients: Rapemeal, Wheatfeed, Palm Kernal, Soya Hulls, Wheat, Barley, Molasses, Biscuitmeal, Hipro Soya, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Supreme HDF Range HE Supreme HDF 16 nuts is our most popular spring / summer ration, it accounts for over 40% of our spring / summer sales year on year. This is a high quality nut, made of high quality raw materials. This ration will help to maximise your milk production whilst maintaining butterfat levels at a time when the grass will naturally decrease them. Ingredients: Wheat, Maize, US Maize Distillers, Hipro Soya, Palm Kernal, Sunflower, Rapemeal, Sugarbeet, Citrus, Molasses, Megalac, Minerals & Vitamins and Fat Blend. Excel Range Excel 16 nuts is the Rolls Royce of our spring / summer range. With Sugarbeet, Wheat and Hipro Soya making up 47.5% of the...
MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: REALISTIC APPROACH TO SUMMER DAIRY... SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG... CAN YOU MAINTAIN BUTTERFATS AT GRASS... THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESSFUL GRASS SILAGE - PART 2... SILAGE ADDITIVES......
APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: A BEEF BLEND TESTIMONIAL... THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESSFUL GRASS SILAGE - PART 1... SILAGE ADDITIVES... NEW for 2010 'ONE FOR ALL' ECOSYL 100... NEWSDESK... A BEEF BLEND TESTIMONIAL A dairy farmer and customer of ours in the Cheshire area, managed by a husband and wife team, have also for a long time run alongside the dairy herd, an intensive beef system, using primarily cross bred continental cattle, with some Friesian / Holstein stock. In the past they purchased beef feeds from a variety of suppliers, but fed the dairy herd on GP Feeds compounds and blends, relying upon nutritional advice from the company's representative Nick Sharp. In the past 12 months a change was made to the feed being fed to the beef herd. Switching from a beef blend supplied by one of our competitors, to a customised GP Feeds beef blend. The consistency of our products is the key and has proved their worth in the terms of growth rate, quality of finished cattle, and the achievement of top prices at Market Drayton market on a regular basis. Two products are used, a specific customised 14% rearer / finisher and an 18% blend designed to be fed 50/50 with barley. Such has been the success on this unit, the word has spread rapidly amongst the local beef farmers, and as a result of this we are now supplying several beef units in the area with the cereal balancer beef blend. All these new customers are reporting back to us that cattle settle well, readily eat the blend and perform better than previously. With raw materials already bought for these products, we are well below today's market prices. We can supply these beef blends in bulk, 1t totes or ½t totes. If you have a beef enterprise, or wish to start one up, ring us for a down to earth practical solution to take your business forward, in the most profitable way. THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESSFUL GRASS SILAGE - PART 1 The word SILO originates from the Greek word SIROS which means a hole or pit in the ground for storing corn. It is known that the Greeks and Egyptians were familiar with ensiling as a technique for storing fodder as far back as 1000 - 1500 BC. In parts of northern Europe grass was being ensiled in the early 18th century but only during the latter part of the 19th century did it become more widespread. Energy and protein are the most expensive input for ruminants, and forage the cheapest energy source. Maximising the amount of energy used from a farms' own resources will give you the best margins whatever system you are using. Most ruminant obtain at least 75% of their food from grass and although grazed grass is the cheapest source of energy it should be possible to make good grass with minimum loss of energy. A grass silage forage crop is preserved by pickling the grass in acid. In a natural fermentation the acid is produced by a bacteria present on the crop that, in the absence of air, converts plant sugars mainly into lactic acid. There are 4 phases associated with ensiling grass. The initial AEROBIC (oxygen present) phase begins at cutting and continues into clamping. It is not helpful to the subsequent fermentation because sugars are wasted as a result of the plant and microbial respiration that breaks sugars down to carbon dioxide and in the process produces heat. The next phase occurs after all the oxygen has been used up and then conditions are ANAEROBIC (no oxygen present). Fermentation has now started. When the fermentation process is complete storage of the ensiled grass can last a few weeks or several years. During this time there will be very little microbial activity and the silage will remain stable provided the clamp remains sealed. The final stage starts when the pit is opened for feeding and the silage is exposed to the air again. WELL FERMENTED SILAGE When the fermentation process has been good particular types of lactic acid bacteria convert the grass sugars mainly to lactic acid resulting in a quick fall of the pH value from about 6 to pH 3.8 - 4.2 dependant on the grass dry matter. This rapid fall in pH reduces the breakdown of protein and reduces the activity of undesirable bacteria, which cause volatile fatty acids (VFA's) such as ACETIC and BUTYRIC, which in turn leads to more palatable silage with less dry matter losses. BADLY FERMENTED SILAGE If the fermentation process has not gone too well other types of lactic acid produce other fermentation products such as acetic acid and ethanol which will not aid acidification. When this process dominates the process is slower and means more valuable sugars will be required to achieve the final pH level and losses will be higher. If sugar levels are not too high in the first place a stable pH may never be reached. The slower fall in pH also means a bigger breakdown of protein because of continued plant enzyme activity. The faster the pH value falls the sooner the wasteful activities of the live plant material and undesirable microorganisms will stop. This will reduce losses and result in more palatable silage. It also conserves more sugars for conversion to lactic acid so less sugars will be required to make a successful fermentation. To be continued next month with: How to achieve good fermentation and avoid aerobic spoilage. (Ref: Ecosyl Products 'understanding Grass Silage 1996') SILAGE ADDITIVES If you haven't already booked your silage additive yet - give the office a call to discuss ECOSYL. 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 ammoniation buffering process to remove the adverse effects that the old Add-F had on machinery and skin. Add - F NC is ideal for: All silages that are low in sugar and/or have a high nitrate level and/or wet and contaminated grass. Add-F NC is 80% formic acid, known for many years as the most effective and rapid silage preservative. Formic acid treatment is often used as the benchmark when research scientists test the effectiveness of silage additives because of its...
APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: A BEEF BLEND TESTIMONIAL... THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESSFUL GRASS SILAGE - PART 1... SILAGE ADDITIVES... NEW for 2010 'ONE FOR ALL' ECOSYL 100... NEWSDESK... A BEEF...
MARCH 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY... CLAMPFILM - LAST YEARS PRICES HELD!... MAGNESIUM REMINDER... EASTER ORDERS... FATS... YEAST - RA25... NEWSDESK... Another Success Story We would like to share a another success story with you all. Following on from a farm visit by Gareth just before Christmas, a meeting was held with a Sandbach farmer, his vet and nutritionist. The results of this meeting concluded that the feed being purchased from one of our competitors was of a high moisture content and the starch and protein combination were not synchronised to meet the requirements of the dairy herd. Problems arose from acidosis feet as well as a lack of bulling activity and disastrous PD sessions with the vet. Gareth was asked to establish a feed programme recommendation. After taking forage samples and mineral analysis of all the silages, he went back for a further meeting with the vet and nutritionist with a recommendation for improving the dairy herd health. Today we are delighted to tell you that the customer, has seen an improvements in herd health, is now producing 2 litres per cow extra, has less feet problems, and bulling activity is the best it has ever been on this farm. The farmer now says, he looks forward to the PD sessions, as the results are very positive and in line with that, that GP Feeds predicted would happen. Within our feed plan, we have eliminated the competitors diet recommendation of using a 'bolt on' additive pack as it had little benefit and was costing the customer a fortune. With a balanced diet supplied by GP Feeds, the extras were just not needed and the saving to the customer was nearly £500 per month. GP Feeds have targeted the right raw materials and have improved the profitability of the herd, for this customer. It has worked for our Sandbach farmer, so why not let us do the same for you. If you are having stock feeding issues on your farm, have a simple look at your delivery tickets and check the moisture content. For example, a lot of competitors have a moisture content of around 14% - 15% - this equates to 85% - 86% dry matter. Our compounds are between 10% - 11% making them 89% - 90% dry matter. This means that you are buying between 3% - 5% added water with some suppliers than you would with GP Feeds. On a product costing £200 per tonne this represents a large cost to your business and a shortfall in the value for your dairy cows. Of course it goes without saying you are guaranteed a fixed formulation with us - as the company motto goes: QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTION. Please give us a call to establish the potential for your dairy herd and the financial benefit to your business. Clampfilm - Last Years Prices Held! 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: 5m (16ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 9kg 7m (23ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 13kg 12m (39ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 21kg 16m (52ft) x 50m (162.6ft) x 28kg 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 need, and remember that all of the above mentioned options are available through GP Feeds. Easter Orders This year Easter falls at the beginning of April (2nd - 5th April). As this is usually one of the busiest times of the month can we please ask that orders required for week commencing 29th March are booked with the office no later than Tuesday 23rd March and orders required for week commencing 5th April are booked with the office no later than Monday 29th March. There will be very limited deliveries on Good Friday with normal delivery service resuming on Tuesday 5th April. Fats Fats are an important part of the modern dairy cows diet. Prices are currently on fire, due the palm oil market, we still have some product bought very well - call the office now to discuss your needs. CS PLUS - EXCLUSIVE TO GP FEEDS A specially formulated fatty acid blend processed with a selected glucose preparation into a free flowing dust-free meal. CS Plus has been designed for the high performing dairy cow, in particular for raising butterfat levels and milk yields while maintaining cow condition. The blend of protected and slow release fatty acids rich in C16, has been put together to maximise synergistic effects on net...
MARCH 2010 NEWSLETTER
This months linked article's: ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY... CLAMPFILM - LAST YEARS PRICES HELD!... MAGNESIUM REMINDER... EASTER ORDERS... FATS... YEAST - RA25... NEWSDESK... Another Success Story We would like to share...