WITH SPRING turnout on the horizon, producers can look forward to getting the most from spring grass – but there can also also the threat of a big drop in yield and quality during the transition.
“At turnout, it’s common to see a drop in milk fat percentage and this spring there may also be an impact on yield if grass regrowth is not on par with previous years,” pointed out Bethany May, Trident Feeds’ ruminant nutritionist.
“Therefore, it’s important to try and maintain milk fat levels and maximise milk value, particularly if you are on a constituent contract, through the inclusion of a buffer feed with appropriate supplements alongside grazing,” she pointed out.
She suggested that if you wait until milk fat percentages have dropped it is too late and the damage to the milk cheque for that month will already be done – but preventable measures can be taken.
Miss May added that inclusion of rumen protected fats might seem a costly way of maintaining butterfat, but it does offer a calculated return on cost, according to trials.
“If you were to calculate return on investment, feeding 400g of Butterfat Extra to a 30-litre cow could increase nett profit by up to 22p/cow/day, potentially more if on a manufacturing contract,” she said.
This feed additive is a palatable, C16:0 rich protected fat for incorporation into rations. “It can show immediate improvements to milk fat percentages, with production responses of up to 0.4% increase in butterfat percentage, and a lift in milk yield by up to one extra litre,” said Miss May.
“Based on a 200-cow herd, this could mean an extra profit of £6600, for the first 150 days of lactation, while feeding a buffer ration at turnout will also help support rumen function and milk fat levels.
“The high unsaturated oil and low fibre levels in spring grass can upset the rumen pH, increasing the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA), as well as directly supressing butterfat synthesis in the udder, therefore its crucial the ration is balanced to avoid this,” she added.
“Including high physically effective fibre sources such as straw, as well as digestible fibre sources, such as sugar beet feed in buffer rations, will help maintain a balanced rumen, and also reduce these risks.”