ONE WAY of counteracting milk price cuts this summer will be to boost milk solids production, according to KW nutritionist, Charlotte Ward.

She reckoned the average drop-off in milk quality seen through spring and summer could cut milk price by more than 3ppl unless action is taken to boost milk fat and protein production.

"Defra figures show average UK milk fat and proteins drop around 0.2-0.3% from their winter peak," she explained. "On some milk supply contracts, that can equate to a significant loss of up to 3.2ppl."

Although some milk quality decline is inevitable, even in fully housed herds – due to the dilution effect of rising yields as day length extends – it can be significantly reduced, claimed Ms Ward.

"As well as the nutrient profile of the diet, any factor that alters feed access, quality or intake can also influence milk quality. So start by reviewing feed and herd management to minimise potential limitations, such as trough space, feed spoilage or sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA)," she recommended.

"In terms of ration changes, additional starch from sodawheat will boost microbial protein production and milk proteins with minimal SARA risk, whilst high sugar liquid feeds like Molale are an option for housed herds.

"Dairy farmers can also raise butterfats by increasing energy supply from digestible fibre, including feeds like sugar beet feed or using wheat-gluten moist feeds such as Traffordgold and reformulating rations to improve rumen function," she added.

"Finally, top up with rumen-bypass fat and protein as needed to make sure both yield and milk solids production are fully supported."

She also argued that failing to balance nutrients from grazing and prevent sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) at turnout can could reduce feed intakes by 5% or more, potentially reducing daily milk yields by up to 2.5 litres/cow.

“Inadequate or poorly formulated buffer rations will disrupt rumen fermenation, undermine feed conversion efficiency and reduce milk from forage,” she said. “The nett result is a reduction in income over feed costs (IOFC) rather than an increase, even if feed costs are cut.”

Butterfats can also be hit hard when fibre digestion in the rumen is compromised, impacting milk value, whilst issues like mastitis and poor fertility will often increase when cows are suffering from SARA.

“Fresh grass is the cheapest feed available on-farm, so make the most of it by building high value buffer feeds that contain the structural and digestible fibre needed for good rumen function,” Ms Ward added.