2015 has seen a big variation in maize silage dry matters (DM) with many sub 25% and even some 20%’s! Expensive and technical feeding strategies are then required to make these forages work, sustain fertility and improve rumen function, all at a time when we are seeing enough farm gate risk.
It is well documented that mixed forages boost intake and milk production by as much as 1,100 litres/cow. The following table shows comparable costs of growing each crop and the dry matter yield produced.

Cost of Production:

*Values taken from The Agricultural Budgeting & Costing Book, 2015 & Kingshay 2016

The benefits of wholecrop include reduced harvesting risk, improved crop weather window, lower water table requirement and sufficient sunlight to promote starch ripening. Animal nutrition benefits from higher milk butterfats and improved rumen conditions. Early harvested wholecrop can boost the fermentable fraction (albeit lower in starch values) and complement maize silage.

Late harvested wholecrop can increase fibre and reduce energy levels as required in both dry cow and youngstock rations, with less sorting witnessed.

Triticale particularly suits the dairy farmer calendar and more marginal land parcels. Simple agronomy, good natural resistance to fungal diseases coupled with attractive starch and dry matter yields make triticale an attractive alternative.

Soils are key to all farming profits. Late maize harvest reduces the ability to protect stubble with either a cover crop or new crop. In the future this problem is likely to be policed more. With depressed cereal prices, black grass problems and OSR issues in the arable sector there are opportunities for crops to be grown for the livestock farmer to benefit both sectors.

Next month I will look at the rumen benefits of wholecrop versus a wet maize silage.

For all your dairy nutritional queries please contact Wesley at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.