NFU Scotland

a potent stimulator of an innate immune response, known as Feed-Induced Immune Response (FIIR). They are commonly found in vegetable feed ingredients, such as legumes but also cereals.

“Young chickens are very vulnerable to the ill-effects of FIIR and gut inflammation, and only low β-mannan concentrations are needed (0.20%) to trigger the immune system, making it a common problem in poultry production,” says Mr Kleyn.

He says it’s therefore very important to consider the potential impact of dietary β-mannans, particularly in scenarios where rations are being reformulated with ingredients that may present a higher risk.

“There are tools available to counteract specific issues and while on the face of it they might seem expensive, the return on investment should be weighedup before rejecting their use”.

Dairy and beef producers encouraged to consider crimping cereals

With rising feed costs set to heavily erode production margins this winter, dairy and beef producers with cereals in the ground are being urged to consider crimping crops to maximise nutritional value and dry matter yield.

“Making the most of homegrown feed, whether that be grass, maize or cereals, will be crucial to maintain margin over feed costs this winter,” says Lientjie Colahan, technical sales support at Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

Inflation in agriculture has rocketed to over 30%, the highest level for decades, with dairy businesses hit hardest writes Stranraer dairy farmer Gary Mitchell, chair of NFU Scotland’s Milk Committee. In relation, UK inflation has hit a 40-year high of 9% as cost of food and energy soars. The difference in these two percentage figures is not only significant but should be a warning for all in NFU Scotland the sector and beyond.

I currently receiving the highest milk price this farm has ever seen, but I also have a long list of costs and invoices to match. Feed, fuel, energy and fertiliser have become the industry mantra and added to that list is the issues surrounding labour. Not only has inflation pushed wages up, but training and retention also requires investment.

The recent increase in milk prices is vital to ensure continuation of supply, while also prioritising the highest standards are maintained on farm. And it should not be forgotten by anybody both within and out with the supply chain that, like any business, our key objective is to make a profit…a profit

Uncertainty is not good for business

By Gary Mitchell, Milk Committee Chair Gary Mitchell which allows us to reinvest While farmers are not and meet head on the directly responsible for challenges our industry will setting the shelf price at meet in the short and long retail level, our hands are not term. completely tied. The farming For too long, milk price unions are working tirelessly had been in a period of on this, making it very clear stagnation, but 2022 has to retailers and politicians seen monthly increases both north and south of the across the board, increases border that fairness across that are urgently required. the whole supply chain is a However, I do have concern priority. We need to manage about the disparity of pricing, the pressure that inflation not only the percentage brings and an assurance that levels between the “haves farmers are being supported and the haves nots” but during this challenging time. the timing of milk price In an article written announcements and the by myself as recent as subsequent implementation November 2021, I stated when made. that for too long, 30 pence This is set against a per litre had been seen as backdrop of some reports the great target for dairy suggesting that, at time of farmers. And at that time, I print, spot milk is hitting suggested that 40ppl was 60ppl and milk supply is to be the new 30ppl. A around 2.5% below this time statement that raised an last year. eyebrow amongst many. Milk price at retail level Well, who would have is often used by the media thought how grossly outdate as a barometer of consumer that figure now looks? behaviour, but what is often The biggest challenge forgotten is that we are starting we face going forward is from a very low base, where uncertainty. Uncertainty of historically milk has been sold not only milk price, but input as a loss leader. This needs costs at all stages of the to change, although price supply chain. It is extremely elasticity, the wider economic difficult to make sound factors and the changing business decisions when habits of consumers cannot costs across the board are be ignored. changing daily.

“Crimped cereals are often overlooked, but providing they are handled and ensiled correctly, they are a very good feed option that can bolster the energy content of rations and lower the need for purchased concentrates.

“It also gives the option of baling the straw left behind, and because the crop is harvested earlier than dry grains, the feed value of the straw is increased,” says Mrs Colahan.

Offering a rumen friendly source of starch, Mrs Colahan says crimp is a very safe way to lift the energy content of rations and is a particularly good option in situations where the available silage falls short of energy.

“Some farmers may have made high bulk but lower quality silage. Making up the shortfall in rations with purchased energy is going to be very costly this year and therefore if first-cut grass silage is analysing low in ME, crimped cereals should be considered,” she says. Suitable crops for crimping include maize, barley, wheat, oats, triticale and grains should be harvested at a moisture content of between 25 and 40 percent – typically two to three weeks earlier than conventionally combined cereals. Due to the high moisture, all crimped cereals will need to be treated with an appropriate inoculant to reduce spoilage and nutrient loss.

“Spoilage microorganisms such as yeasts and moulds must be controlled when the crimped grain is fermenting, as well as when it is being fed out, to inhibit them from consuming the valuable nutrients preserved within the clamp,” explains Mrs Colahan.

“Taking control of the fermentation process and microbes that are present is particularly important with crimp, given that starch is an ideal nutrient for spoilage microbes and that it tends to be removed and fed quite slowly,” she adds.

Egg producers encouraged to keep up worming routines

Elanco is offering the industry’s leading in-feed de-wormer, Flubenvet™, at a more costeffective price to help sustain egg producers during a period of unprecedented increase in the cost of production.

According to Elanco’s Jeremy Marsh, with margins at risk, producers are being put in a difficult situation whereby they may feel that they have to compromise on bird health, welfare and productivity. However, he says that overlooking some key areas of routine management, such as worming, could prove false economy and further compound the economic pressure.

“When margins are so heavily squeezed, understandably it’s tempting to cut corners in attempt to