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INDUSTRY UPDATE AND MARKET OUTLOOK Milk prices may not be destined to reach the dizzying heights of two years ago in the next 12 months but all the indicators suggest that they will reach more sustainable levels (Figure 1). The milk price indicator is based on the futures market for skim and butter and is therefore only a guide. Feed prices are also predicted to be at levels that will allow the increased milk price to generate a sustainable margin. Although the feed index is forecast to rise around £10/t through the winter, the increase in milk price should offset this rise and increase income over feed costs (IOFC).
Figure 2. Wheat, Maize and Soya Futures Markets (Source – Geoglam July 2016)
Wheat USD per tonne
210 190
The feed index is simply calculated from the futures prices for wheat and soya. The rise in the feed index is being driven by a bullish cereals futures market which is set to continue for at least the next 12-14 months. In contrast soya bean meal is at best flat for the winter with futures showing a bearish situation from April onwards (Figure 2). Remember, unless you are locked in to a price for the winter (therefore you are buying on the spot market) this situation can change at any time. In the current situation an extreme rise in the spot markets driven by political uncertainty or extreme weather could potentially wipe out some of the margin created by an improving milk price. The general consensus is at least to secure the energy part of the ration for the coming months.
170 150
31-Aug-16
29-Jul-16
Dec-17
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Oct-16
Nov-16
Sep-16
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Aug-16
130
30-Jun-16
Maize USD per tonne
160 150 140 130
Figure 1. Forecast milk and feed prices
120
Forecast milk price and cost of production
29-Jul-16
Dec-17
Nov-17
Oct-17
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214
20
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208
Soybeans USD per tonne
Feed Index £/T
210
15 10
450 430
205 410
204
5
390
202
0
370
-1 7
350
Ju n
31-Aug-16
29-Jul-16
Dec-17
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Aug-17
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May-17
Apr-17
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Dec-16
Nov-16
Oct-16
IOFC
Sep-16
Jul-16
330
Feed cost/litre
Aug-16
-1 7 M
ay
7
7
r-1 Ap
7 -1
17
16
ar -1 M
Fe b
Ja n-
cDe
t-1 Oc
No v-
6
16
200
ppl
MARKET OUTLOOK
Sep-16
Jul-16
216
25
Pence per litre
110
218
Aug-16
30
30-Jun-16
Feed index
The UK dairy herd grew by 23,000 head last year to 1.92 million on the back of significantly higher numbers of replacement heifers in the system. In the last two years the number of dairy heifers being bred has declined in tandem with less optimism in the dairy sector. As prices improve there will be a demand for replacement stock, a significant proportion of which will be sourced from the continent.
Feed index refers to the cost of 70% wheat and 30% soya Feed cost per litre at 0.35kg/litre IOFC = ppl less feed costs per litre Milk price – Based on future prices of SMP and Butter Source – FC Stone
2
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
The post Brexit drop in the value of the pound against the euro will add somewhere in the region of 20% on to the cost of an imported heifer. On the flip side though there is some good news. The drop in the value of sterling has increased the export of beef and the demand for cattle to slaughter which means the value of cull cows should remain firm. In addition to this the market for beef sired calves from the dairy herd remains optimistic as rearers and finishers predict a reduction in the number of dairy cow slaughtering’s off the back of a period of intensive culling and milk price increases. Hopefully the period of heavy culling we have experienced will result in a healthier and more efficient UK dairy herd going forward, well at least in the medium term.
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
made in early May are of exceptional quality. The poor weather in mid-May however, delayed cutting for many until late May which had serious implications on quality; in many cases over 1.2MJ/kg DM less. Based on a standard DMI of 12kg of DM per day this would equate to a reduction of around 1.5 L of milk per day. The reduced protein levels in these forages may also be an issue. For these two reasons it may be worth considering feeding high protein molasses to provide additional energy and replace sugar lacking in these forages. In addition liquid feeds are a very competitive source of protein. These types of supplementary feed complement maize based diets exceptionally well. One of the most significant shifts in approaches to feeding over the past year has been the introduction of straights and alternative feeds. Moist feeds have been an excellent way to cheapen diets over the summer months but as winter approaches availability is starting to become a problem and prices are heading north. There is no doubting the benefits of having feeds like brewers grains in the diet but as prices firm, issues such as guaranteed availability and losses will bring into question their place in the ration. Custom blends are a simple, reliable and consistent source of nutrients for your cows this winter. Alternative feeds have helped to keep costs under control especially for those dairymen operating a single TMR. In parlour feeding to yield can be equally as effective and combined with a custom blend fed as part of a TMR can help to maintain rumen health.
For the closed herd we need to focus on rearing the correct number of heifers, I visit far too many farms where rearing large numbers of followers has a crippling effect on cash flow. Remember, when milk prices are low, cash is king; valuations will not pay the bills. Age at first calving is also a big issue. The financial burden of rearing replacements, in most situations can be significantly reduced by monitoring heifer growth and getting them calved at 23 months. Every month additional rearing could be costing ÂŁ60/head before taking into account the poorer future potential of older heifers. Only breed what you need to replace to the black and white bull, get the rest in-calf to beef semen. Beef calves can make a significant contribution to the bottom line. Forage quality is likely to have a big effect on milk production in the UK this winter. Early indications suggest that silages
Planning for the year ahead is essential; ask yourself the following questions: 1. What is the potential of my forage? 2. What do I need to supplement it and to achieve my targets? 3. What is the most cost effective approach? 4. Do I need to secure feed for the winter? 5. What is my repro/breeding/replacement policy? 6. Am I effectively rearing my replacements? 7. Have I planned my dry cow strategy? 8. What else can I do to limit the demands for cash on the business? 9. How can I improve the performance of the herd without large capital investments? The Wynnstay team are available to help you answer all these questions and help monitor performance on farm. The success of your business is of paramount importance to Wynnstay.
Dr. Huw McConochie
Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk @HuwMcConochie
3
MARKET OUTLOOK
With autumn upon us one of the major challenges will be to not disregard the requirements of the freshly calved cow. In my opinion, freshly calved cows should be housed on full winter diets while later lactation in-calf cows should be making efficient use of autumn grass with appropriate supplementation. Keeping freshly calved cows out will save you money in the short term but definitely lose you money, health and fertility in the longer term.
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DAIRY TECHNICAL SERVICE METRICS UPDATE AND TESTIMONIALS Since the last Dairy Newsletter the Dairy Technical Services Team have been busy on farm collecting data for each farm’s personal DTSmetrics® report which farmers receive after every monthly visit. We now have well over 170 sets of farm data and have been creating benchmarking figures for all our dairy customers who use this service to monitor non-nutritional factors that influence herd performance. As with any data collection, the more data collected the more reliable the conclusions drawn from it, an, as with many things a lot of the problems experienced on farm are all too familiar.
Fresh cows in the top 25% farms have a dung score of three with almost equal numbers of rumen fill three and four pointing towards good fresh cow rumen health. Cow lying times for the top quartile are at 13.2 hours, again more than half are found lying with a quarter of the fresh cow group cudding. The percentage of cows cudding appears to be a poor indicator of rumen health. The bottom quartile suffer from 20% of their fresh cow group being thin, again this seems to follow on from having too many thin cows in the transition group. Correct diet for the cows during transition and fresh cow, late lactation stages is so important – body condition score has a knock on effect whether positive or negative. The top 25% of farms all push up feed five times a day or feed in bunks and have low TMR temperatures throughout the year. This suggests good maintenance of pit faces and management of feed and mixing. Locomotion, lameness and digital dermatitis are a constant battle on all farms – if the dry cows are suffering then this will transfer in to the milking cow herd. A good footbathing protocol and hoof care strategy is a must for both dry and milking cows. To access the DTSmetrics® service, locomotion scoring service or to monitor the performance of your heifers with calf metrics, please contact one of the team.
DTS METRICS®
The top 25% percent of our farms are producing on average 30.5 L per day. One of the main characteristics of these herds is ample feed space (>1m) and a large bedded area for the transition cows. This translates through to the majority of cows having a rumen fill of four with more than half lying down at time of inspection. Our bottom quartile of farms have a few fat transition cows but interestingly a high percentage of thin transition cows which results in inadequate condition in early lactation. The main driver of this tends to be lameness and the fact that cows, especially grazing cows, have been underfed in mid to late lactation in the past six months as producers attempt to reduce costs.
Locomotion, lameness and digital dermatitis are a constant battle on all farms
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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
The following is an example report. If you would like a member of the Dairy Technical Services Team to visit your farm and produce reports such as this one, please contact our Dairy Project Manager, Nadine Pilkington.
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
DTSMETRICS® ON FARM REPORTING
An example of the conclusions drawn from a Wynnstay DTSmetrics® report:
Date................................
Farm................................
Cows in Milk
Cows in Milk
Dry Cows
Dry
Fresh
Cows Calved
Transition cows:
Waste Milk
Over conditioned cows are at greater risk of sub clinical ketosis. According to Dick Esselmont each case of sub clinical ketosis equates to a loss in revenue of £695 through increases in transitional disease, poor fertility and reduced production. These losses can be reduced by up to 74% with appropriate intervention. Cows calving down with BCS greater than three are more likely to lose in excess of one BCS post calving and have greater negative energy balance post calving.
Bedded Area/Stalls
L Sold
Dry
Fresh
Standing Fresh Standing Dry
Feed Space
Time to milking
Dry
Fresh
Cows milked/hr
Comments:
Milkings/day
The wet weather and formulation of the diet is hampering intakes. Over conditioned cows at calving and poor DMI will cause transitional problems.
Rumen Fill Transition 1
Actions:
2
3
4
Rumen Fill Fresh 5
1
2
3
4
5
Considering the magnitude of losses associated with ketosis it is well worth adopting the recommended dry cow diet.
Transition Rumen Fill
BCS Transition
Dung Quality 1
2
3
4
5
Fat
BCS Fresh
OK
OK
Thin
3.32
% Fat Transition Cows
Push TMR Temp Ups/Day
Cows Times Fed Cows Lying Cudding
Dry Fresh Dry Fresh Dry Fresh Dry Fresh Dry Fresh
34.38 Financial implications of age at first calving Nadine Pilkington
Dairy Project Manager t: 01691 827 145 nadine.pilkington@wynnstay.co.uk
£12,515 £1,372 Additional rearing costs at current AFC
Additional heifers reared to achieve 86%survivability at 5 years
Additional breeding costs to get older heifers pregnant
5
DTS METRICS®
£33,457
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NON-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS; ARE WE PROVIDING OUR COWS WITH THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT? Day in day out I put together ration after ration, designed to try and maximise milk production, health and fertility. In reality there is very little variation in the nutrient profile of these diets. Although the forage quality between farms vary, the biggest likely cause of variation will be the environment, management or the non-nutritional factors associated with the cows’ environment.
The time spent away from the stall and feed can be greatly reduced by matching group size to parlour capacity. On twice a day milking, group size should be no more than twice the hourly capacity of the parlour and on thrice a day milking no more than one times. Segregating cows for routine vet checks or treatments can have a big effect on time budgets. Although headlocks are a great management tool and can help reduce the need to segregate cows, time spent in a lockup should be limited to one hour per day.
Bach’s Non-Nutritional Factors It is now seven years since Alex Bach (2008) characterised the most influential non-nutritional factors that accounted for over half the variation in milk production level between herds fed the same diet and of similar genetic merit. However, most dairies are still not recognising these factors as being significant and thus not applying management changes to address them.
Ideally heifers should be grouped separately to cows. In mixed groups, the performance of heifers is compromised more than mature cows at higher stocking rates. As stocking rate increases the difference between the performance of heifers and cows also increases. When heifers are grouped separately, feeding times, meals per day, lying times, lying periods, DMI and milk yield will all increase.
According to Bach the following factors had the biggest effect on milk yield variation: 1.
Age at first calving
2.
Presence or absence of feed refusals
3.
Number of push-ups per day
4.
Stalls per cow
Figure 3. 24-hour time budget of a dairy cow
These factors explained 56% of the variation in milk yield between herds; a staggering 32% was attributed to stocking density of the herds. The majority of these non-nutritional factors have one thing in common. They directly or indirectly affect the time budget of the cow and influence the time spent lying down producing milk. Figure 1. is the target time budget of a dairy cow. A cow’s time budget will come under pressure if she spends more than 2.5-3 hours away from the pen and feed. In a research study, cows were kept away from the pen and feed for three hours instead of six hours per day. When the time away from the pen and feed was halved the cows gained two hours of resting time and 2 L of milk. Heifers gained a staggering five hours of resting time and nearly 4 L of milk. Lame cows identified as having a locomotion score of three and above are even less tolerant of time away from the pen and feed. For these cows milk yield will begin to decline after just half an hour away from the pen and feed.
•
5.0 h/d eating
•
12-14 h/d lying (resting)
•
2.0-3.0 h/d standing, walking, grooming, agonistic, idling
•
0.5 h/d drinking
•
20.5-21.5 h/d total needed
•
2.5-3.5 h “milking” = 24
h/d
Creating a well designed feeding area
ENVIRONMENT
Trough design, feed availability, feeding times, feed space and diet composition will all effect milk yield. However, there is an interesting dynamic between lying times, eating times and DMI which is often not taken into account. A cow will sacrifice one minute of eating time for every 3.5 minutes of resting time lost. They will stand waiting for a stall rather than go and eat. Based on this principle we can calculate the effect this has on DMI. In a 24 hour period we would like our cows to eat an average of 24kg of DM. That equates to an eating rate of 80g/minute of DMI in the five hour time budget available. A loss of an hour lying time would equate to a loss of 1.4kg DMI worth quite easily 2+ L of milk per cow per day. Getting lying times and eating times working in harmony can only be achieved if the cows have adequate space to lie down, on comfortable beds and have adequate time to do so. Optimal DMI can only be achieved if again the cow has ample space, in a well-designed feeding area, serviced with regular and adequate feed deliveries and push-ups.
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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
Stocking rates A stocking rate of greater than 120% has been shown to limit the performance of the dairy cow, and have a greater detrimental effect on the performance of heifers. Higher stocking rates can be tolerated if cows and heifers are in separate groups or if fresh cows are kept in a separate group. Stocking rates greater than 120%, especially for freshly calved cows will result in increased rates of displacements, reduced lying times, faster eating rate, reduced rumination, increased idle time spent standing in alleys.
Stall design and stall surface will have a bearing on lying times. Lying times can be increased by selecting the right kind of stall base as outlined in Table 2. Depth of bedding has a profound effect on lying times; basically the more you put on the longer the cows will lie down and the more time they will have for eating. Feeding frequencies greater than twice daily reduce lying times. Stall dimensions and design are also important, most common mistakes are length of bed, especially where the stalls are placed against a wall, neck rail height and brisket board height. From a management point of view maintaining stall fill especially in deep bedded systems is a common fault.
The stocking rate of the stalls should not be considered independently of the feed space availability. For example, 100% stocking in a three row barn is already overstocking the feed bunk or barrier by 33% based on a feed space requirement of two feet per cow. In situations where the feed fence is overstocked a number of measures can be taken to limit the negative effect.
Finally, empathy and gentle handling of the cows is essential. Aggressive handling and vocalisation has a negative effect on milk yield and residual milk at milking time.
Allowing cows to move directly back from the parlour post milking to a feed fence that has been fed up during milking will significantly improve the situation. Quite simply this results in stocking rate pressure at the feed fence being more staggered. As the last of the cows to be milked are coming out of the parlour the first cows out will be close to finishing eating and will have gone to lie down.
Interestingly most of the points and recommendations covered in this article do not involve a large amount of capital expenditure to implement but will result in healthier, more productive cows.
Design features Increasing the frequency of push-ups during day light hours will stimulate the cow to eat and increase DMI. The biggest motivators of DMI are time of day and milking. For this reason it is essential that feed is available to the cows as they return from milking. More importantly ensuring that there is sufficient fresh feed at the feed bunk at dawn and just before dusk. During the morning feed cows can eat anywhere between 35-60% of daily feed requirement. There is no benefit from feeding cow more than twice per day. It is also important to remember that cows are herd animals and do like to eat as a herd. Other design features which will promote DMI include a smooth surface to the feed bunk, a feeding level of four to six inches above ground level, a feed rail 1.5m high, set 30 degrees forward over a dwarf wall 0.5m high.
Comparison of sand stalls with other stall base types as % occupied, % lying, and Comfort Index (CCI) (Wagner-Storch et al., 2003). Percent Occupied (Ranking) Percent Lying (Ranking)
CCI (Ranking)
Sand
79% (3)
69% (1)
88% (1)
Foam Mattress
88% (1)
65% (2)
85% (2)
Rubber crumb mat
84% (2)
57% (3)
68% (4)
Waterbed
62% (5)
45% (4)
74% (3)
Solid rubber mat
65% (4)
33% (5)
51% (6)
Concrete & Sawdust
39% (6)
23% (6)
59% (5) Dr. Huw McConochie
Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk @HuwMcConochie
7
ENVIRONMENT
Stall Base Type
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IN REALITY GOOD PERFORMANCE IS A SIMPLE BALANCE Dairymen, nutritionists and consultants understand that high starch levels in the diet will lead to high production. Starch and milk production are closely intertwined because starch is associated with propionate, propionate is a precursor for glucose, glucose produces lactose and lactose give milk volume. As you can see from Table 1 as forage to grain ratio declines propionate production increases. Our interest in high starch diets is due to our desire to emulate the way US cows are fed with large quantities of Corn silage and corn products. This obviously makes it difficult to feed anything other than a high starch diet. Recommendations for dietary starch levels in the US are between 23-30%; can we achieve this in the UK on grass based diets without resorting to feeding high levels of wheat based products? In most cases the answer will probably be no, and if we are trying to achieve it we are more than likely affecting the health and performance of our cows. It is not that wheat is bad it’s just that we have to be mindful of how we put the diet together and how we can process wheat in order to reduce the risk. Alternatives to straight wheat are obviously the solution and starch sources with lower acid loads (Table 2.)
NEW
“BALANCED” RANGE of DAIRY COMPOUNDS & Bespoke Blends
NOW available
Table 2: Acid load index of some common feed ingredients Ingredient
Acid Load
Fibre Index
Wheat
114
13
67
16
Sugar BP
63
44
Cracked Maize
56
14
Crimped Maize
55
14
Soya Hulls
18
83
19
112
Silage good
45
184
Silage poor
35
245
Maize Silage
42
135
Lucerne Haylage
37
127
Caustic
NUTRITION
Brewers
Acetate
Propionate
Butyrate
100:0 75:25 50:50 40:60 20:80
71.4 68.2 65.3 59.8 53.6
16.0 18.1 18.4 25.9 30.6
7.9 8.0 10.4 10.2 10.7
So what is different in the US? Wheat based products have a tremendous acid loading on the rumen, in fact 5 times greater than Corn silage. On the forage front Corn silage and Alfalfa silage/haylage have half the acid loading of grass silage. The grain products used also have lower acid load potential; ground ear maize, crimped maize and ground maize all have half the acid load of rolled wheat (table 2). It’s not difficult to see how dietary starch levels of between 23-30% are achievable in US based dairy diets and less so achievable in the UK.
Table 1. Effect of forage:grain ratio on molar proportions of volatile fatty acids Forage: Grain
Chasing high dietary starch levels with the kind of feeds we have available to us in the UK can be dangerous to the health and productivity of the cow. Increasing the acid load in the rumen will cause sub-acute ruminal acidosis and potentially lead to increased lameness and mastitis incidence rates, a decline in
8
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
milk quality and a reduction in intake and fibre digestion. The latter two issues give us a small clue on how we can achieve equal performance on lower dietary starch levels. Our desire for high energy dense diets drives people down the road of high starch levels, and yes it is correct to say that starch digestibility is twice that of NDF yet in reality we never really see this magnitude of response in performance. Using M/D as a measure of a diets ability to produce milk is misguided and dangerous; since when do rumen microbes care about ME? The rumen microbes care only about one thing and that is having an environment where they can efficiently carry out the fermentation of fibre and other carbohydrates for the production of VFA’s and microbial protein. Firkins et al., (2001), Beckman and Weiss (2005) and Fanning et al., (2002) showed that increasing the level of starch in the diet or increasing its availability increases the probability of negative effects on NDF digestion. Increasing starch to a level where it begins to depress rumen pH will affect dry matter intake (DMI) and energy intake.
TOP TERMS
Propionate – A volatile fatty acid primarily produced from the fermentation of non-fibre carbohydrates. in calves propionic acid increases the length of the rumen papillae. Volatile fatty acids are an energy source for the cow and propionate propionate is especially needed as a precursor for glucose.
Luckily starch is not everything but it appears that the level of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) or non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC) is. The optimal level of NFC/NSC appears to be in the region of 30% to 45%, diets falling outside these targets result in reduced milk yield (Nocek and Russell, 1988; Hoover and Stokes, 1991; Batajoo and Shaver, 1994). At the higher end of these targets though it would be advisable under UK conditions to keep starch levels below 20%. In the states researches have demonstrated that this can be done without any impact on milk production (Boddugari et al., 2001 Ipharraguerre and Clark, 2003). So in reality the bottom line is quite simple reduce starch but be sure to maintain NFC/NSC with a balance of cereals and other NFC sources.
green maize crops and Lactic acid contributing to propionate production. At Wynnstay we place great emphasis on balance and for this reason have brought out the new Balanced range of dairy compounds and bespoke blends. The formulations are designed to achieve a target starch level of 40-50% of the NFC depending on forage quality and availability. These compounds promote and enhance rumen health, DMI and milk quality as well as fertility and health by delivering a balanced supply of fermentable carbohydrates and proteins to the rumen.
So how do we achieve this? NFC/NSC other than starch include things like sugars, pectins, non-forage NDF/digestible fiber and beta-glucans; more specifically these include feeds like sugar beet pulp, brewers grains, soya hulls and distillers grains all of which have lower acid load values than rolled wheat. All of these feed ingredients have been shown to be effective replacements for starch in dairy cow diets. Interestingly when the level of starch in the diet is reduced and replaced with other sources of NFC/NSC the digestibility of the diet will also be reduced however, something amazing happens – the cows actually increase their DMI, rumen pH increases, fiber digestion improves, health improves and so does milk quality and volume. This has been demonstrated in numerous studies (Boddugari et al., 2001, Mills and Grant, 2002, Ipharraguerre et al., 2002).
To discuss the wider benefits of the Wynnstay Balanced range of feeds contact one of our Dairy Specialists. Dr. Huw McConochie
Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk @HuwMcConochie
So in reality it is all about balance, especially under UK conditions where we have additional acid load from wet grass silages and
9
NUTRITION
The flagship balanced diet “Cheesemaker” contains high levels of DUP to boost the supply of metabolizable protein to the small intestine coupled with higher energy for boosting milk protein. The Extra Balance range contains the added benefits of Biotin and Protected fat; the complete solution for silage and concentrate systems. The Eagle range of balanced diets have all the nutritional benefits of Extra Balance but without the added protected fat and biotin. Perfect for those dairymen including minerals and protected fat in a partial TMR.
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RETHINKING THE ROLE OF FIBRE TO IMPROVE PROFITABILITY OF DAIRY FARMS The faster the process can happen, the more energy can be extracted from feed, but digestion of low calorific value feed takes energy without yielding any. With ever increasing pressure on farm margins, coupled with increased bought in feed costs, maybe now more than ever is a time to look again at the role of effective fibre and NDF in rations to improve on farm profitability. Effective fibre is defined as any particle that has a physical structure, seen broadly as forage particles that lend themselves to the formation of the rumen matt and stimulating rumination. Under current rationing mindsets, it is a fine balance between having sufficient effective fibre and providing too much fibre, being detrimental to energy intake and therefore milk yield. Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) is a measurement of structural elements of a feed, the Lignin, Cellulose and Hemicellulose. This is our best attempt at chemically assessing the fibre provision of a ration but in practice it has many limitations. Within the measurements of NDF, there are huge variables in digestibility, passage rate and palatability, all affecting the energy output and rumination output of a feed.
dairy diets. Alternatively, if ration digestibility can be increased, rumination effectively has less to do to extract the energy from feeds, making it possible to increase dry matter intake (DMI). Studies have found a correlation between long fibre intake and rumination time, supporting the theory that it takes more rumination to break down long forage fibres, with cows spending more time ruminating and less time eating.
The rate of passage of feedstuffs through the rumen is a limiting factor to milk production. The faster the process can happen, the more energy can be extracted from feed, but digestion of low calorific value feed takes energy without yielding any. Highly lignified, straw like feedstuffs can be seen as the celery of
Work by Welch et al (1986) displayed that fibre particle size had no effect on the function of fibre, but specific gravity did. The specific gravity is thought to affect the ability of that fibre to form part of the rumen mat, or to sink to the bottom- it is effectively a matter of buoyancy.
NUTRITION
Rumination centres on the formation of a rumen matt. The basic principle is that the fibre element of the ration forms a raft that floats on top of a rumen liquor, with gases excreted collecting on top for expulsion. Rumination and cudding breaks down the fibres, so rumen microflora can break down fibres further, releasing carbohydrates and proteins inside. Particles that exit the rumen into the omasum can be up to 5cm, but are typically 1cm in diameter (Welch et al 1986) Maximising the throughput of this process provides huge opportunity for improved efficiency.
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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
Rumination
Compact feeding
Rumination is the muscular contractions by the rumen that are the key function needed for rumens to intake, process and excrete and maximising this function is often seen as one of the main reasons for fibre provision in rations. Neural control of this process is done predominantly by stimulation of low and high tension receptors. The low threshold stretch receptors are stimulated at 4mm Hg to increase rumination, and the high threshold stretch receptors are stimulated at 20mm Hg to reduce rumination. There is secondary touch stimulation only by the entrance to rumen to generate an uplift in digesta towards the entrance. With this in mind, it would seem it is rumen tension, not ‘scratch factor’ that has the most significance in stimulating rumination, therefore the provision of low digestibility forages to aid rumination simply maintains tension by staying in the rumen matt for longer. The downside of this increased rumen retention is that it effectively reduces the capacity of the rumen, limiting forage intakes and jeopardising maximum profitability.
This theory is already well practised in parts of Europe that have a similar climate and forage base to the UK. In Demark, they have called it Compact Feeding, a system where concentrates are wetted, forages heavily processed and a mix fed to the cows that more resembles a moist feed than a TMR. The advantages are there to be had, with zero sorting, healthy rumination and forage intakes that no other system can get close to. No sorting leads to more consistent intakes, less time pushing feed up and the opportunity to get refusals to below 2%, with rations at 35% dry matter, smooth to the touch and ball up when squeezed. Cows just eat it up, without nosing through it, spending less lime at the feed fence and have higher intakes. After two years on this system, dairies have reported higher milk yields and herd health improvements. Full implementation of this system has its drawbacks, but we can use theories that this system proves to enhance our nutrition in the UK. In conclusion, more research is needed into the role of fibre, the true cost of sorting and the best chop length for UK rations. That said, there is evidence that many common practices in the UK are leading to inefficiency, ration sorting and holding dairy profitability back. A holistic approach to fibre provision in rations is recommended. Rumination is stimulated by rumen tension predominantly and there is a need to look beyond the total NDF in the ration, with digestibility of NDF being far more important. By increasing ration digestibility and reducing particle size, gross NDF targets can be raised, leading to higher forage intakes, less sorting and more profitable milk production at no detriment to cow health.
Rumen Degradability
We should not look at NDF levels alone, in the ration or particle length, or indeed digestibility, but all in combination. Theoretically, the suggestion is to reduce particle size and make the most digestible forages as possible, but if that was done without full consideration, poor rumen health and depressed milk fats may occur. If a holistic approach to this concept was taken however, it certainly could be successful. If balanced correctly, full consideration of the digestibility of NDF could lead to lower energy density rations that achieve higher intakes providing greater returns for the farmer.
Mark Price
Dairy & Youngstock Specialist m: 07876 824 314 e: mark.price@wynnstay.co.uk @m_priceo
11
NUTRITION
If the above theories are accepted, then adding low digestibility feedstuffs to aid rumination is a false economy. Digestibility of NDF is an important parameter of forage quality because forage NDF varies widely in its degradability in the rumen (Allen et at 1996). NDF digestibility influences animal performance as excess dietary NDF can limit voluntary feed intake because of physical fill in the rumen, basically she gets full so stops eating. The easier rumination can hydrolyse NDF particles, the faster and more complete fibre degradation may be, leading to higher intakes of forage. So more digestible, shorter chopped forage will provide a higher gross NDF over a time period and yield more energy.
www.wynnstaydairy.uk
DON’T FLUKE ABOUT THIS WINTER! Liver fluke is a parasitic disease which infects both sheep and cattle. It is estimated to cost the cattle industry £23 million (1) annually. Liver fluke has a rather complex lifecycle which needs an intermediate host, such as the mud snail, to complete its lifecycle. As well as the mud snail, it needs suitable weather conditions, such as adequate rainfall and an ambient temperature of 10°C and above. Cattle shed the infected eggs through their faeces onto the pasture; here the eggs then develop into miracidium and search for the intermediate host, the mud snail. The miraciduim have a short window of opportunity of a few hours to search and attach itself to the mud snail. Over a period of 6 weeks, the miracidium continue to develop within the snail and eventually cercaria is released between August to October, dependent on the weather and temperature being favourable. Cercaria have an incubation period of approximately 5-7 weeks where they then progress to metacercaria, (the infective stage) which cattle ingest while grazing. These have the ability to survive on pasture for up to several months. Once ingested, the metacercaria develop within the small intestine and migrate through the bile ducts from early immature (1-5 weeks after ingestion), then to immature fluke (6-9 weeks) and finally to egg laying adults (10-12 weeks) shedding their eggs onto pasture via faeces, completing the lifecycle. Preventing liver fluke is somewhat tricky; farm history, weather conditions and geographical location all play a vital role in controlling fluke. Incorporating management practices such as fencing off any wet areas, adequate drainage in fields to help eliminate the mud snail and liming around water troughs where it has become wet and poached. The use of appropriate flukicides will also be paramount.
Fasinex 240 is highly effective against all stages of fasciola
The product of choice I would recommend for cows at drying off and housing for young stock is fasinex 240. This is an oral solution containing triclabendazole. Fasinex 240 is highly effective against all stages of fasciola from 2 week old early immature forms to adult fluke. Fasinex 240 can be given to young and pregnant cattle, if not producing milk or intended to produce milk for human consumption.
In severe fluke infestations, clinical signs include loss of milk production by as much as 8%(2). A cow producing on average 8,000 L per lactation can decrease by as much as 640 L. How much would 640 L cost your business at 20 pence per litre (price dependent on milk processor)? - That’s per cow! Over 100 cows, that’s a potential loss of £12,800.
To ensure administration of a correct dose, bodyweight should be determined as accurately as possible. Accuracy of the dosing device should be checked. Animals who are to be treated collectively rather than individually they should be grouped according to their bodyweight and dosed accordingly in order to avoid under or over dosing.
ANIMAL HEALTH
Fluke also has a knock-on effect towards fertility and is shown to delay first oestrus by 39 days(3). This can cost £3.09/head/ day(4). Using the 100 cow example, £3.09 x 39 x 100 = £12,051. In growing cattle, live weight can decrease between 0.07kg/ week and 1.2kg/week depending on the level of burden. However weighing the milking cows is a rarity. If you are aiming to calve down by 24 months, are you achieving this?
Fasinex 240 is given once. The administration may be given several weeks or months after first treatment, depending on the epidemiological situation. In case of acute fasciolosis, treat immediately then repeat 4-6 weeks later. Where cattle are inwintered, a single dose of fasinex 240 should be given 2 weeks after housing.
There are different means of testing to see if fluke is present within a herd. One way is through Coproantigen. This detects fluke proteins secreted in the faeces of the animal, which are only produced by live fluke. However, post mortem and abattoir reports are a more positive indicator if liver fluke is present, which will alert you to revise your treatment strategy.
The recommended dose rate is 5ml per 100kg bodyweight. The withdrawal period is 52 days for meat. Milk for human consumption may only be taken after 48 hours of calving. Not
12
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
intended for the use within 48 days of calving, should a cow calve earlier than 48 days after last treatment, milk for human consumption may only be taken from 50 days after the last treatment. If you would like to speak to someone about fluke and the use of flukicides please contact a member of the Wynnstay team. So remember: The couple of pounds you invest on treating your dry cows or heifers once housed can pay dividends later on.
Life cycle of the Liver Fluke
Metacercariae (On Grass)
Eggs (Eggs Shed 8-12 Weeks After Infection)
Miracidium (10-12 Days)
Cercaria
Mud Snail
MINIMUM PERIOD FOR WHOLE LIFE CYCLE = 5 months 1. HCC WALES 2. Merial Animal Health, Don’t let fluke stop you getting results, 2000 3. M.C Lopez-Diaz et al, Theriogenelogy, 1998 4. Blowey 2015 5. Merial animal health
Sandy Wilson
Calf Specialist m: 07879 841 672 e: sandy.wilson@wynnstay.co.uk @petticoatcalves
13
ANIMAL HEALTH
(5-7 Weeks)
www.wynnstaydairy.uk
HIGH CALF GROWTH RATES BRING BIG BENEFITS With 15 heifer calves born a week, ensuring high growth rates and healthy calves is a key priority for a major Pembrokeshire dairy unit. Changing pre-weaning calf management to optimise growth rates is beginning to make a big difference to the 670 cow herd at Sealyham farm in Pembrokeshire. Since switching to a system based on the LifeStart principles, calves are growing at more than 1kg/day and mortality has fallen. With all heifer calves retained as herd replacements for the 670 strong Holstein herd averaging 11,000 L, and expected to calve in at 24 months old, Roland George knows he has to hit growth rate targets from day one. “Rearing replacements is a major cost of milk production, and one we want to minimise,” Roland comments. “This does not mean doing it on the cheap. Rather it is about doing it properly, ensuring calves are healthy and grow consistently so we can serve them at 13 – 14 months and calve them down at the target bodyweight at 22 – 24 months old.” Central to the system is ensuring new born and pre-weaning calves get off to the best start and for the last six months Roland has been working with Wynnstay Feeds Senior Calf Specialist Rebecca Richards to implement a new feeding system developed by Trouw Nutrition which focusses on optimising pre-weaning performance.
Bull calves are sold as soon as possible after birth, usually within the first week, leaving calf rearer Kirie Horsell able to focus on the heifers. All calves receive four L of colostrum immediately after birth. To ensure only good quality colostrum is fed, it is all tested using a colostrometer with any excess good quality colostrum frozen for use where the supply is sub-standard. Calves receive colostrum for 3-4 days before moving onto milk replacer. The change from colostrum to milk powder is managed carefully to ensure a smooth transition.
“In recent years it has become clear that nutrition and management in early life can have long-term effects on lactation performance,” explains Georgina Thomas, Ruminant Technical Manager with Trouw Nutrition GB who have developed the LifeStart approach. “We have carried out a wide ranging review whilst undertaking significant new research and now know a great deal more about why this is and how farmers can influence the performance of their herd.
YOUNGSTOCK
“The outcome is our LifeStart programme which combines advice on management protocols with a new approach to the formulation of calf milk replacers which together can make full use of the potential the calf has, nurturing them so they achieve higher growth rates in a healthy way.”
Nutrition and management in early life can have longterm effects on lactation performance
14
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
Ms Thomas says numerous trials show that increasing nutrient supply from birth until weaning results in increased first lactation milk yields ranging from 300-1300kg. “This early benefit is a one-off opportunity. If you want to exploit the genetic potential of the cow you must feed calves well in the pre-weaning stage.”
Feed rate is increased to six L per day at 175g replacer per litre and over a two week period builds up to eight L/day at 175g/litre. Calves continue to have access to straw in racks, to concentrate and fresh water.
If you want to exploit the genetic potential of the cow you must feed calves well in the pre-weaning stage
Weaning is on a step-down approach starting at around 56 days old with calves more than doubling birth weight at weaning. While weaning is usually based on age, calves will be kept on the machine longer as required. Weaning typically takes approximately 14 days. At weaning calves will be consuming 3.5kg concentrate on average. Monitoring of performance is central to the system. Temperatures will be taken from 10-12 calves daily to monitor health, while the automated feeder flags up calves not drinking on an ‘alarm list’ which means they can be checked and temperatures taken as required. A representative subset of calves is regularly weighed at three week intervals using a weigh band
She stresses it is not just a case of feeding more, pointing out that it is important to understand what the calf will require and when. She also emphasises that overall management must also be of high order if the results are to be achieved. “The LifeStart programme places great emphasis on the five ‘C’s of calf rearing – colostrum, cleanliness, comfort, calories and consistency. Calves must receive sufficient high quality colostrum quickly and must be kept in a clean, comfortable environment to help reduce challenges that might negatively affect growth. Calves then need to be fed a high quality milk replacer consistently in order to deliver the calories necessary for optimum growth.”
Post weaning calves move into straw bedded groups fed on adlib haylage and Start N Wean. At five months old they are transferred to the heifer rearing unit on another farm, and return to Sealyham just before calving. “The LifeStart system involves feeding a higher rate of milk replacer but the benefits are seen in improved growth rates,” comments Rebecca Richards. “Calves are now averaging 1.2kg/ day liveweight gain pre-weaning.
Following discussions with Rebecca Richards, Roland George switched to Wynngold Turbo Start milk replacer, a highly digestible whey based milk powder which has been specially formulated to comply with the LifeStart concept. For the first two weeks of life calves are individually housed and bucket fed twice a day. Each feed is two L containing 160g milk replacer/litre. As soon as calves are consuming this volume easily, they are increased to three L per feed at the same concentration. They are offered clean water, chopped straw and Wynnstay Start N Wean, an 18% calf rearer nut containing NIS. Calves also receive Halocur once a day for seven days to prevent cryptosporidiosis.
Roland George is optimistic the new regime will bring big benefits. “Calves are certainly healthier with improved vitality since we changed the system. Growth rates have certainly improved and the number of injections we are now giving to help control disease and keep calves healthy has reduced dramatically. “With Heifer rearing the second highest cost of dairy farming, a focus on maximising genetic potential could help to reduce the indirect costs of sub-optimal milk production whilst increasing herd productivity.”
At two weeks old calves are moved into groups of 15, housed on straw. Calves are bedded daily. They are grouped by age and will remain in the same groups throughout the system. The groups are machine fed replacer using Holm & Laue 100 Automatic feeding machines.
Many thanks to British Dairying for supplying this article.
15
YOUNGSTOCK
“Mortality has also reduced and over the last 12 months has been below 5%, meaning more, heavier heifers are moved to the rearing unit.”
www.wynnstaydairy.uk
SUCCESS AT HOME FARM Mark Evans and his two sons Rhodri and Steffan run a beef farm in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. Rhodri is a student at Harper Adams University and is currently in New Zealand on his gap year while Steffan is at home and plays an important role in the running of the beef farm. For years the family reared bought in calves comprising of Belgian Blues, Friesian Bulls, Aberdeen Angus Steers and Herefords in pens of five, on a milk bar. This was a labour intensive method and with calves in several different sheds it meant there was a lot of carrying buckets and rushing to get everything fed in time. Twice a day feeding was also a real tie, as somebody always had to be home in time for the afternoon feeding.
fed four times a day by the machine. “Little and often has proved better for the calves than twice a day and the alarm list allows us to pick up on any potential illnesses before clinical signs appear. The alarm list will tell you when something hasn’t drunk whereas with the old system, we wouldn’t have access to this information
We pick things up much sooner now that we are able to use our time more efficiently. Sometimes we will just pop into the shed at night to make sure everything’s ok. It’s a much better environment for the calves, especially with having the new lights and better ventilation in the shed.” Growth rates have also improved since purchasing the machine. “We will be finishing our first batch of calves reared on the machine, in March 2016. We are confident that we will be able to finish them around 2 – 3 weeks earlier”. Weaning on the machine is also much easier. “We’ve noticed that as the milk starts to tail off, dry feed consumption increases rapidly”.
YOUNGSTOCK
In 2013 a new shed was built to house beef calves through to weaning, the H&L 100 was also purchased to make feeding calves a little easier. “Having the machine has allowed us to utilise our time more efficiently instead of rushing to get everything done”. Now instead of rushing to get all the calves done Mark and Steffan can rest assured knowing that the calves are being
The calves are receiving 6L a day of Wynngold Bloom milk powder at a rate of 150g/litre but during the winter months it is increased to 175g/litre. The family currently have three feed stations on the machine and will keep approximately 45 calves on milk. Mark is keen not to overcrowd the feed stations and will look at purchasing an additional feed stall in 2016 to increase beef numbers.
Growth rates have improved since purchasing the H&L 100 milk feeding machine
Rebecca Davies
Senior Calf Specialist m: 07881 093 633 rebecca.davies@wynnstay.co.uk @richardscalf1
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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
4SQUARE HOOFCARE UPDATE Since the formation of the Dairy Technical Services Team in March of 2015, an on farm service of both Locomotion and Digital Dermatitis scoring has been offered to farmers. trimmer to limit the impact in areas such a yield and fertility. This figure has dropped from 14%.
Following an assessment of the herd, a full report is produced to show the impact that lameness is having within the herd, both physically and financially. Along with the report, a detailed trim list is also produced to highlight animals that should be presented to a foot trimmer as either a preventative or curative measure. The Dairy Technical Services Team has scored in excess of 10,000 dairy cows collectively on a monthly basis. Of the cows scored, 10% were deemed to be of score three, which is classed as mildly lame, these should be seen by a foot trimmer as a preventative measure before it begins to impact on performance. This figure has dropped from 14% since our last update.
The reduction in lame cows amongst the farms we score shows that with correct identification and trimming protocols, locomotion scoring can have a positive effect on farm which all helps to add to the profitability of a herd. It is important to address both lameness and digital dermatitis before heifers enter the milking herd. The correct nutrition and 3;2312016 Locomotion Economics trimming regime can aid the control of the disease before heifers calve. Economic Results The prevalence of lameness in a herd is revealed through locomotion scoring. Even seemingly minor changes in the average locomotion score result in significant profit potential.
If you are interested in learning more about how Locomotion or # of Cows Digital Dermatitis improve performance on your Locomotion Scores: Scoring can help Target% Scored % of Herd 65 103 the Dairy Locomotion Score 1 contact a member of 33.77 farm, please Technical Services 20.66 10 63 Locomotion Score 2 Team. 15 35 11.48 Locomotion Score 3
A total of 11% of the animals seen were given a score of four or five, which would require immediate action to be taken by a foot
64
20.98
10
40
13.11
0
Average Locomotion Score
2.59
1.70
Average Daily Milk Loss(kg/cow)
1.52
Locomotion Score 4
Locomotion Score 5 BAD EXAMPLE LOCO SCORING
305
Total Cows Scored
Locomotion Economics
Economic Results
23/3/2016
Average Daily Milk Loss(kg/group)
464.22
Lost Revenue(GB Sterling/day/group)
102.12
Lost Revenue(GB Sterling/year/group)
37,277.28
The prevalence of lameness in a herd is revealed through locomotion scoring. Even seemingly minor changes in the average locomotion score result in significant profit potential. 32,500------Name of operation: Example Locomotion Scores: Locomotion Score 1 Locomotion Score 2 Locomotion Score 3 Locomotion Score 4 Locomotion Score 5
# of Cows Scored % of Herd Target % 103 63 35 64 40 305
Total Cows Scored Average Locomotion Score
33.77 22.66 11.48 20.98 13.11
2.59
65 10 15 10 0
1.70
1.52 464.22 102.12 37,277.28
Average Daily Milk Loss (kg/cow) Average Daily Milk Loss (kg/group) Lost Revenue (GB Sterling/day/group) Lost Revenue (GB Sterling/year/group)
Your name: Stuart Miles
32,500
Name of operation: EXAMPLE FARM
Your title: Consultant
Your name: Nadine Pilkington
25,000
Local currency: GB Sterling Your title: Consultant
17,500
Locomotion Economics 17,500
Local currency: GB Sterling
3;2312016 0.22
Milk Price(GB Sterling/kg)
10,000
10,000 Economic Results GBSterling/year Sterling / year GB
Milk Production Price (GB Sterling/kg) Current Milk Level(kg/d)
0.22 30.00
Herd/Group S ize(# of cows)
305.00
30.00
Current Milk Production Level (kg/d)
The prevalence of lameness in a herd is revealed through locomotionHerd/Group scoring. Even seemingly minor changes 305.00 in the Size (# of cows) average locomotion score result in significant profit potential.
Profit Profit Potential Potential (if targets targets are (if are achieved) achieved)
# of Cows Scored 103
24,228.28 24,228.28 Locomotion Score 1
Locomotion Scores:
63
20.66
10
Locomotion Score 3
35
11.48
15
Locomotion Score 4
64
20.98
10
40
13.11
0
Total Cows Scored
Economic Results
Target% 65
Locomotion Score 2
Locomotion Score 5 GOOD EXAMPLE LOCO SCORING
Locomotion Economics
% of Herd 33.77
305
23/8/2016
Average Locomotion Score
2.59
Average Daily Milk Loss(kg/cow)
1.52
Average Daily Milk Loss(kg/group)
1.70
464.22
Lost Revenue(GB Sterling/day/group)
102.12
Lost Revenue(GB Sterling/year/group)
37,277.28
Locomotion Scores: Locomotion Score 1 Locomotion Score 2 Locomotion Score 3 Locomotion Score 4 Locomotion Score 5
# of Cows Scored % of Herd Target %
Total Cows Scored Average Locomotion Score Average Daily Milk Loss (kg/cow) Average Daily Milk Loss (kg/group) Lost Revenue (GB Sterling/day/group) Lost Revenue (GB Sterling/year/group)
423 74 36 38 2 573
73.82 12.91 6.28 6.63 0.35
1.47
Your name: Stuart Miles
0
65 10 15 10 0
0
1.70
Nadine Pilkington
Local currency:
GB Sterling
Milk Price(GB Sterling/kg)
10,000 GBSterling/year Sterling / year GB
Profit Profit Potential Potential
0.35 206.26 41.25 15,057.39
EXAMPLE FARM
Your name:
Local currency: GB Sterling Your title: Consultant
17,500
0
Name of operation:
Your title: Consultant
0
Milk Production Price (GB Sterling/kg) Current Milk Level(kg/d) Current Milk Production Level (kg/d)
0.22
0.20 30.00 30.00
Herd/Group S ize(# of cows)
305.00
Herd/Group Size (# of cows)
573.00
(if targets targets are (if are achieved) achieved)
24,228.28 -7,228.98
Nadine Pilkington
Dairy Project Manager t: 01691 827 145 nadine.pilkington@wynnstay.co.uk
17
ANIMAL HEALTH
The prevalence of lameness in a herd is revealed through locomotion scoring. Even seemingly minor changes in the average locomotion score result in significant profit potential.32,500------Name of operation: Example
www.wynnstaydairy.uk
MAKE SURE YOU ACHIEVE THE BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT FROM YOUR MAIZE SILAGE After all the effort you’ve invested in growing maize over this season, it’s vital to retain as much of its nutritional value as possible. That is especially so if looking to maximise the amount of milk you produce from forage.
Proven additive The new product, Ecocool, launched last year, has been specifically developed for forages at risk from aerobic spoilage.
A maize clamp can lose 20% of its dry matter easily. Indeed, that figure can be a lot higher if aerobic spoilage, which causes heating and moulding, is a problem. For every 1ºC that clamp temperature rises above ambient, 0.23% of dry matter is lost each day. However, not only does aerobic spoilage cause wastage. The silage that remains also has a lower energy content, poorer quality protein and potential for reduced animal intake, and may contain mycotoxins.
Combining two beneficial bacteria – Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1 for a more efficient fermentation, and L. buchneri PJB/1 to inhibit moulds and yeasts – it has given tangible benefits, by substantially delaying heating in maize. By reducing yeasts in silage at opening, Ecocool increases the time it takes for heating
Maize (33% DM) Days to start of heating* 10
8.8
Days
8
Joined up approach
0
MAIZE
To begin it is important to use every technique available to minimise exposure to air. For example: A narrow clamp to reduce exposure on opening
•
Fast filling in thin layers to reduce trapped air
•
Good consolidation (a short chop length helps, but not so short that it reduces effective fibre in the diet)
•
Effective sealing
•
Moving the face back quickly at feedout
•
Using a block cutter or shear grab to keep the face tidy
4
4.1
2
Protecting maize against aerobic spoilage is therefore crucial if you want to reap the maximum benefit from it. This requires a joined-up approach.
•
6
Control Ecocool
*Increase 2ºC above ambient
Also, at feeding, never leave the sheet hanging over the face, as this creates a microclimate, encouraging mould growth. And clear up fallen material, which can spread mould spores. All these will help. But remember, that maize remains prone to yeast and mould growth. So a proven additive will add to a spoilage management regime.
Peter Smith Business Manager Ecosyl Products
18
DA Ecocorn
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
DAEcocorn - Silage additive for maize and wholecrop cereals Heat and mould on the face and shoulder of untreated clamps can result in over 15% DM losses. This can be as high as 50% in severe conditions.
DA Ecocorn
How to manage fermentation MTD/1 bacteria encourage a faster, more efficient fermentation, resulting in lower DM losses, reduced protein breakdown and a more palatable and nutritious silage. The end result is improved animal performance.
Mixing and application 1 pack treats 50t
DM intake & milk yield (kg/cow/day) Intake
Liquid application – 2 l/t 48 hour tank mix life
Milk yield
+0.6 Wheat
Dry application – 400 g/t
+2.2
30 month shelf life in a cool, dry place
+1.2 Maize
GMO free
+1.8
Managing heat and mould in silage Treating with DA Ecocorn inhibits the yeasts and moulds that cause aerobic spoilage, reducing DM losses and resulting in a more palatable, more nutritious silage with less risk of mycotoxins; it also keeps fresh for longer. Independent heat trial of MTD/1 + preservative on maize (INRA, 1998) 50 45
Untreated Treated
40
25 20 15 10 5 0 0
12
24
36
48
60
72
84
96
Hours
For further information please call your local Wynnstay Representative or enquire at your local Wynnstay Store. 19
108 120 132 144 156 168 180
MAIZE
Temperature ˚ C
35 30
www.wynnstaydairy.uk
SUMMARY OF FORAGE QUALITY With increased pressure on margins seen in recent times, milk from forage has been integral to reduce production costs whilst maintaining yield. The current increased pressure on margins has meant ‘milk from forage’ is a key element in reducing costs whilst maintaining high yields. With the future milk price looking more positive, it will still be important to increase ‘milk from forage’ to increase future margins and compensate for the deficit experienced by many farmers. Good quality conserved forage is the key driver in achieving higher ‘milk from forage’ when cows are housed or buffer fed at grass. The majority of the grass silage harvest is now completed and it’s important to know how much forage you have available and know the quality. Planning forward for the winter feeding period is crucial to gain the most from your forage, and use concentrates wisely. Grass Silage Quantity Many of clamps are now looking full. After a slow start to the growing season through March and April, grass growth has been good through the rest of the summer with a huge first cut, along with good second and third cuts. Measuring the clamps and calculating how much silage dry matter you have available will allow you to maximise and take full advantage of the forage within the diet. distribution within the samples for both first and second cuts for 2016, which is probably due to the varied weather conditions which have been challenging this season. The fermentation characteristics look similar in all, with a pH around 4. The first and second cut from 2016 had a lower Lactic Acid figure, which could have an effect on stability, and is most probably due to the lower sugar content of both silage averages. Secondary fermentation could be an issue and should be monitored at feed-out if the forage is warming up.
Grass Silage Quality Table 1 above shows us the average first and second cut sampled in 2016 compared to the first cut samples from 2015. The Dry Matter of all three sets of results are very similar - there is a large
FORAGE
Table 1: Initial grass silage summary from 2016 Nutrients (on a DM basis)
First Cut 2015
First Cut 2016
Second Cut 2016
Dry Matter (%)
30
30.8
30.7
Crude Protein (%)
14
14.1
14.2
D Value (%)
68.3
67.6
64.6
ME (MJ/kg)
10.9
10.7
10.3
pH
4
4.1
4.2
NH3-N of total N (%)
2.5
2.4
2.4
Sugar (%)
3.4
2.6
2.4
Ash (%)
8.7
7.2
7.3
NDF (%)
46.6
49.8
50.6
ADF (%)
29.6
31.1
32.3
Lactic Acid (g/kg)
63.4
50.8
53.7
Intake potential (g/kg ML)
99.1
97.6
95.2
Crude protein percentage of the silages look to be slightly higher in 2016, however ME and D value are lower on the year, with first cut down 0.2MJ/kg at 10.7MJ and second cuts down further at 10.3MJ/kg. NDF % is showing similar results, with the first cut from 2016 showing a higher NDF % at 49.8% compared to 46.6% in 2015, second cut NDF percentage is even higher at 50.6%. Conditions through the winter of 2015/16, although wet, were generally warm, which led to continued grass growth. With higher pasture covers on silage paddocks there would have been a degree of dead matter at the sward base, which should have been removed before harvesting. Removal of this grass should have been done either by tack sheep earlier in the winter or an early grazing of the silage paddocks with the milking herd. If grazed before mid-March, this wouldn’t have had a significant effect on dry matter yields of the first crop. The dead matter at the base of a sward would reduce digestibility and energy content of the silage whilst also increasing NDF, and could support fungi, moulds and yeasts, which survive storage and affect silage aerobic stability at feed-out. In some cases this could lead to mycotoxins in the forage which compromises animal
(Trouw Nutrition, 2016)
20
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
health and performance. This should be monitored through feedout and precautions in the form of a mycotoxin binder should be used if necessary.
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
It is important to get high quality silage in the clamp
The poorer second cut analysis can be explained by the poor weather conditions through June and early July which delayed cutting dates and crops were allowed to mature again thereby increasing in NDF content and reducing ME and D value. With a reduced D value and increased NDF percentage, this has had an effect on the intake potential of the 2016 grass silages, NDF will have a direct effect on intakes, as when NDF increases, the cows’ potential intake is reduced. When targeting higher milk from forage, diets need to be set up to increase forage intakes. Presentation of the diet and chop length can play a huge role in increasing forage intakes.
complement grass silage within the diet. With dry matter yields lower across the country than last year, the higher quality analysis is probably due to a higher proportion of grain to straw.
When supplementing higher NDF forages it is important to feed higher quality raw materials, but feed less in quantity so we are not supressing appetite and restricting forage intake. Getting the balance of NDF, starch and sugar correct within the diet can drive forage intakes and enable the cow to achieve higher total dry matter intakes. This in turn will lead to higher intakes of energy and higher milk yield, and/or milk solids.
The maize crops currently out in the field are looking varied, dependant on soil types and maturity type. Earlier maturing varieties on free draining soils are looking far better this year and should achieve greater quality in the clamp. On the whole, fresh weight yields look less compared to last year, and dry matter yields predicted to be slightly lower, however with good cob development potential starch yields look good, and the analysis should show a more concentrated sample.
Maize Harvest
Wholecrop Quality
With higher yields of poorer grass silage in the clamp, a more concentrated maize crop will complement the diet. Adding fermentable energy in the form of starch, whilst also being lower in NDF will encourage higher intakes.
Table 2 shows that initial indications demonstrate that in comparison to 2015 the average 2016 wholecrop cereal silage sample is of higher quality.
Summary
The average DM of the 2016 and 2015 samples is similar with the same ME at 10.2 MJ/kg DM, although average starch is 2.5 percentage points higher at 26.8%. With the NDF % looking similar to last year intakes and palatability should be good to
Grass silage quality is showing a huge variation and is inconsistent this season. ME and D value look to lower with higher NDF. In comparison, preserved wholecrop promises to be good and comparative to last year. The maize silage crops looks to be slightly lower yielding, however the concentration of starch and energy should be good to complement higher fibre silage.
Table 2: Average cereal wholecrop Analysis from 2015 and early 2016 2015
2016
Dry Matter
%
41.6
41.7
Crude Protein
%
8.2
8.9
D Value
%
65.6
65.1
ME
MJ/kg
10.2
10.2
pH
4.1
4
NH3-N of total N %
4.9
5.9
Starch
%
24.3
26.8
Ash
%
4.6
4.8
NDF
%
43.5
44
ADF
%
27.4
26.8
Lactic Acid g/kg g/kg ML 34.9
33.7
Intake potential g/kg
110.5
g/kg ML 111.3
To balance your forage with concentrate supplementation please contact one of the Wynnstay Dairy Specialists to assess your needs this winter. Iwan Vaughan
Dairy Specialist m: 07990 578548 iwan.vaughan@wynnstay.co.uk @maesmochnant
FORAGE
Nutrients (on a DM basis)
This report simply highlights the importance of aiming for high quality silage within the clamp, looking at cutting younger grass at an earlier date. Trying to take another cut of grass in during the season could pay dividends, even though contracting costs would be higher. As we look forward to the 2017 harvest season, there may be a few management decisions that should be taken early to improve forage quality next winter.
(Trouw Nutrition, 2016)
21
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RESEARCH ROUNDUP Wynnstay are committed to keeping you up to date with the latest dairy research here are some of the research articles that caught my eye over the last few months and that I would like to share with you. Measurement of Ă&#x;-hydroxybutyrate in capillary blood obtained from an ear to detect hyperketonemia in dairy cows by using an electronic handheld device D. SĂźss et al., 2016 Routine screening of fresh cows for sub clinical ketosis is common practice on most dairy farms. In most cases this is done using a blood sample from the tail vein which is analyzed using a hand held device commonly used by human diabetic patients. A recent study has shown that blood obtained from the capillaries in the ear using a small had held puncturing device similar to the one supplied with the hand held analyzer shows a good correlation with laboratory analysis for Beta hydroxy-butyrate.
Effects of rumen-protected methionine, lysine, and histidine on lactation performance of dairy cows F. Giallongo et al., 2016 Protein is over fed in an attempt to meet the demands of the cow for the essential amino acids. This can lead to a decline in nitrogen utilisation efficiency. Lysine and Methionine are known to be the first limiting amino acids but recent research has shown that Histidine is also important. The addition of rumen protected Methionine, Lysine and Histidine to diets fed to cows on a Metabolizable protein deficient diet caused an increase in DMI, milk fat and protein concentration and produced increased yields of milk fat, protein and energy corrected milk (ECM). More importantly ECM feed efficiency and nitrogen utilisation efficiency was improved relative to a diet containing adequate MP. Interestingly Hisitidine alone was shown to stimulate DMI.
Invited review: Opportunities for genetic improvement of metabolic diseases
LOOKING FORWARD
J.E. Pryce et al., 2016 Can we breed for genetic improvement in the incidence rates of metabolic diseases? Interestingly but not surprisingly metabolic diseases are positively correlated with each other which means that improving or reducing the incidence rate of one metabolic disease will also lead to reduction in another; we are all well aware of the link between milk fever and the other transitional diseases. However, this offers a great opportunity to select for metabolic stability due to the strong correlations that exist between metabolic diseases. Unfortunately one of the biggest problems with developing genetic indices for metabolic disease resistance is the lack of accurate on farm recording of disease incidence. Going forward however technologies such as screening for disease biomarkers and milk fatty acid profiling may enable us to accurately record disease incidence and develop genetic correlations and indices without relying on disease incidence reporting on farm.
Dr. Huw McConochie
Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk @HuwMcConochie
22
WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE
DAIRY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2016
WHOLE NUTRITIONAL PACKAGE THE COMPLETE DAIRY PACKAGE FROM WYNNSTAY! DAIRY NUTRITION PRODUCTS • Compounds • Blends • Straights • Molasses
NEW
“BALANCED” RANGE
TRANSITION 80/20 PRODUCTS
• Maxammon® for grain
• Prepare 80/20 nuts
• Biosprint® live yeast
• Dry Tec 80/20 nuts • Reviva 80/20 fresh cow drink • Recharge 80/20 liver function/fertility enhancer
• Minerals
• ProKeto 80/20 ketosis prevention
• Supplements
DAIRY HYGIENE PRODUCTS
CALF & HEIFER REARING PRODUCTS
• Pipeline cleaning
• WynnGold Calf Milk Powders
• Bulk tank cleaning
• Concentrates - starters, rearers
• Udder hygiene
• Supplements, Minerals, Boluses
• Sundries
• Equipment, Calf feeding machines, Housing • Heatwave®, MilkMate®, Store & Thaw®
SERVICES • DTSmetrics®
FERTILITY
• NMS on farm evaluation and report
• Heat detection
• Herd ketosis screening
• Heat time
• Feed, forage, water & milk analysis
• Tail paint
• Diet Check ration formulation & monitoring • Diet mineral formulation
ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS
• Calf & heifer nutrition, health & housing advice
• Heat detection
• CowWatch®
• Trace element boluses & milk fever boluses • Footbath solutions and footcare products
FORAGE PRODUCTS
• Anthelmintics and flukicides • Mineral & vitamin drenches
• Grass, Maize & Cereal seeds
• Fresh cow solutions
• Fertiliser
• Fly and lice control
• Sprays
• Footbaths
• Silage Additives
• Dosing and drenching equipment
COW COMFORT PRODUCTS • Cubicles, mattresses and sand bed systems
Offering the complete package to support and optimise your dairy business
• Bedding material • Fans and humidifiers • Lighting design and installation • Rubber mats for cow passages • Feed barriers • Water troughs
For further information please contact a your local Wynnstay Representative or contact one of the Wynnstay Dairy Team. 23
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• Full agronomy service for grassland and forage crops
Our Dairy Team Dairy Technical Services Team Dr Huw McConochie - Head of Dairy Technical Services m: 07771 740857 e: huw.mcconochie@wynnstay.co.uk Iwan Vaughan - Dairy Specialist m: 07990 578548 e: iwan.vaughan@wynnstay.co.uk
@HuwMcConochie
@maesmochnant
Nadine Pilkington - Dairy Project Manager t: 01691 827145 e: nadine.pilkington@wynnstay.co.uk
Dairy & Youngstock Specialists Thomas Stephenson - North England m: 07469 851607 e: thomas.stephenson@wynnstay.co.uk Mark Price - Midlands m: 07876 824314 e: mark.price@wynnstay.co.uk
@m_priceo
Dairy Nutritionist Steve Brown - Ruminant Feeds Product Manager m: 07774 855026 e: steve.brown@wynnstay.co.uk
@sirbilly55
Youngstock Specialists Rebecca Davies - Senior Calf Specialist m: 07881 093633 e: rebecca.davies@wynnstay.co.uk Sandy Wilson- Calf Specialist m: 07879 841672 e: sandy.wilson@wynnstay.co.uk
@richardscalf1
@petticoatcalves
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dairy @wynnstay.co.uk For technical advice, product information and to request a quote visit www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk For the latest dairy news and information or if you are interested in receiving our Dairy Newsletter by e-mail visit... www.wynnstaydairy.uk Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ Registration No. 5009019 Part of Wynnstay Group Plc • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys SY22 6AQ Registration No: 2704051 Telephone: 01691 828512 • Fax: 01691 828690 • Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstay.co.uk Registered in Wales and England Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87
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