Looking for a way to extend your forage?
Last month's continuing dought put huge pressure on farmers’ forage stocks, with many making deep inroads into what should be their winter supplies.
However, they could extend their forage reserves - and help combat the effects of heat stress - by adding an affordable moist feed to their ration.
Mole Valley Feed Solutions blends co-ordinator Philippa Merchant said moist feeds provide a highly palatable source of energy, protein or fibre, depending on the product.
“This means you can match them to your grass or maize silage analysis to ensure a balanced ration, regardless of the time of year,” she said.
“They offer superb ration flexibility and consistent intakes, whether you’re aiming to maintain yields, improve milk quality or simply get more from dwindling forage stocks.”
Cows have been suffering from heat stress this summer, curbing their feed intakes and negatively impacting milk yield and quality.
Philippa added: “Feeding a moist feed can help keep the ration fresh and palatable to encourage intakes.
“Its high energy content also ensures the energy density of the diet is increased to balance lower feeding and reduce the negative energy balance.”
At a time of low milk prices, many producers will be seeking to maximise milk quality and our Mole Gold Supreme is great for adding starch to the diet.
If you’re looking for more fibre Mole Gold First is a good option and Mole Gold Advantage offers a balance of good fibre, starch and protein.
Philippa said: “Formulated
with C★Traffordgold® cider yeast and wheat feed, Mole Gold Advantage is a great, cost-effective way to extend your forage stocks and keep the cows healthy and productive.”
Farm Manager at Stowell Farms in Wiltshire, Neil Ridgway, is currently achieving over 46 litres per cow across his 900-cow herd.
He told the Newsletter in July: “The new moist feed has been a great addition to the diet. The cows love it. Production has increased and it’s helping to provide a stable, very palatable mix as forages change. It’s also enabling us to lower our carbon footprint.”
C★Traffordgold® is a high-quality co-product of wheat processing, produced during the manufacture of starch, glucose syrups, vital wheat gluten and alcohol. Rich in digestible fibre, energy and protein, it offers dairy cows a nutritious and palatable feed source that can help support dry matter intakes, rumen health and milk production efficiency.
Philippa added: "Transporting it to our upgraded production site in Bristol and mixing it with high-quality local straights and liquids adds value at minimum carbon and financial cost.
“At a time when milk prices are low and producers are seeking to maximise milk quality while extending forage supplies, it really is the perfect solution."
To maintain feed quality, moist feeds are best stored on a clean, dry concrete base, well consolidated and securely covered, much like a silage clamp. Good storage practice helps keep the feed fresh and palatable, ensuring cows can make the most of its nutritional value.
Contact your local nutritionist to find out more about helping your forage go further with moist feeds.
