Why moist feed can help farmers keep their cool
Summer can bring the challenge of tightening forage stocks but moist feeds can function as cost effective forage extenders, helping any shortfalls, supporting ration flexibility and ensuring consistent intakes.
Moist feeds are highly palatable and provide a cost-effective source of energy, protein or fibre, depending on the product chosen. Within our Mole Gold moist feed range, we have multiple products which can be used to complement a range of forages to get the desired outcome, whether farmers need to maintain yields or improve milk quality.
Alongside our high starch Mole Gold Supreme and high fibre Mole Gold First, which have both been preforming well on farms, we have now introduced Mole Gold Advantage offering a balance of good fibre, starch and protein levels. Formulated with Trafford Gold, cider yeast and wheat feed it’s a great, cost-effective way to extend your forage stocks.
But don’t take our word for it. Farm Manager at award-winning Stowell Farms, Neil Ridgway, is currently achieving over 46 litres per cow across more than 900 cows.
He said: “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.”
Beating heat stress
During periods of hot weather cows are often affected by heat stress causing them to eat less and negatively impacting milk yield and quality.
Feeding a moist feed can help keep the ration fresh and palatable to encourage intakes. It’s high energy content also ensures the energy density of the diet is increased to balance lower feeding and reduce the negative energy balance.
Alongside our own Mole Gold range our team of traders can also source other moist feed options like brewers’ grain, Trafford Gold and our original Mole Moist range.
When choosing a moist feed it’s important to look at the dry matter of the feed which can vary across different products. Our team of traders can help our farmers calculate the cost per unit of dry matter to ensure they are getting the best value.
And with milk processors looking for ways to make production more sustainable, moist feeds are a great way to ensure your farm’s carbon footprint is as low as possible. They are produced largely from co-products from other industries, including the brewing and bakery sectors.
But to get the best out of your moist feed during the summer it’s important to make sure they are stored correctly.
Moist feeds can be more vulnerable to aerobic spoilage in warm, humid weather, especially if exposed to the air. If they begin to heat, moulds can develop quickly, reducing palatability and wasting nutrients.
Keeping clamps, bins and storage areas well sealed to limit oxygen exposure is key. Feeding little and often is also advised and aim to present fresh feed to the cows during the cooler times to help encourage intake, as well as frequently pushing up feed to keep it accessible and appetising.
Make sure to regularly check for signs of heating or visible spoilage and don’t allow stale feed to build up in front of cows.
Used well, moist feeds can be an effective tool for helping extend forage supplies while also maintaining intakes and supporting performance through the summer.
Call one of our traders for more information on 01566 780261 or speak to your local nutritionist to help your existing forage go further.
