The peak grass growing months also correspond to the most important months for animal performance – peak milk yield and the breeding season. Incidences of pica (cows eating stones and timber due to phosphorus deficiency) don’t seem to be as prevalent this year as other years, but it could present itself yet.

It’s worth considering getting grass samples analysed for mineral content. This is cheaper and more representative than blood-sampling cows. Take samples from paddocks at various stages of growth, eg one, two and three weeks of growth, bulk them together and send them away to a lab.

Some farmers will do this once a month to keep a check on things and then get a mineral made up to target deficiencies in the grass. Use a stainless steel scissors to take the samples.

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