Supplementation at grass

Where supplementation is not taking place for forward cattle, consider it. In autumn, the energy content of grass reduces. Combined with low grass dry matter and a quicker passage of grass through cattle, this can have an impact on thrive. Early spring-born weanlings should be offered 1-2kg ration/day for heifers and 2-3kg/day for bulls, especially if weanlings are being sold as the extra weight gain will cover the costs of creep feeding.

Where grass supply is diminishing, bulls should be housed by now. Any cattle that are to be finished off grass in September/October should be getting ration at this stage. Heifers should be built up to 2-4kg and bullocks to 4-6kg of ration/day for 40 to 60 days prior to slaughter.

Traditional breeds may not require much supplementation. Feeding concentrates prior to slaughter should help improve killout and grade, but will also increase growth rates by about 0.2-0.3kg/day on autumn grass. A simple ration with a high cereal content will be fine. A low protein ration will be OK for finishing cattle at grass.

Buying cattle

It is time for buyers to start focusing on what and when to purchase. Some farmers may be holding off for lower prices, but don’t discount buying early. Along with being able to manage the animals’ health better by buying and running at grass, it may also be cost effective.

Those who would normally buy a 550kg store or 350kg weanling in October should consider the option of buying them lighter now and getting that 50kg of liveweight gain prior to housing. Grass and 1-2kg of ration/day over the next eight weeks will cost about €35 for a weanling to €65 for a bullock (depending on supplementation rate) and should result in a gain of about 50kg in liveweight over that period.

At an average of €2.25/kg for weanlings and €2.00/kg for steers, buying an animal 50kg lighter now would save €70-€80/head if prices remain stagnant between now and the end of October. Make sure to speak to your processor before heavy bulls are purchased. Some processors are turning away from bulls, which may leave difficulties.

Slurry

With second cuts being completed recently, this silage ground should be the go-to place for any remaining slurry in the yard. On farms that had bulls in the shed until the summer, it is likely this tank may need to be emptied. Table 1 shows the results of slurry tests taken on Tullamore Farm this spring – note the difference in the nutrient values of the bull slurry versus the cow slurry. Farmers in derogation are currently required to spread with low emission equipment but for quicker turnaround time to grazing, all farmers should consider using a dribble bar or trailing shoe.