Herbicide application appears to have been successful in weed control in the reseeded paddocks.
Weeds present in these paddocks included chickweed, docks and thistles, to name a few, and the herbicide was selected to combat the emergence of the named weeds.
The interval from herbicide application to grazing is seven days for the product used and, therefore, these paddocks were safe to graze on Tuesday of this week.
Reseeded paddocks are currently carrying a cover of 1,000kg DM/ha. In reseeded swards, the target pre-grazing cover is 1,000-1,400kg DM/ha.
Grazing was delayed due to the rain that fell early this week, however, ground conditions were suitable for grazing on Thursday and the beef heifers were chosen to graze one of the reseeded paddocks.
The beef heifers were selected for grazing these paddocks, as they are the largest group with the lowest liveweight and will, therefore, graze these paddocks quickly with minimal damage, weather permitting.
Rainfall
Recent rainfall and broken weather has led to increased vigilance for animal health in both cows and calves.
Grass tetany, caused by a blood magnesium deficiency, is a potentially fatal issue for cows during damp, cool conditions, while cases of pneumonia in calves may also occur during this weather.
The combination of low night temperatures and rain showers throughout the week had us on high alert for any potential issues.
Swards that contain a high percentage of leafy material increase the passage rate of grass through the digestive system of cows and to add to this, periods of excess rainfall result in a reduced grass intake. In both cases, nutrient absorption is negatively affected.
Tetany
Magnesium is supplied through the water system for the Derrypatrick stock, however, visits to the drinking trough may be limited in periods of heavy rainfall.
As autumn grassland management is implemented, pre-grazing covers will rise, resulting in swards containing more stem and less leaf – therefore slowing down the digestive system of cows and aiding the prevention of grass tetany.
As highlighted on a number of occasions, we are establishing clover in 50% of the farm this year and this requires pre-grazing covers of 1,100-1,300kg DM/ha.
When cows are entering low grass covers, we will supply an additional form of roughage, ie hay, to decrease the passage rate, aid nutrient absorption and help prevent any cases of grass tetany.
Grassland management
Farm cover: 718kg DM/ha.Growth: 70kg DM/ha/day.Demand/ha: 42kg DM/ha/day.Days ahead: 17.Fertiliser following grazing: CAN (one bag/acre).
Weekly planner
Spread CAN to help build grass supply.Weigh beef heifers and steers.Vigilant of animal health during period of broken weather. Read more
Read more from the Derrypatrick Herd
Herbicide application appears to have been successful in weed control in the reseeded paddocks.
Weeds present in these paddocks included chickweed, docks and thistles, to name a few, and the herbicide was selected to combat the emergence of the named weeds.
The interval from herbicide application to grazing is seven days for the product used and, therefore, these paddocks were safe to graze on Tuesday of this week.
Reseeded paddocks are currently carrying a cover of 1,000kg DM/ha. In reseeded swards, the target pre-grazing cover is 1,000-1,400kg DM/ha.
Grazing was delayed due to the rain that fell early this week, however, ground conditions were suitable for grazing on Thursday and the beef heifers were chosen to graze one of the reseeded paddocks.
The beef heifers were selected for grazing these paddocks, as they are the largest group with the lowest liveweight and will, therefore, graze these paddocks quickly with minimal damage, weather permitting.
Rainfall
Recent rainfall and broken weather has led to increased vigilance for animal health in both cows and calves.
Grass tetany, caused by a blood magnesium deficiency, is a potentially fatal issue for cows during damp, cool conditions, while cases of pneumonia in calves may also occur during this weather.
The combination of low night temperatures and rain showers throughout the week had us on high alert for any potential issues.
Swards that contain a high percentage of leafy material increase the passage rate of grass through the digestive system of cows and to add to this, periods of excess rainfall result in a reduced grass intake. In both cases, nutrient absorption is negatively affected.
Tetany
Magnesium is supplied through the water system for the Derrypatrick stock, however, visits to the drinking trough may be limited in periods of heavy rainfall.
As autumn grassland management is implemented, pre-grazing covers will rise, resulting in swards containing more stem and less leaf – therefore slowing down the digestive system of cows and aiding the prevention of grass tetany.
As highlighted on a number of occasions, we are establishing clover in 50% of the farm this year and this requires pre-grazing covers of 1,100-1,300kg DM/ha.
When cows are entering low grass covers, we will supply an additional form of roughage, ie hay, to decrease the passage rate, aid nutrient absorption and help prevent any cases of grass tetany.
Grassland management
Farm cover: 718kg DM/ha.Growth: 70kg DM/ha/day.Demand/ha: 42kg DM/ha/day.Days ahead: 17.Fertiliser following grazing: CAN (one bag/acre).
Weekly planner
Spread CAN to help build grass supply.Weigh beef heifers and steers.Vigilant of animal health during period of broken weather. Read more
Read more from the Derrypatrick Herd
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