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It’s amazing to follow how the protein percentage in milk varies depending on whether grazing is possible or not.
Last weekend we reported that protein percentage was back to 3.21% on the Greenfield Farm in Kilkenny. However, in the last week, drier weather has allowed grazing to recommence and the protein has lifted to 3.49% on the last test.
Growth remains about a third of what you would expect
The two results for fat percentage this week were 4.18% and 4.51%.
Milk yield remains around 19 litres per cow so milk solids produced is around 1.55kg/cow/day.
The diet remains a mix of grazed grass when ground conditions allow, grass silage and 6kg of 18% protein concentrate.
Grass growth
Grass growth was measured at 14kg per day for the previous week on Wednesday.
Air and ground temperatures have increased and better growth would be expected when the farm is measured again next week. Growth remains about a third of what you would expect at this time of the year.
March milk supply will finish up about 50,000 litres behind 2017. April will also be back. This weekend last year the herd were milking about 3 litres to 4 litres more per cow at higher milk solids (4.42% fat and 3.56% protein) on grazed grass and 3kg of meal per cow. As is the case on many dairy farms in the Glanbia region, it is going to take another few weeks to fully overcome the effects of the snow events in March 2018.
April grass silage drops protein percentage at Greenfield Farm
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