After a good grass-growing year, the majority of farmers seem to be going into the winter with more silage reserves than in 2014. Silage analysis figures from the Hillsborough Feeding Information System (HFIS) show that the quality might also be better. The first information on 2015 first cuts compares well with the average of 2014 first cuts.
The silages on average are better in quality and better preserved. They are showing that silage intakes will be higher and the D-value digestibility is nearly three units higher at 70.4, with the ME 0.5MJ/kg DM higher on samples received to date compared to 2014 samples.
In terms of liveweight gain, this is worth an additional 0.1kg liveweight gain for beef animals and nearly a litre of milk for dairy cows. If the mean digestibility stays at these levels, that would be really excellent as this translates to a DMD of around 76%. This far exceeds previous national averages.
The caveat is that many of the early samples traditionally come from liquid milk-producing farms that focus on higher quality. Looking back on 2015, there are strong hopes that silage quality will be better due to the weather around the first cut. There were good quantities as well as quality for many.
When farmers have surplus early in the year, they also tend to focus on quality rather than quantity on later cuts as well.
The average might be improved on last year, but looking at the figures there is as much variation as ever between farms. That is the main reason why farmers should get silage analysed before or when the pits are opened this winter. With thousands invested in putting silage in the clamp, the cost of €35 is a small one if it helps you make better decisions for the winter.
Testing silage will identify the quality and the protein and allow you to make better decisions. For many, this will be the level of concentrates, especially for dry cows. Good-quality silage will maintain or even improve condition of cows during the dry period.
Separate panel
Collecting a representative sample on farm is vital if the laboratory analysis is to reflect what is actually being fed. Too little attention is often paid to correct sampling. To help ensure representative samples are taken, the Forage Analytical Assurance Group has produced a recommended procedure for on-farm sampling of silage. The key points are:
1 Core samples are best used to give an early assessment of the clamp prior to feeding. Representative samples should be made by taking three full-depth samples from the top of the clamp along the diagonal of the clamp.
2 The face of the clamp gives a better sample of the silage the animals are actually eating. If there are areas of the face which are mouldy or damaged in any way and this material is not being eaten, this should be omitted from the sample sent to the laboratory.
3 Samples (from 6in to 9in behind the face) should be taken from side to side and top to bottom following a W pattern. A total of nine to 15 samples should be taken along the W, ensuring that each sample is taken from a different horizontal and vertical position. Avoid mouldy patches if they are not fed to the animals.
4 Samples should be thoroughly mixed and if the final sample needs to be reduced before being sent to the laboratory, this should be prepared by quartering. Quartering is essential for all silages but particularly so for cereal and maize silages.
The way to do it
Tip the sample on to a clean surface such as a clean board or worktop. Rough concrete is not adequate!! Thoroughly mix the sample, ensuring an even distribution of material. Using a clean board or card, half the sample by dividing across the pile and separating into two piles. If one pile is approximately 0.5kg, carefully place this into a clean plastic bag ensuring ALL the material in this pile is included. If necessary, quarter the sample by dividing across the pile at right angles to the first separation to give four separate piles. If one pile is approximately 0.5kg, carefully place it into a clean plastic bag ensuring ALL the material in this pile is included. After placing in the plastic bag, remove as much of the air as possible by squeezing the bag and seal. 5. Place the sample (min 0.5kg) within at least two plastic bags and label clearly. Store in a fridge (not freezer) until posted to the laboratory. Try to avoid sending on a Friday as the sample will spend the weekend in transit and may deteriorate.
Silage quality off to a better start than last year.Huge level of variation still between farms.Testing will give you more accurate information to make decisions on.Plenty of surpluses around.Measure pits to make sure you have adequate silage.Read more
Focus: Winter feed 2015
After a good grass-growing year, the majority of farmers seem to be going into the winter with more silage reserves than in 2014. Silage analysis figures from the Hillsborough Feeding Information System (HFIS) show that the quality might also be better. The first information on 2015 first cuts compares well with the average of 2014 first cuts.
The silages on average are better in quality and better preserved. They are showing that silage intakes will be higher and the D-value digestibility is nearly three units higher at 70.4, with the ME 0.5MJ/kg DM higher on samples received to date compared to 2014 samples.
In terms of liveweight gain, this is worth an additional 0.1kg liveweight gain for beef animals and nearly a litre of milk for dairy cows. If the mean digestibility stays at these levels, that would be really excellent as this translates to a DMD of around 76%. This far exceeds previous national averages.
The caveat is that many of the early samples traditionally come from liquid milk-producing farms that focus on higher quality. Looking back on 2015, there are strong hopes that silage quality will be better due to the weather around the first cut. There were good quantities as well as quality for many.
When farmers have surplus early in the year, they also tend to focus on quality rather than quantity on later cuts as well.
The average might be improved on last year, but looking at the figures there is as much variation as ever between farms. That is the main reason why farmers should get silage analysed before or when the pits are opened this winter. With thousands invested in putting silage in the clamp, the cost of €35 is a small one if it helps you make better decisions for the winter.
Testing silage will identify the quality and the protein and allow you to make better decisions. For many, this will be the level of concentrates, especially for dry cows. Good-quality silage will maintain or even improve condition of cows during the dry period.
Separate panel
Collecting a representative sample on farm is vital if the laboratory analysis is to reflect what is actually being fed. Too little attention is often paid to correct sampling. To help ensure representative samples are taken, the Forage Analytical Assurance Group has produced a recommended procedure for on-farm sampling of silage. The key points are:
1 Core samples are best used to give an early assessment of the clamp prior to feeding. Representative samples should be made by taking three full-depth samples from the top of the clamp along the diagonal of the clamp.
2 The face of the clamp gives a better sample of the silage the animals are actually eating. If there are areas of the face which are mouldy or damaged in any way and this material is not being eaten, this should be omitted from the sample sent to the laboratory.
3 Samples (from 6in to 9in behind the face) should be taken from side to side and top to bottom following a W pattern. A total of nine to 15 samples should be taken along the W, ensuring that each sample is taken from a different horizontal and vertical position. Avoid mouldy patches if they are not fed to the animals.
4 Samples should be thoroughly mixed and if the final sample needs to be reduced before being sent to the laboratory, this should be prepared by quartering. Quartering is essential for all silages but particularly so for cereal and maize silages.
The way to do it
Tip the sample on to a clean surface such as a clean board or worktop. Rough concrete is not adequate!! Thoroughly mix the sample, ensuring an even distribution of material. Using a clean board or card, half the sample by dividing across the pile and separating into two piles. If one pile is approximately 0.5kg, carefully place this into a clean plastic bag ensuring ALL the material in this pile is included. If necessary, quarter the sample by dividing across the pile at right angles to the first separation to give four separate piles. If one pile is approximately 0.5kg, carefully place it into a clean plastic bag ensuring ALL the material in this pile is included. After placing in the plastic bag, remove as much of the air as possible by squeezing the bag and seal. 5. Place the sample (min 0.5kg) within at least two plastic bags and label clearly. Store in a fridge (not freezer) until posted to the laboratory. Try to avoid sending on a Friday as the sample will spend the weekend in transit and may deteriorate.
Silage quality off to a better start than last year.Huge level of variation still between farms.Testing will give you more accurate information to make decisions on.Plenty of surpluses around.Measure pits to make sure you have adequate silage.Read more
Focus: Winter feed 2015
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