Including Irish grain in animal feed is a topical subject at present, and now there is a new product on the market made from 100% Irish ingredients.
Jordan Agri Services, based in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, partnered with local farmers to grow peas and beans together in a combi-crop this year which is now being sold as animal feed. The mix has been alkaline-treated and can be mixed with cereals to make a complete ration.
While this may typically be done with a mix of wheat, barley and maize, it can also be done with an Irish mix of alkaline-treated barley and wheat to create a 100% Irish ration.
This ration can have a protein content of between 16 and 22%, depending on the needs of the farmer.
The alkaline treatment raises the crude protein content of the pea and bean mix from around 26% to 30% and means there is no need for imported pulses or fillers in the ration.
Commenting on the feed, Steve Tracey of Jordan Agri Services said the pea and bean mix is “a very good source of protein, especially in calf mixes, for youngstock and for fattening cattle as well”.
“We’re doing this to offer local farmers another crop to grow and create more demand for native grains,” he said. “We want to support the tillage sector while it’s also a great feed for local beef farmers.”
Tracey did note that the tannins present in beans can be a limiting factor on the amount that can be fed. However, this is typically not a big issue until you feed above 1.5 or 2kg/head/day of the pea and bean mix.
Tracey said the ration is very competitive on price, coming in under the price of an equivalent ration which uses imported soya in place of the peas and beans.
