Feed value of Silage / Hay - whats best for the herd

[carole]

Last summer we started a popular thread on this site wondering if any one had made any hay in the period June /July. We were all concerned as to the feed value of this cut, later in the year, (August) we were able to make a second cut of silage and also bale some small bale hay.

Now we have had the feed analysis reports back which I would like to share with you.

First cut silage June/July
DM 27.8 Protein 9.4 D value 58.5 ME 9.4 PH 3.9 NDF 56.6, ( this is not a surprise given the stemmy nature of the cut being weeks late) ADF 37.3

Second cut (August)
DM 38.6 Protein 15.1 D value 69.6 ME 11.1 PH 4.4 NDF 47.3, ADF 30.4

The small bales have an ME of 9.1 protein of 16.5 and D value of 59.6

My point is that like many Dexter owners we prefer to feed just hay and silage and no concentrates but again like you all, I am concerned with keeping the condition of the herd.

So what do we feed, the herd are quite happy to eat both the small bale hay and the second cut, but are not interested in the first cut unless its accompanied by some molasses.

My problem is that we do not have enough second cut to go through until early May, when we reckon to turn them out and most of the small bale hay has also gone. But we have plenty of first cut, but do we use it, if not, what would you do.

Thanks for your comments/advice in advance

[Broomcroft]

I have made about 800 big round wrapped bales this year, and roughly 400 are 16% protein and a D Value off the scale, "rocket fuel" and the cattle love it, and 400 bales of rubbish "belly-filler" with very low protein and D Value, which the cows hate. I have no "ordinary" forage at all.

I am giving them half of each by constantly changing from one to the other (with ring feeders). Typically they will have a day on the rocket fuel, and 2 days on belly filler. I say half and half because that is what I am feeding them, but as they devour the rocket fuel quickly and pick at the belly-filler, it works out at 1 day/2 day cycle.

They look fine but moo like they're dying of hunger when they have belly-filler.

The only variations to this regime, is that my steers for finishing are having about 2 or even 3 bales of rocket fuel to every belly-filler.

PS. I always give them rocket fuel silage straight after they have finished or preferably before they have finished the belly-filler, so that they have plenty inside them before gorging themselves on their favourite. I don't like changing the their diet like this, but I don't have any choice and they seem fine.

Hope that makes sense!



Edited By Broomcroft on 1202591344

[Colin]

How do I get my haylage analysed and roughly how much does it cost ?

Colin

[Broomcroft]

Our seed merchant arranged it for us. I think it cost about £14 a sample. We had three done, each sample being a big double-handful.

[carole]

Hi Colin our local farm supplies outlet (cornwall farmers) did the test - 3 very distinct types. We have not had a bill yet! But it will certainly help regarding how and what we bale next year.
Thanks for your feedback Clive, we are doing a similar thing but they do have that ability to make you feel very guilty if they feel short changed. Hopefully next year's crop will be considerably better!



Edited By carole on 1202859399

[Broomcroft]

They don't measure Omega-3 though which is something we go for. When we wilt our cut, we do it for as little time as possible as the wilting reduces the level of Omega-3 in the forage.



Edited By Broomcroft on 1202886799