feed

stew · Post by **stew** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:31 pm

are most people supplementing feed now and what with
ive got loads of grass still but give accsess to hay and small amount of rolled barley have got fodder beet to give later in year

Post by **Mark Bowles** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:57 pm

Were in Leicestershire and currently we have loads of grass of good quality so i see no need to feed, it can all change in an instant though!
Mark

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 8:55 am

A difficult question Stew. At this time of year grass has less goodness than earlier. As condition can fall off of cows so easily and be difficult to put back on, I always suppliment from September onwards. My prefered method is feed blocks for cows and calves. I have another group which I am fattening which is on feed blocks and hay. Just keep an eye on your stock for condition, I always try to second guess when it comes to 'when should I' it's easier to slim animals down than it is to put it back on at this time of year.
Good luck.

marion · Post by **marion** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 2:07 pm

Hi Stew, I'm in Eastern Canada. I have just started to offer hay as conditions get cold and wet. They aren't hungry yet but I like to give them the choice of some hay to warm their bellies. I have lots more rough pasture if only I could get it fenced (next year!)...fairly soon, it will be full time hay feeding until May.

Carol K · Post by **Carol K** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 12:45 am

What are Feed Blocks? Was just wondering if they are what we call Protein Blocks in the USA, they are like a high protein lick.

Carol

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 8:47 am

Hi Carol,
Yes they are what you would call protein blocks, they just give the cows that little bit extra as the feed value of grass declines or a low value feed such as poor hay or straw is being fed. I find them very usefull and cost effective, and I don't like feeding in troughs because of the damage done to pasture as the weather gets wetter in the autumn.

Martin.

Woodmagic · Post by **Woodmagic** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 8:57 am

I have always argued that cattle lose condition from inside out! Around Xmas time, if you aren’t careful, you go out one morning and find animals you were perfectly happy with yesterday, suddenly seemed to have lost weight overnight! Once they have lost it, it takes a lot of extra feed to put it back on. Autumn grass can be very useful, but it can be deceptive. If animals are offered reasonable quality supplementary fodder, and they eat it without wastage, that will give you a reliable guide.

Carol K · Post by **Carol K** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 12:11 am

Thanks Martin,
what do they run cost wise in the UK and what weight are they?
Over here they weigh about 200Lbs and cost about $42 and up. 16-24% protein, depending on what you want.

Carol

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:47 am

Hi Carol,
The ones I use are 18kg (39lb) and cost £19.98. This is a little expensive but our next closest merchant is a lot further away so competition is a little lacking. Not sure of the protein level, will check when I go to the farm tonight and let you know.
Martin.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:55 am

Sorry Carol,
The £19.99 is for 2 of the buckets.
Martin