EARLY forage analyses suggest the acid loading effect of many grass and maize silages will be high within TMRs this winter .

“ Whilst many grass silages do seem to have a decent energy and protein level , many crops also have a set of characteristics that could make them difficult to utilise effectively in dairy cow rations this winter – with a low fibre index and high acid load being the key challenges ,” points out Robert Cockroft from FiveF Alka .

“ With high levels of fermentable carbohydrate , care will be needed when feeding these grass silages . Not only are they already strongly acidic , they are likely to digest more like a concentrate feed and create even more excess acidity in the rumen . In addition , maize silages look to have a similar set of characteristics .”

Mr Cockroft says this underlying acid load is likely to act as an anchor on farms trying to cut feed costs unless it is addressed within a TMR . “ It ’ s a real drag because whatever combination of increased yield or lower concentrate use is being pursued , success can only be achieved by increasing intakes and digestion of the forage components of the diet . And to do that you must limit the excess ration acidity load .”

FiveF Alka says that straightforward alkalisation of a TMR before it is fed to the cow simply addresses this issue . “ For example , when added to damp forage sources , AlkabupHa pellets rapidly release ammonia to neutralise excess acid in the diet . Dietary inclusion will improve rumen performance and boost dry matter intake , as well as contribute extra protein and macro minerals to the cow ration .

Mr Cockroft adds that AlkabupHa is actually 90 % protein – a massive

benefit in the current economic climate – but also contributes significantly to the calcium and magnesium requirements of the animal .

“ The formulation ensures acids in the diet are quickly turned into ammonium salts , which are then metabolised as a highly effective rumen degradable energy and protein source . This improves rumen function , as well as helping to reduce the requirement for high protein feed ingredients like soya and rape meal ,” he says .

FiveF Alka nutritionists claim that the net cost of using AlkabupHa will only be between 5p and 15p per cow per day , after allowing for the underlying protein and mineral value it contributes to the diet . And this is before the benefit of any increased forage and feed intakes are factored in with regard to both cow performance and overall health .

Rob Cockroft

AlkabupHa is available nationwide through a network of approved merchants .

THOUSANDS of UK dairy farmers will have to track all their calves – including bull calves – for the first eight weeks of life from January . But there is no easy way to do this without rearing them on-farm ; until now .

Opening up access to new markets and streamlining data compliance is the free Breedr app . Its founders have been working with the dairy industry to bring farmers closer together , fulfil Arla ’ s new eight-week reporting requirements , and help producers add value to their stock .

“ We have been trialling the app with several Arla farmers , and it ’ s proven a tremendous success ,” explains co-founder Ian Wheal . “ Producers simply enter their calf data and sync the app with BCMS so that – with the right permissions – they can track the calves wherever they are reared , and produce an automatic eight-week report .”

In a bid to match up dairy farmers with potential calf rearers , Breedr is also launching a new online marketplace , helping producers to either form their own dedicated supply chain or sell calves to a range of local rearers and finishers . “ We firmly believe that farmers are stronger together – and by taking out the middleman and offering greater transparency , we can help producers to improve their margins and productivity ,” says Mr Wheal .

Dairy farmers will be able to sell their calves through the app commission-free until the end of April 2021 .

Patrick Morris-Eyton milks 230 Holstein cows at Beckside Farm in the Lake District , and started selling to a dedicated calf rearer – Damien Whiteman - 11 months ago . “ It ’ s really taken the pressure off at our end ; it saves space and time requirements ,” he says . Both farmers use the Breedr app , meaning they know when calves will be ready to move , and ensuring traceability for Arla ’ s eight-week report .

Not only that : By monitoring which calves perform the best at Mr Whiteman ’ s farm , the duo have identified the optimum sire choice and calf management protocols , boosting overall productivity and financial returns . “ I can put all of my colostrum and medicine treatments into the app , so Damien can see what the calves have had ,” explains Mr Morris-Eyton . “ And I ’ m now even more conscious that the colostrum quality is correct – it ’ s as important for the beef calves as the Holstein heifers .”

For those who are rearing or finishing beef calves , the app has another trick up its sleeve : It can predict the optimum sale date , helping producers to maximise efficiencies and financial returns . “ If you weigh your animals regularly , the app will record daily liveweight gains and predict growth rates ,” explains Mr Wheal . “ This helps producers to identify and manage under-performing animals and better meet target carcass specifications .”

And that ’ s where the flow of data can add further value , helping farmers to make marginal gains every step of the way . “ Ultimately , breeders can identify the best stock for the finished market , improving returns and the final beef-eating experience .”

If the dairy producer can see results of their actions , that ’ s a real positive , says Richard Simpson , development director at Kingshay dairy consultants . “ They can improve their management and calf value . What Breedr offers is an opportunity for farmers to have that insight after the animal has left the farm . Longer term , breeding decisions are led by what the market wants . Once all the parties see the benefits of sharing data it ’ s a win-win .”