Hay and grass silage quality has suffered this year, meaning producers will need to supplement their livestock feed carefully. That’s according to analysis of forage samples at the recent Wynnstay Beef and Sheep Event held at Welshpool Livestock Market.  

Around 1,000 farmers attended the bi-annual event, which brought together experts and industry leaders to share knowledge, discuss the latest trends, and explore innovative practices in the livestock industry. 

The opportunity to submit forage samples for testing highlighted crucial issues like low protein content, high fibre levels, and poor fermentation quality, sparking discussions on how to address these areas for improved livestock performance.  

Overall, the quality of forages submitted for sampling were below target, highlighting the need for careful supplementation with energy and protein this coming winter.  

The analysis of hay, grass silage, maize and whole crop silage highlighted that strategic adjustments will be required to help farmers maximise the nutritional value of their rations. “Understanding your forage's profile is the first step in optimising herd or flock health and productivity,” said Bryn Hughes, Wynnstay’s national sheep and beef manager.  

Hay samples revealed crude protein (CP) levels averaging only 6.5%, falling below the ideal 8-11% range. “The low CP levels are concerning,” Mr Hughes pointed out. "Mature, late-cut grasses divert nutrients to structural carbohydrates, which lowers protein content. Farmers must balance this with protein supplements to maintain livestock performance." 

The grass silage analysis pointed to similar concerns, showing CP levels at an average of 9.3%, significantly below the target range of 12-16%. High pH levels, averaging 4.6, further compounded the issue.  

“Elevated pH allows clostridia to break down protein into ammonia, rendering it less useful to livestock and diminishing the feed's nutritional value," explained Mr Hughes. "This can negatively affect growth rates and cause health issues.” 

Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin levels in grass silage were notably high at 68.3% and 6.3%, respectively, indicating a harvest of overly mature grass. "Excessive NDF means more structural carbohydrates, which slow digestion and reduce feed intake," Mr Hughes said.  

Additionally, butyric acid levels averaged 0.6%, exceeding the desired <0.1% threshold, indicating poor fermentation and suboptimal silage preservation, which can compromise feed quality.  

To address these issues, Mr Hughes highlighted essential management practices.

“Supplementing lower-protein forage with high-protein feed is necessary to sustain livestock productivity,” he advised. “And incorporating yeast metabolites can aid fibre digestion and support rumen health, making fibrous silage more manageable.” 

Although farmers can’t predict the weather, the key to better silage next year lies in its preparation. “Adjusting the timing of cuts, ensuring rapid wilting and tightly packed clamps to exclude oxygen can prevent harmful bacterial activity and preserve protein integrity,” he said. “Small but significant changes can greatly enhance feed quality and animal performance.” 

Tips on balancing rations:  

Supplement protein: Add high-protein feed to balance low-protein forage and support livestock productivity 

Manage fibre levels: Use yeast metabolites to improve fibre digestion and maintain rumen health 

Combat high pH: Address elevated pH to prevent protein loss through proteolysis and preserve feed quality; Compact silage well to remove the oxygen from the clamp and use silage inoculants containing lactic acid bacteria to speed up the rate of pH reduction in the clamp.  

Tips on improving forage 

Optimal cutting: Adjust cutting times and ensure thorough wilting to boost forage protein levels  

Better silage consolidation: Tightly packed clamps help exclude oxygen and protect protein content. 

Focus on fermentation: Prioritise good silage practices to minimise harmful bacterial activity and enhance nutritional value.