Results from over 4000 first cut samples and just fewer than 400 second cut samples suggest there will be specific challenges across the country with silage samples varying across the country.

“On average first cuts are better than second cut crops in all key areas such as dry matter, ME, protein and intake potential,” said Adam Clay, Ruminant Manager.

Moisture contents will prove to be a great concern for the coming winter due to extreme conditions and enormous variations across grass crops this year especially where silages are wet.

“The weather wreaked havoc with harvesting in many places this year leading to wet silages but at the same time we have seen some very dry crops,” Mr Clay added.

“Wet silages will represent a challenge to rumen efficiency as we are seeing silages with low pH, down to 3.5, combined with high lactic acid levels which together present a high acidosis risk.”

While wet silages are a problem, Mr Clay reckons feeding dry forages can help minimise problems.

“Feeding wet silage with dry forages, including chopped straw in the diet or feeding rumen buffers and yeast will be possible actions to minimise problems.”

“Very wet , acidic silage should not be fed to early lactation cows if at all possible and clamps should be analysed regularly during the winter to allow diets to be fine-tuned to make the most of forages.”

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