LOWER FEED VALUE FOR 2008 SILAGES

Scotmin  analyse a large number of forage samples every year for feed value.  This year the average feed value appears much lower than last year.  With over 150 samples now analysed the average feed value results are shown below.

Whilst some excellent first cut values have been seen it appears most silages are low in energy this year.  This has been reflected in lower milk production with cows probably 1-2 litres off the pace.  Feeding protected fat has shown a good response in some herds but extra degradable protein(rape or urea) has also been needed in others.  Couple this with poor back end grass feed value and cows are struggling to perform.  We may need 2 months to put body condition back on before milk production comes back to where it should be.

At Scotmin we have found that feeding Biosprint live yeast has been a major benefit in these situations.  Up to 3 litres of milk /cow/day responses have been seen.  However on other farms the response has firstly been a huge increase in body condition and improved fertility as a result.

Not only Dairy Cows suffer from poorer silages, they also impact on beef cattle growth rates in the same way.  Feeding Biosprint in this case can improve liveweight gains by around 10%.

For further information on how Biosprint can help turn around your fortunes this winter contact your local Scotmin representative or call 01292 280909.

This year the poor weather has forced many farmers to bring their animals indoors earlier than planned, this coupled with a difficult harvest has lead to two issues:

1. A large percentage of grain has been treated with propcorn (propionic acid) or caustic soda resulting in a higher requirement for good levels of vitamin E in mineral supplements

2. Increased reports of Mycotoxin poisoning (caused by fungus growth) with cattle and sheep being fed mouldy grain and silage

Do you have an issue?
Look out for reduced production, abortion, loose dung, poor fertility, and general loss of condition.

What is the solution?
Farmers cannot afford not to feed mouldy grains and forages so ensure that your animals are protected from the toxins by feeding a specialist product such as Biobind SAFE, which is very effective at binding several of the prevalent toxins to make them ineffective.  Used in conjunction with Biosprint, we can improve general condition of the animals, boost milk yields and Liveweight gain

For further information on any of the products contact our Nutritional Helpline on 01292 280909 or use the Contact Us form.

A recent trial of over 3,945 Blackface Ewes found that there was a cost saving of up to 25% when using Scotmin Protein Energy Buckets versus a Leading Brand competitor.

The trial was conducted in Spring 2008 utilising 5 hill farms throughout the Scottish Borders and Dumfries. The supplements were fed from January through to the end of lambing with some Ewes given the Scotmin Protein Energy Buckets and the others given the competitor supplement.

Results:
• Intakes of the Scotmin Protein Energy Bucket were consistently within the recommended range
whilst intakes of the competitors product were consistently higher than the recommended range
• The specification of the Scotmin Protein Energy bucket was better than the leading competitor brand
• Shepherds observed ewes in superior condition when using the Scotmin supplement
• Ewes fed on the Scotmin product had better lambing performance

Save money and increase performance with Scotmin!