Articles

The traditional way of harvesting cereals for livestock was arable silage which was harvested when the grain reached the cheesy ripe stage in late July.  This did produce high yields but a moderate feed quality making it really only suitable to dry spring calving cows.  The other problem with it was its attractiveness to vermin and hence baling arable silage was not particularly successful due to the damage to the wrap. 

The recent warm weather with occasional rain has provided the ideal conditions for blowfly strike to occur. Maggot infestation is an important welfare and economic issue.

All of a sudden, the grass is now growing at a rate of knots.  Reacting quickly will improve utilisation and help maintain quality for the summer.

With low grass height, some are questioning whether feeding the ewes in lactation is necessary. 

The SCOPS nematodirus forecast map (www.scops.org.uk) predicts that for Dumfries and Galloway hatching will commence in 7 to 14 days if the warmer weather continues.  This will start creeping up the country as warmer weather continues.  

If ewes are leaner following the extended winter/late spring and grass growth continues to be limited (<4 cm), offer the lambs creep feed to take the pressure of the ewe.