Articles
Supplementing Beef Cattle At Grass
As summer progresses the quantity and nutritional quality of grass declines. This year, grass growth has fallen off quite considerably as soils run out of moisture.
Read More > about Supplementing Beef Cattle At GrassProlonged Dry Weather On Grass
The current heatwave that we have been experiencing won’t in itself restrict the growth of the principal grass i.e. ryegrasses. In fact, their optimum growth temperature is 25 C. The main issue is lack of soil water.
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Warning: Heat Stress, Sheep
Perfect summer weather but be on the lookout for heat stress in sheep e.g. an extended neck and increased panting, even when standing still. If a sheep’s body temperature continues to increase, it will eventually collapse.
Read More > about Warning: Heat Stress, SheepWarning: Heat Stress, Beef Cows
The bovine thermal comfort zone is -13oC to +25oC. Above this upper level, cattle will start to suffer some degree of heat stress. Cattle naturally minimise exertion to stay cool. High temperatures will also have some effect on sperm quality and even embryo viability – each of these being hugely important in the middle of the main beef-breeding season.
Read More > about Warning: Heat Stress, Beef CowsStoring Potatoes With Draff/Brewers Grains
If you are able to get draff this summer then a good storage option is ensiling potatoes with draff.
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Short Of Forage – Poor Cereal Crops?
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.
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Blowfly Control In Sheep
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.
Read More > about Blowfly Control In SheepHow High To Cut For Silage?
Many producers are talking about going for bulk with their first cuts this year to replenish, as much as possible, empty silos etc. David Lawson gives some advice on what height to take the grass down to.
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Surging Grass Growth
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.
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Feeding Lactating Ewes
With low grass height, some are questioning whether feeding the ewes in lactation is necessary.
Read More > about Feeding Lactating EwesSign up to the FAS newsletter
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