For more information, please contact the FeedLine on
01278 444829 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.
Beef Feed Solutions
by Adam May, Beef and Sheep Product Manager
The new range of Mole Valley compound feeds and protein concentrates is summarised in the table below. A similar new range of products in blend form is also available. Specific Nutri-LINK beef minerals complete the portfolio.
|
Product |
Protein |
System |
Key Feature |
|
Speedy Beef + Yeast |
14 |
Intensive |
Yeast |
|
14 |
Intensive |
Starch |
|
|
16 |
Silage beef |
Energy balance |
|
|
16 |
Store |
Value concept |
|
|
33 |
Home mix |
Protein balance |
|
|
33 |
Home mix |
Mineral content |
The ability to formulate a diet to achieve the required levels of animal performance at the optimum feed cost is a vital part of planned beef production. Nutrient supply is critical – key areas to consider are summarised in Table 1.
|
Aim |
Action |
|
Assess the metabolisable energy (ME) requirement |
Analyse forage and complete ration plan |
|
Accurately predict dry matter intake |
Utilise latest data |
|
Maximise rumen microbial protein |
Balance rumen carbohydrate and protein |
|
Supply adequate digestible undegradable protein |
Feed products specified to this nutrient |
|
Ensure adequate structural fibre |
Measure it |
|
Provide appropriate level of starch |
Review impact on rumen function |
|
Ensure adequate mineral and vitamin supply |
Adopt “Goldilocks” principle |
|
Feed additives according to strict criteria |
Demand cost effective performance data |
Table 1
The latest beef campaign has been very successful for Mole Valley Farmers.
Feedback on animal performance has been excellent. Recent trial work at Harper Adams University College (see brief results summary Table 2) and a thorough assessment of latest market requirements, has resulted in further improvements to the product range for the new season.
|
|
Performance (bulls, ad lib system) |
|
Start weight (kg) |
317 |
|
Slaughter weight (kg) |
569 |
|
DLWG (kg) |
1.58 |
Table 2
Key considerations in product selection specific to this year will include forage quality, quantity, and cost, the potential use of new moist feeds such as Wessex Gold and the availability of new ingredients from the biofuels sector. Optimum feed selection must be made using a robust ration model and feed budget system. Mole Valley Farmers have developed a unique farm management service to address this challenge. Various feeds can be evaluated, based on the current, or forecast relative costs. In addition, several “what if” scenarios can be assessed.