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For more information, please contact the FeedLine on
01278 444829 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.

Choosing the Correct Feed

A variety of forages can be used for winter diets, including grass and maize silage, hay, roots, plain or treated straw and vegetable by-products. These may be supplemented with a purchased compound, a protein concentrate plus cereals or cereals alone plus specific minerals, depending on ration design.

New moist feeds are likely to provide a cost effective flexible ingredient. The availability of these materials will undoubtedly increase in the future. The amount used in the beef sector will depend on the cost relative to other feed materials.

It must be remembered that when arable by-products are fed, it is important not to be satisfied with moderate performance just because the feeds appear cheap.

The use of new specific feed additives in the beef sector is increasing. Choice of any additive must be made using strict criteria including cost effective performance data.

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. Other practical considerations must also be considered such as product quality, availability in the medium term and storage facilities.

If you would like to receive your own personalised ration and feed budget, please call the feedline on 01278 444829.


 


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>

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