Body condition scoring will be vital this winter

THE shortage of fodder is still the subject of many conversations, writes Eamon O’Connell.

A third cut was harvested that will help to make a dent in the fodder shortage.

Hopefully, those who are short can source silage at a decent price.

Farmers will have to be very vigilant to make maximum use out of what fodder stores they have.

Regular body condition scoring of dairy cows will be vital this year.

A lot of cows are in good condition at present due to increased concentrate feeding during the summer. Cows can be grouped according to BCS at drying off.

Overweight cows can be fed less thus maximising your use of silage.

Risk

We all know that when cows calve down in too good a BCS, they are at much higher risk of milk fever, metritis, ketosis, displaced stomachs and mastitis.

So, by implementing a simple feeding plan based on BCS, you can avoid some very costly conditions in the spring.

In order to ration silage, you must have a full silage analysis completed.

This will tell you the energy value of your feed as well as the mineral components.

The silage can also be supplemented with straw or concentrates based on requirements.

Many farmers have sown catch crops such as rape or kale this year to try to extend fodder reserves.

Talk to your vet about mineral supplementation (especially iodine) if grazing these crops this winter.