Stretching winter feed stocks

Dry weather and low grass growth put pressure on forage yields and can result in reduced silage stocks for winter. Find out how to assess feed needs, stretch existing forage and make informed decisions on alternative options.

Before making changes, understand the size of the challenge.

Estimate the volume of clamps or bales and convert into dry matter (DM) tonnes.

Silage typically ranges from 20 to 35% DM depending on cut and ensiling method.

Use livestock numbers, type and housing period length to calculate overall DM demand.

For example, suckler cows need around 9–11 kg DM/day and ewes need 1.5–2 kg DM/day.

This gives you the widest range of management and purchasing options.

Where silage quantity is low, use the best-quality forage strategically:

• Prioritise high-quality silage for youngstock, finishing animals and freshly calved cows
• Feed lower-quality silage to dry cows or lower-priority stock, with energy and mineral supplementation where needed
• Test silage early for energy (ME), protein and fibre to help balance rations effectively

Introducing supplementary feeds now, rather than waiting until stocks run low, can help reduce the draw on silage.

Straw and hay can help increase fibre content in the diet but are low in energy and protein. They are best suited to dry cows or to consume with appropriate supplements.

Feeding wholecrop, fodder beet or stubble turnips offers energy-dense options where available, with potential grazing value.

Molasses or liquid feeds are useful for increasing energy density and palatability.

Blend or concentrate feeds allow flexibility in protein and energy supply, but cost and sourcing must be considered.

Reducing silage quantities without a balanced ration can affect animal performance, fertility and health.

Work with a nutritionist to balance diets and avoid deficiencies. Avoid sharp feed reductions as this can increase the risk of acidosis, poor growth and fertility issues.

Weighing and grouping stock will also help you tailor feeding more accurately and avoid overfeeding.

If the shortfall is large, act before demand and prices rise:

• Buy extra bales or silage if available locally
• Graze forage crops or deferred grass into late autumn to extend the grazing season and delay housing
• Explore agri-environment scheme options, such as GS4 herbal leys or brassica cover crops, that may offer winter grazing potential

Regularly assess body condition score (BCS) in breeding animals:

• Suckler cows: Calve at BCS 2.5–3.0; losing or gaining condition late in pregnancy affects calving and fertility
• Ewes: Should be around BCS 2.5–3.0 pre-tupping, and maintain condition during early pregnancy
• Growing stock: Weigh monthly to make sure performance targets are met despite ration adjustments