DairyCo

feeding+

Feeding and nutrition is one of the most important factors in efficient dairy production. It represents the highest cost in producing a litre of milk. Feeding and nutrition is fundamentally affected by the type of system a farm chooses to run.

feeding+ is an essential programme for farmers wanting to improve feed efficiency and nutrition. The programme provides farmers with the information and advice they need to reduce costs and save money on farm.

feeding+ has been designed and written by four highly respected nutrition specialists, and builds on research carried out by the DairyCo economics team which analysed every cost that goes into producing a litre of milk in the UK.  This research showed a marked difference in feeding costs between the most and least efficient producers and highlighted that many dairy farmers could make significant savings.

The feeding+ programme promotes feed efficiency for yield, quality and profit. Six modules focus on all aspects of nutrition and feed management, aiming to save 2ppl on feed costs.

Modules covered in the programme events are:

• Understanding nutrition and ration formulation
  Covering all aspects of rumen function and understanding of cow ration formulation and the nutrient supply of different feedstuffs.
• Practical on farm feed management
  A look at practical aspects such as machinery, troughs etc and an analysis of all the different systems available to feed dairy cows and the optimum system for your farm.
• Grazing and forage management
  Demonstration of how good grazing and silage management techniques can be implemented at farm level. Also, forage planning in terms of feed budgeting and analysis of feeds and how valuable are alternative forages and grazing in terms of animal nutrition and their impact on profitability.

• Dry cow management and heifer rearing
  Learn about heifer rearing, associated costs and how to lower replacement rates and manage culling. Also, alternative management approaches to dry cows.

If you want to know more, please contact your local extension officer.