Triple impact puts focus on protected fats this winter

Low energy density dairy rations could seriously undermine milk production this winter as many producers are hit by the triple impact of this year’s poor weather – poor quality grass silage, reduced bushel weight cereals and maize silage that’s low in starch and volume.

“Unless diets are reformulated to account for the lower energy contents of these key home-grown feeds, many won’t hit the 11.75-12.0MJ ME/kg DM needed to support yields over 30 litres/cow/day,” warns Trident technical manager Andrew Howie.

“It’s going to put the focus heavily on protected fats this winter. With energy contents of up to 37MJ ME/kg DM, no extra load on the rumen and no substitution effect reducing intakes of home-grown feed, protected fats could be the most effective and convenient way for many to correct low ration energy densities this winter.”

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