Crude protein (CP) levels in grass have returned to normal after applying nitrogen fertiliser. The latest data from AHDB’s Forage for Knowledge programme shows 22% CP – the normal range is 20%-30%.
Grass growth is also back on track after a difficult spring. Growth is between 20 and 90 depending on the location, but most data shows a healthy 35-60. Additionally, average covers have mostly recovered.
Maximise grass quality
Ensure sward residuals are good. This will enable you to build effective cover on good residuals, maximising the quality of the sward profile.
When to build cover depends on the average cover required to feed the herd before you take the cows off grass. For example, the standard average cover for a spring calving farm is 2800 kgDM per hectare at the start of the last round on 1st October. So, when you start building this cover depends on your late summer / early autumn growth. If your growth is slower and you can manage 10 above demand, it will take 60 days to build from 2200 to 2800 kgDM. If your September growth is strong and 20 above demand, building cover will take 30 days.
Average cover for autumn caving herds depends on when you bring in the cows. Some farmers will house their cows two weeks before breeding, and some will continue grazing during breeding. Therefore, these two scenarios require different average covers to sustain grazing to your chosen point. Calculate your demand and look at last year’s growth date to predict and build cover for your requirements.
The last round for spring calvers is 6-8 weeks, and for autumn calvers is 4-6 weeks. This will create a flatter wedge than the standard. As a result, you get a higher average cover without the top-end paddocks carrying an excess of 3000 kgDM, which can be difficult to utilise in wet spring conditions. Calculate what cover do you need to open at, then work back.
Maximise herd performance
Spring calvers:
Monitor body condition. Do you have any thin cows? Is there a need to dry some cows off to help put condition on?
Now is the time to review your herd’s reproductive performance. Record anything you will do differently next year whilst it is fresh in your mind.
Autumn calvers:
Record any calving and cow issues so you can watch these cows to ensure they are cycling well before breeding.
How is your standing hay working? Are the cows getting the required dry matter and minerals? Any milk fever? Do you need to modify anything?
Contact your local Pasture to Profit Consultant if you require further advice or support.
