Grass Growth
This week, grass growth average 47kg DM/ha/day across Great Britain, a 10kg DM/ha/day decreased on the previous week. However, is 11kg DM/ha/day higher than for the same period in 2019 and 12kg DM/ha/day higher than the same period in 2018. The largest fall was seen in the North East with a decrease of 61kg DM/ha/day. Wales was the only region to see an increase, with growth rates up 3kg DM/ha/day on the previous week.
Milk Yield from Grazing (MYFG)
Whilst grass growth rates are higher than those seen in previous years, MYFG has fallen once again this week to M-0.66 litres/day, compared to the M+1.26 litres/day recorded last week. During the same period last year, MYFG averaged M+1.38 litres/day. The fall could once again be attributed to another decline in potential grass dry matter intake (DMI), which is averaging 6.62 kg/day. Buffer feeding may be considered where achieving desired intakes are compromised.
The North East and Yorkshire were the only regions to record positive figures this week, at M+3.5 litres/day.
Autumn Grass Staggers Risk
With continued high grass growth rates, higher than what has been seen in previous years, the risk of grass staggers remains. Risk is also heightened by wetter conditions in combination with the naturally lower sugar contents of grazing. There are several methods to supplement magnesium into the diet:
- Compounds
- Mineral supplements (in feeds or free access)
- Magnesium bolus
- Bucket licks
- Magnesium in water
For more information on NWF Grass Seeds, call our traded products team on 0800 756 2787 or download the 2020 NWF Grass Seed Brochure HERE.
Source: Trouw Nutrition.
