Grass Growth
Grass growth rates have decreased by 10kg DM/ha/day, to average 72.3kg DM/ha/day, as a result of less favourable growing conditions. Apart from the North-East and the East, all other regions saw a decline in grass growth. The West Midlands and East Midlands saw the largest fall of 19kg DM/ha/day and 18kg DM/ha/day, respectively. Despite these falls in grass growth, the weeks average remains above the 6-year average of 59kg DM/ha/day and the 2020 average of 38kg DM/ha/day.
Milk Yield from Grazing (MYFG)
Average MYFG has fallen to M+11.2litres/day, 4lires/day lower than the previous weeks figure of M+15.2litres/day. This is below the 2020 average of M+13.6litres/day, yet higher than the 6-year average of M+11.9litres/day. The decline can be attributed to a reduced averaged potential grass dry matter intake, of 1.2kg/day. Despite having the highest figure in the previous week, the East has fallen to the lowest average MYFG figure of M+8.5litres/day, although this is from a relatively small sample size.
Grass Quality
The metabolisable energy content of grass has dropped to 11.0MJ/kg DM, which corresponds to the fall in sugar content to 11.7% DM from 11.9% DM. Grass energy content can be controlled by maintaining swards with high perennial ryegrass content, but equally important is good grassland management.
For more information on maximising your homegrown forages potential, speak to our experts on 01829 797 125 or order NWF grass seed online HERE.
Source: Trouw Nutrition
