Grazed grass is often still the cheapest feed on UK farms. If well managed, modern grass varieties, along with clover rich swards, can bring huge yield benefits, as well as reducing nitrogen fertiliser requirements. Depending on the type of stock, pasture and growing season, target growth rates of 0.8kg to 1.5kg per day across the grazing season are very achievable.
Sward height is key to maintaining pasture quality and controlling it is crucial in determining grass utilisation throughout the season, particularly at turnout. Aim to stock fields heavily during the spring, then reduce stocking densities later in the season, controlling the sward height at this time will help maintain quality. The use of electric fencing to control area size is a useful management strategy giving flexibility to shut off areas for grazing later or cutting for silage/hay.
Target sward heights for growing and finishing cattle
Maximising grass yield and grass quality is paramount to finishing cattle at grass. Earlier maturing native type breeds are more suited to forage based finishing, with later maturing, continental breeds being more difficult to finish off grass and may need supplementary feeding during summer and autumn to ensure acceptable weight and fat cover.
Supplementary trough feeding of cattle should be carried out whilst at grass, troughs should be moved regularly and supplementary forage should be offered on wet days as on these days cattle will eat a higher proportion of their total dry matter intake as concentrate, which could lead to digestive upsets such as acidosis.
Feed rates will vary, depending on grass quality and quantity but aim for 0.5kg of concentrate per 100kg of liveweight, for grazing animals close to finish. So 500kg animals would require around 2.5kg per head per day. A suitable concentrate would be NWF Prime Beef, high in energy, 30% starch and sugar, with 14% crude protein with good levels of NDF and minerals/vitamins. When higher levels of concentrate are required cattle are likely better suited to being housed and finished inside.
Target growth rates for different classes of stock
Targets for grass-based beef farms
Grass-based farms should record gross margin data to ensure that animal performance is on target. However, it is just as important to maintain data on a per-hectare basis. The more grass you can grow and utilise per hectare, the higher the profitability will be.
For further information on maximising your beef herd, please speak to your local NWF Sales Specialist or call 0800 756 2787.
