Growth rates have continued to increase week on week with an average of 55kg DM/h/d this week (+3kg DM/ha/day on the week). North East saw the highest growth rates at 62kg DM/ha/day and Yorkshire saw the lowest growth rates of 47kg DM/ha/day.
The average potential MYFG has seen an increase to M+9.52 litres per day, + 2.14 litres on the week. This increase takes us M+ 1.92 litres per day over the 2019’s figure for the same time, as well as +2.15 litres per day over the 6-year average. This increase in MYFG could be a result of the increase in potential grass DM intake. Variation across regions is seen; Scotland at M+13.2 litres/day and the North West seeing much lower, at M+5.8 litres/day.
The lab at Trouw GB received MYFG samples from all regions this week, however, only 3 samples were received from the East and Scotland. When interpreting these results, please consider the limited number of samples which have been received.
Magnesium:
It is well known that during spring, Mg intake from grass is typically low as a result of its low Mg content. Combine this with high levels of potassium in these grass flushes, which is a known antagonist against Mg, increases the risk of hypomagnesemia.
Butterfat:
High levels of Rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (RFC) and Acid Load were reported this week, highlighting the need to ensure control measures are in place to reduce the risk of butterfat depression. This could be done through reducing the fermentability of the diets and putting in place strategies to avoid low pH to provide effective buffering capacities. Inclusion of a rumen buffer to the ration can help.
Latest Pre- Cut tracker
This week, Trouw have received a good number of pre-cut samples, with an average NDF content of 38.32%, a small decrease compared to last week. This is still in the NDF content threshold for optimum first cut quality.
Most samples received were from Wales and the West; 48% of samples, followed by 7.5% from Scotland, 4.5% from the North West and North East and Yorkshire each. Just under 4% of samples were from the East.
