Grass Growth
Across GB grass growth has averaged 30.9kg DM/ha/day, which is a slight increase on last year and creeping steadily towards the 6-year average for the same period of 37kg DM/ha/day. The Northeast has seen significant growth rates, where the average has increase by 35kg DM/ha/day to 45kg DM/ha/day. Some regions are still experiencing poor grass growth, particularly Yorkshire which has fallen to 16kg DM/ha/day average. For regions with reduced growth, it is vital to manage forage stocks and balance rations accurately to get the most out of what is available. Where grass growth has increased staggers will be one to watch and magnesium supplementation should be considered.
Milk Yield from Grazing
Average MYFG this week has risen to M+2litres/day, where the 6-year average is M+3litres/day for the same period. Regionally potential MYFG remains low, although once again data is limited.
NFEPB Potential Milk Loss
The last few weeks have seen increased crude protein levels in grass accompanied by lower sugar levels. When assessing options to mitigate the effect of excess nitrogen, it is important to consider an optimal balance of rumen degradable protein and fermentable metabolisable energy (FME) is achieved in the overall diet. The effects of excess nitrogen in grazing this week could potentially reduce milk yield by 0.33 liters/head/day. The addition of a source of FME from a source best suited to individual farms should be considered to help offset any negative effects.
