BALANCED DIETS TO BALANCE TO THE BOOKS

Wednesday 6th August 2008

As beef producers are only too aware, any potential improved profits resulting from better market prices have been significantly reduced by increased costs. Increases in fixed costs, such as labour and machinery costs, are modest compared to the increased variable costs of purchased feeds, silage and bedding. Fixed costs, although a burden, are difficult to reduce. However the costs of winter feeding can be addressed by assessing forage quality and carefully balancing the ration, to ensure that forages are fully exploited and good rates of gain and improved food conversions are achieved. This then ensures that purchased rations are carefully targeted.

Central to achieving these money saving opportunities is getting the silage tested. Many dairy rations are structured around forage type and quality to obtain the required performance and a beef ration should be no different. Rations should take into account the required level performance and the forages available. Regular weighing of cattle will allow monitoring of diet performance and ensure that cattle achieve target gains, finishing at good weights. Balanced diets also allow cattle to finish quicker therefore reducing overall costs as less bedding will be used and as feed conversion efficiency declines with age. Also with balanced diets, cattle kill out and grade well.

Cornwall Farmers offer a complete range of forage sampling services, rationing expertise and an extensive range of straights, blends, liquid feeds, blocks and compounds to maximise the potential in your forage and cattle, increasing your bottom line.