Know How / Feed and nutrition AHDB resource Download the feed budget planner spreadsheet Download spreadsheet Case studiesSee all LIVESTOCKCosts stack up for primed seed, fodder beet trial showsA fodder beet crop established at a Welsh livestock farm with primed seed and a late-season application of nitrogen fertiliser yielded 40% more forage than standard seed and two applications.… DAIRYWhat is the secret to a smooth calving period?Anything that can be done to make an intensive block-calving period run as smoothly as possible will be advantageous for a busy farm team. It stems from preparing staff, processes… DAIRY'Little wins' improve milk and protein yield on Cornish farmMilk quality has not been compromised as yields have increased on a 550-cow dairy farm near Bodmin, Cornwall. In fact, while yields at Treveglos Farm are up by 1,200 litres… SHEEPLack of colostrum increases lamb losses tenfold, study showsLamb mortalities on a Welsh sheep farm were 10 times more likely when the animals had not received adequate colostrum in the crucial first 24 hours of life, a study… FEED AND NUTRITIONFour ways tenant dairy unit manages consistent feeding Adding maize and an alkaline fibre nut to the feed ration has helped a Cumbrian farm maintain rumen health through a period of challenging production years. Andrew Barraclough took on… BEEFRed clover allows sustainable intensification on beef farmDouble-cropping has made Farmers Weekly’s 2024 Beef Farmer of the Year self-sufficient in home-grown feed for his 1,600-head enterprise. Red clover is the bedrock of North Wales beef finisher Dylan… Practical adviceSee all DAIRYAdvice on supporting liver health in high-yielding cowsWe are all familiar with the challenges posed by the transition period in high-yielding dairy cows. However, ongoing research is demonstrating the value of more specific support for liver function… DAIRYPros and cons of feeding a home-grown dairy rationProducing a home-grown ration for cattle is an aspiration for more and more livestock farmers, and many rearing and finishing beef have made good progress in this endeavour. But dairy… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTWhy enough space to feed is vital for heifer health and growthPaying attention to feed and water access for replacement heifers is the key to ensuring coccidiosis prevention works – and that youngstock can achieve their growth targets. Adding medicine such… DAIRYHow to replace concentrates and get more milk from forageDairy farms clamping grass silage with digestibility of more than 70% should have the courage to challenge their production of milk from forage. Substituting 1kg of concentrates with 1kg of… FEED AND NUTRITIONForage analysis: Which test is best for mixed crops?Producers who rely on near-infrared spectroscopy to analyse forages such as mixed herbal leys, bi-crops and wholecrop legumes could be overfeeding or underfeeding key nutrients in their rations. Inaccuracies of… POULTRYAdvice on managing mycotoxin risks for poultryDespite the rollout of new stricter limits on the permitted levels of mycotoxins in cereals for human consumption, no changes have been made to recommendations for parameters in animal feed.… InsightsSee all BEEFHow roasting beans for beef rations improved liveweight gainFeeding roasted beans increased average daily liveweight gain by 0.15kg, when compared with using unroasted ones, in rations for young bulls on a mixed farm in South Yorkshire. In addition,… LIVESTOCKEgg producer's verdict on best alternative protein for layersFrom manure to processing, emissions from egg production can be tricky to manage. But replacing some, or all, of the soya in a standard flock’s diet with other proteins is… DAIRYWhy efficiency is the route to dairy farm sustainabilityEvery time dairy farmers think about sustainability, they should be thinking instead about efficiency. This was the conclusion of a roundtable of farmers, independent experts and industry representatives who gathered… FEED AND NUTRITIONCopper in dairy rations: Is too much as bad as too little?Evaluating copper levels in every feed source and supplement before formulating rations for dairy cows – and youngstock – will help meet animal requirements but prevent overfeeding and protect animal… LIVESTOCKFeed efficiency research reveals importance of cow groupingBreeding dairy herds for feed efficiency can be negatively impacted on-farm by managing lactating cows in mixed parity groups. This is because of competition at the feed bunk and a… DAIRYCow health strategy rethink needed after bolus lossDairy farms need to review their strategies for preventing metabolic disease in transition cows as monensin boluses are no longer on the market, said independent veterinary consultant Dr David Charles.… FEED AND NUTRITIONMaize Watch: Crop progress a month behindMaize progress has largely been a month behind all year in southern Wales, with drilling and harvesting dates both delayed. This is according to George John of SG John… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTTrial compares performance of whey protein v whey powderUsing a whey protein-based milk replacer, over a whey powder-based alternative, could increase saleable milk yields by almost £500 a heifer. This is according to research presented by Volac’s global… BEEF16 ways to improve suckler herd profitabilityBritish beef farmers can check their management practices against a list of tried and tested ways to make their suckler herds more profitable and productive. A joint levy board initiative… FEED AND NUTRITIONBacterial inoculant boosts milk yield 1.9kg/day, study showsInoculating silage increases available dry matter, improves aerobic stability, and increases milk yields, according to the findings of a new trial. The independent trial was carried out at Reading University’s… FEED AND NUTRITIONExcess copper found to impair liver function in heifersFeeding excess copper to dairy heifer calves can compromise liver function, leading to poorer fertility and lower milk yields in first lactation. This is according to AHDB-funded research at Harper… LIVESTOCKAre milk fever and negative energy balance under control?Milk fever and negative energy balance are issues for many dairy herds, despite most dairy farmers recognising the importance of the dry period to cow health and productivity. According to… Advertiser contentSee all LIVESTOCKHow organic dairy farmer increased protein from forageBritish livestock farmers continue to produce outstanding meat and milk despite facing uncertain industry conditions. In response, Germinal is seeing more and more farmers mitigate that uncertainty by producing high-quality,… LIVESTOCKGuide: Addressing trace element deficiency in livestockTrace elements are essential minerals required in only small amounts, but they play a huge role in the health, growth, fertility, and performance of sheep and cattle. Despite their tiny… LIVESTOCKHow dairy businesses can reduce carbon and stay profitableHow a comprehensive and tailored whole-farm process can ensure dairy farms reduce emissions cost-effectively to deliver more sustainable and profitable milk production. There are two primary challenges when setting out… LIVESTOCKMaking sustainability work for the bottom lineHaving a clear emissions reduction plan is helping David Bacon make significant impacts into his carbon footprint, identifying priorities while not increasing costs. Farming at the 480ha Gleadthorpe Farm in… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTHome-grown forage – All you need to knowMaking better use of home-grown forages to reduce cost of production and improve sustainability starts with crop establishment and seed choice. With carefully chosen seed mixtures, a grass sward can achieve… ARABLEHow hybrid rye could help decarbonise the food supply chainAs well as having significant advantages for growers and proven benefits in pig and poultry rations, hybrid rye could now play a key role in decarbonising the food supply chain.…
