Maize silage big saver
Maize silage big saver
CONVERTING maize silage feed potential into reality could save £7000 in winter feed costs, according to Maize Growers Associations director of operations John Morgan.
"Maize silage often makes up 80% of winter rations on the Continent, but British producers lack confidence to feed at this level. Its important to believe its possible and cut concentrates so cows can eat more maize," he said.
A typical diet fed in Brittany, France, to get 30 litres of milk a day consists of 17kg dry matter maize silage and 3kg DM protein of rape/soya mix. This costs £24,307 for a 100 cow herd over 180-day winter, while 10kg DM grass silage and 9.5kg dairy cake would cost £31,320 for the same period.
Ensure feeding systems are geared to cows eating a lot of forage. This includes comfortable bedding, adequate feeding space, good water supply, supplying fresh maize and removing stale feed.
"We are challenging producers to grab the bull by the horns and convert maize feeding potential into reality, said Mr Morgan.