Extra ration sugars could be critical this winter, British farmers told

Charlotte Ward, KW nutritionist, says: “Feeding additional sugars has been established as having a significant effect on fibre digestion and the ability of rumen microbes to convert rumen degradable protein, such as that predominantly found in grass and grass silages, into protein available to the cow.

“Getting the supply of sugars right is therefore critical to getting the most out of conserved forages this winter and to feed efficiency overall.”

Ms Ward warns that even a 3 per cent drop in rumen efficiency through incorrect energy balance can increase feed costs for a typical 200-cow herd by £500-600/month.

Research from the United States shows early to mid-lactation dairy rations should contain 5-7 per cent fermentable sugars on a dry matter basis to fully support microbial breakdown of forage fibre in the rumen.

These sugars will also increase utilisation of high levels of effective rumen degradable protein in grass silages, improving efficiency and reducing potential waste and losses to the environment.

Relevance

As Ms Ward points out, both are highly relevant to the 2019 grass silages being seen across the country.

The latest Trouw Nutrition data shows grass silages are more lignified this year due to the greater maturity of many swards when first cut, with good levels of crude protein, particularly on those farms using a multi-cut system.

She says: “If they are going to realise their full potential, these silages are going to need more sugars in the ration to ‘fuel’ the breakdown of that extra fibre.