A feed that’s hard to ‘beet’ (From Smallholder)

A feed that’s hard to ‘beet’

7:40am Friday 18th November 2011 in Livestock

Whether feeding youngstock, beef cows or dairy cows, the secret to success lies in maximising the benefits that come from their unique digestive system.

The rumen is capable of converting huge volumes of lower cost plant material into high value meat or milk, but only if supplied with the correct balance of feeds to maintain a good healthy fermentation.

The speed of this fermentation is driven by how quickly the energy in the feeds is broken down in the rumen, but maximum efficiency – and the most efficient conversion of feed into production – occurs only when the rumen microbes receive a more controlled supply of nutrients.

If too much energy is available too quickly, the result is an excess production of lactic acid in the rumen, creating an acid environment (low pH) that disrupts normal rumen activity.

Recognising acidosis The result is a condition called acidosis, a digestive upset of the rumen that can either be acute (causing a dramatic and immediate drop-off in feed intakes, growth and milk production) or can occur at a less obvious, sub-clinical level.

This sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA for short) will produce a general reduction in animal vigour, feed intake and productive performance that can easily go unnoticed. The other key indicator that acidosis might be an issue is very loose dung.

Typically seen when cattle are turned out onto lush spring grass or fed a ration containing too much cereal, it’s a clear signal that a more balanced diet is needed.

Sugar beet feed solution And this is where sugar beet feed has such an important role to play. Many energy feeds contain high levels of starch (eg cereal grains) and low levels of digestible fibre, which together can create an acidosis risk.

What is needed is a balancing source of energy that breaks down in the rumen more slowly, with the digestible fibre in sugar beet feed one of the best options available.

Including sugar beet feed in youngstock, beef or dairy rations is probably the most cost-effective way to help create a balanced supply of energy in the rumen and help reduce the incidence of acidosis.

Ideal as a supplement fed alongside grazed grass, silage, cereals or cereal-based concentrates, the result is better feed intakes, more milk and better growth.

Not only are digestive upsets avoided, but the improved rumen fermentation will convert all feed more efficiently into production.