There was a clear choice this year, influenced by fuel and fertilizer prices. You could take fewer but bulkier cuts or opt for a multi-cut system. Whatever your approach, the hot weather has held back grass growth leaving forage stocks lower than normal years.

As the winter of 2021 was mild, the growing period was prolonged, so 2022 silages are higher in fibrous overwintered material. This promotes rumen health but is less readily digestible for the cow. As the energy content is lower than previous years (reported by Trouw Nutrition GB), a balance of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates and proteins is needed to support milk production.

Hot weather means drier forages, which are less palatable. Adding a liquid feed like Sedagold Syrup to hay or haylage is an easy way to encourage intake, “After speaking to Duynie, I realized that I could extend my forage stocks by mixing Seda Syrup with available straw to make a nutritious feed.” (Duynie Customer)

Not only is the syrup high in protein and energy, but it also reduces dust, binds in smaller mineral-rich particles, and prevents selective feeding by coating the ration. As Sedagold counteracts high lignin values, it improves the digestibility of the feed as a whole and makes nutrients more available.