By Steven Eddie, ECV Nutritionist
Making the most of home-grown forage is key to an efficient and cost-effective ewe feeding regime. Silage analysis results have been very mixed this year with some samples returning poor levels of energy and protein. Now is the time to take stock of the quality and quantity of farm-produced forage to ensure that animal requirements are being fulfilled and that there will be sufficient supply to get through to spring. With the cost of feed at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to consider quality when placing an order. Feeds that contain high quality raw materials will not be the cheapest per tonne. However, they may be suited to being fed at a lower rate or gain better performance from stock. This may be more beneficial in the long run. By working in partnership with East Coast Viners Animal Nutrition, our Nutritionists and Feed Advisors are always happy to discuss and offer help with your farm costings, ration formulations and forage budgets to get the best results for your business.
The starting point when considering winter feed plans is to get home-produced forage analysed. Pit silage, baled silage and hay vary greatly so it is important to know their nutritional value. Ensuring your sheep are not being over or under supplied key nutrients, such as energy or protein, could lead to savings in feed costs by ensuring ewes get exactly what they need. Silage analysis is offered by ECV and can be arranged by speaking to a Nutritionist or Feed Advisor. Silage samples can be taken by a member of staff or alternatively sample kits can be posted out with instructions.
Depending on the information required, silage can be sampled for several things. The standard test analysis includes dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), metabolisable energy (ME), Digestibility (D-value) and pH. A more detailed analysis can be requested for vitamin and mineral breakdown which can help when choosing minerals for total mixed rations.
Silage can make up a large proportion of a ewe’s daily dry matter intake over the winter period therefore it is essential to know what you are feeding. In diets with a high forage content, silage quality is key to improving animal output and saving costs whilst increasing profitability. For instance, when feeding pregnant ewes over the winter months, if silage quality is high, it becomes easier to meet the ewe’s daily requirements. In this case, an energy bucket would suffice to top up any shortfalls in energy as well as providing a daily intake of minerals and vitamins. As the foetus grows inside the ewe, feeding high quality silage is also beneficial when trying to make the most efficient use of physical space in the rumen.
East Coast Viners has a comprehensive range of ewe compounds with something to suit every system and budget. Three 18% protein ewe diets are available; feeding plans can be tailored to each farm depending on the ewes’ body condition and flock scanning percentages.
Our top spec XL Ewe 18% diet boasts an energy level of 13ME and features a high inclusion of Hi pro Soya which helps to ensure good milk production for flocks with a high scanning percentage. Amino 39 is included in the ration which supplies an exceptionally effective source of by-pass protein to boost colostrum quality and quantity ensuring lambs get the best start. Ewe 18% is our mid spec ewe feed and has an energy level of 12.5ME. The formulation is similar to the top spec XL Ewe 18% with a reduced Soya content and does not feature Amino 39. Our third spec is Ewe Lamber 18% which has an energy level of 12ME. This diet does not contain any Soya and is suited for customers on a non-GM system or for those looking to reduce their Soya usage.
Across the range, each of our ewe diets features the same mineral pack included at the same rate. This supplies 150iu of Vitamin E and 0.5mg of Selenium per kilogram of feed. These are key for boosting lamb vigour and encouraging lambs to get up and suckle quickly – giving them the best possible start. A high-quality mineral also improves the immune system of both the lamb and ewe. Each of the ECV Ewe Feeds are available as 6mm Nuts, suitable for trough feeding and 12mm Rolls which are suitable for feeding on the ground through a snacker. Ewe feeds are available for collection or delivery in bulk or in tote and 25kg bags.
For customers wishing to make a mix for their ewes, ECV Ewe 34% Concentrate is ideal. It is designed to balance home-grown cereals such as barley and oats. By mixing at a ratio of two parts cereal to one part concentrate, an 18% protein complete feed is produced. It is formulated using high-quality vegetable proteins such as Hi pro Soya, Rapemeal and Dark Grains and contains three inclusions of our ewe mineral which provides the same mineral levels per tonne once mixed as our compound ewe feeds.
As well as complete and concentrate feeds, ECV offers a full range of straights and raw materials available for delivery direct to farm or to collect ex Drumlithie. Our straights trader Iain Reid is always on hand to discuss prices, markets and availability. Raw materials to consider for home mixing include Hi pro Soya, Distillers Dark Grains and Sugar Beet. ECV also stocks a comprehensive range of high energy and protein feed supplement buckets and blocks.
Whatever your farming system, value for money is the most important thing to consider when buying feed. Ewe feeds must contain high energy and quality proteins to ensure foetus growth and good milk production. The feeds that contain high quality proteins and high energy levels are unlikely to cost the least per tonne but may be the most economic to use overall. Feeds containing high levels of fibre and ash usually indicate the use of poorer raw materials such as Oatfeed. Always read the label!
If you wish to book a silage analysis or find out the best options for feeding your flock, contact an ECV Nutritionist or Feed Advisor. Ask about our winter contract prices to secure the price you are paying for the winter ahead. Prices for ewe feeds are available to book from November through to April.