The use of a tailored total mixed ration (TMR) is helping drive the levels of cow performance achieved by Richard Coalter and his father Alan on the family’s dairy farm, near Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh. Herd performance is currently averaging 9,050L on a rolling basis at 4.68% butterfat and 3.8% protein on twice a day milking. […]
Category: Winter feeding
Alternative forages boost dry matter intakes
Timmy and Gail milk 110 cows with Timmy’s father Shaun and his Uncle Robert close to Ballymoney in Co Antrim. The herd’s rolling average is 9400L at 4.44% butterfat and 3.46% protein. Calving commences in mid-October and continues through until April. The herd’s daily average is currently 35L/day on twice-a-day milking. Forage system “Maximising the […]
Dairy cow performance levels continue to rise across Northern Ireland
Recent years have seen both milk volumes and constituent values consistently increase on dairy farms in Northern Ireland. The availability of better genetics is a key factor in driving this process. But of equal importance is the development of nutrition and cow management programmes that allow this genetic potential to be met in the most […]
Significant opportunities exist to drive milk performance over the coming months
United Feeds’ sales director Alan Boyd is confirming the excellent opportunities that exist to drive milk performance from freshly calved cows over the coming months. He explained: “Autumn calving cows have started their new lactations in very good condition and the potential to secure large volumes of high-quality milk from these animals is significant. “Current […]
Are your cows ready to maximise Autumn/Winter milk bonuses?
With an ever-greater focus from milk processors to flatten their milk profile through additional bonuses for autumn & winter milk the effective management of cows calving in the weeks ahead has never been more important. The over-arching objective is to get cows achieving optimal milk output as soon as possible after calving whilst maintaining high […]
Maximise milk solids all year round with CreamMaker technology
For many years United Feeds have been to the forefront of bringing world class nutritional solutions to farmers here in Ireland. And, when it comes to maximising cow performance on farm there is a clear market leading range of dairy feeds on offer. CreamMaker encapsulates a wide range of the scientific breakthroughs that have characterised […]
Are Mycotoxins impacting performance on your herd?
This winter, we are again witnessing many issues caused by mycotoxins, with a notable surge in recent weeks as herds are introduced to a mix of winter forages. What are mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are natural substances produced by moulds and fungi. They are invisible, tasteless and toxic. More than 500 different mycotoxins have been identified […]
Mycotoxins
This winter, we have witnessed many issues caused by mycotoxins, but with a notable surge in recent weeks, it’s a hot topic on dairy, beef and sheep farms. What are mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are natural substances produced by moulds and fungi. They are invisible, tasteless and toxic. More than 500 different mycotoxins have been identified […]
Grassland decisions made now will affect dairy farming profitability for the next 12 months
Grassland management decisions taken over the next three months will determine the profitability of dairy farms throughout Northern Ireland well into 2022, according to United Feeds’ ruminant nutrition advisor Alan Boyd and company nutritionist Matt Bourne. “Swards have taken no hurt over the winter months, which should set farmers up well for the push to […]
Silage 2020 – farmers gearing up for the season ahead
According to United Feeds’ nutritionist Jenny Hamilton, the start of the 2020 silage season is less than a fortnight away for some. Farmers in the east tend to get started that little bit earlier than their colleagues in other parts of Northern Ireland. However, in some parts of the west, it’s noticeable that grass swards […]
Feeding for milk quality
It is agreed by everyone that the margin in milk production currently is small at best given the current base prices on offer, however this base price cannot be changed at farm level. Bonuses achieved for milk butterfat, protein and somatic cell count (SCC) levels however can be influenced at farm level and will have […]
Maximising milk from forage must be a priority for dairy farmers this winter.
Silage analyses carried out by United Feeds is confirming a mainly positive story, regarding winter forage quality on dairy farms across Northern Ireland. Company nutritionist Bobby Irwin takes up the story: “Many farmers have built up ample quantities of silage over the past number of months and generally quality is quite good and above average. […]