Tips for feeding moist feeds

In the Britishagricultural magazine Farmers Weekly the experiences
of Keenan, manufacturer of mixer wagons, were
highlighted.

As new bioethanol plants come on line, the quantity of
protein rich co-products will increase, offering an opportunity to reduce animal
feed costs against rising grain prices.

Three key elements
The
three key elements to ensure good returns from feeding moist co-products are as
follows:

• Purchase price
  This must be calculated back to a cost per tonne of dry matter and cost per
  unit of energy and protein.
  Since moist feeds typically contain between 50% and 80% water, haulage costs
  can vary dramatically. Brewers’ grains are typically 24-25% DM – similar to
  average silage, so at a cost of £24/t they equate to £100/t DM. If haulage costs
  drive them up to £30/t, the DM cost rises to £125/t.

• Storage losses
  All moist feeds will be subject to storage losses, either through direct
  liquid run-off, dry matter losses during fermentation or losses due to moulding
  and decay.
  Long term storage offers the chance to capitalise on lower “out of season”
  prices, but storage facilities need to be good and attention to detail when
  clamping and sealing is critical to prevent purchase price savings being
  lost.

• Ration formulation
  Moist feeds are widely used in mixed rations for dairy cows, young stock,
  beef and sheep. Products such as brewers’ grains and distillers grains are
  wholesome ingredients which supply energy and protein while also stimulating
  forage intakes when fed at appropriate levels.
  Orange and apple pulp can be useful forage extenders when
  mixed with straw and protein balancers.

Feed
efficiency
The primary driver for profitable milk and meat
production is feed efficiency. This determines the quantity and value of
saleable output achieved from the total feed produced and delivered onto the
farm.

Quality feed will produce the best results and by building in the
flexibility in your feeding system to use the best feeds at the best value, the
potential gains are huge.

The full story can be found in Farmers Weekly