How much silage.

[Nh6050]

Already kinda asked this on another thread but didn’t really get an answer.
We are thinking about diversifying into heifer wintering.
Trying to work out how much silage they would eat to get to a price per day.

So
Bullers and in calf heifers.

Any help be appreciated

 

[Beef farmer]

2.5% of body weight in dm

 

[The Agrarian]

So, average 450kgs = 11.25 = 45kgs of silage @25%DM. Sounds high.

 

[More to life]

So, average 450kgs = 11.25 = 45kgs of silage @25%DM. Sounds high.

I agree 2% more realistic

 

[ollie989898]

Old rule of thumb was 8 tonnes per cow over a winter?

 

[happycows]

25 incalf heifers will eat a 600kg 40%dm bale a day. Bit less if you feed a bit of concentrate.

 

[Beef farmer]

So, average 450kgs = 11.25 = 45kgs of silage @25%DM. Sounds high.

No problems. 45kgs with no concs is feck all

 

[Beef farmer]

I agree 2% more realistic

You got sh1ty holsyiens with Rumens built for concs. Get a cow with a belly like a barrel and feed her forage. 2.5%

 

[More to life]

You got sh1ty holsyiens with Rumens built for concs. Get a cow with a belly like a barrel and feed her forage. 2.5%

Are you quoting a grazing figure ?

 

[pappuller]

Are you quoting a grazing figure ?

He may have been getting himself in a lather while confusing his bath water for his shower gel last night

 

[Serup]

My 11,5 to 23 month old heifers get 9 kg DM/day average. It’s scandinavian red.

 

[Beef farmer]

Already kinda asked this on another thread but didn’t really get an answer.
We are thinking about diversifying into heifer wintering.
Trying to work out how much silage they would eat to get to a price per day.

So
Bullers and in calf heifers.

Any help be appreciated

Do you already milk cows?

 

[Zippy768]

Quick figures - 25kg-30kg a day

 

[Nh6050]

Do you already milk cows?

Yes we do. But way weather looking and as u may see I posted on another thread before that milk cows are in from tonight. We are thinking of selling them. Hence why trying to get too a figure for wintering heifers. Kinda have some lined up so just juggling g act at them min

 

[Zippy768]

Yes we do. But way weather looking and as u may see I posted on another thread before that milk cows are in from tonight. We are thinking of selling them. Hence why trying to get too a figure for wintering heifers. Kinda have some lined up so just juggling g act at them min

What's the reason for shedding now? Grass?
Are thinking of selling or begun the process?

 

[Beef farmer]

Yes we do. But way weather looking and as u may see I posted on another thread before that milk cows are in from tonight. We are thinking of selling them. Hence why trying to get too a figure for wintering heifers. Kinda have some lined up so just juggling g act at them min

What do your own heifers eat per day? That must be as good a guide as any. Or you flying?

 

[Nh6050]

What's the reason for shedding now? Grass?
Are thinking of selling or begun the process?

Grass not a blade left on the farm. Just started process of selling also have option of leasing them out as 2 people are looking for cows.
After last winter it cost a bomb to survive and I’m not ashamed to say this if it happens again will ha e to sell the farm and it may be premature but not risking it.

 

[Nh6050]

What do your own heifers eat per day? That must be as good a guide as any. Or you flying?

We are a flying herd

 

[Beef farmer]

Grass not a blade left on the farm. Just started process of selling also have option of leasing them out as 2 people are looking for cows.
After last winter it cost a bomb to survive and I’m not ashamed to say this if it happens again will ha e to sell the farm and it may be premature but not risking it.

Better to sell cows than a farm.

 

[Nh6050]

Better to sell cows than a farm.

Completely agree it’s a hard decision. But I set off with nothing 8 years ago and got a farm bought. Now have a young family and there more important than flogging myself to milk cows that could bankrupt us.
I already have off farm job.
So heifers would give a regular farm income and utilise the sheds.