Red clover

[cpsf]

We have 2 fields of red clover mixed in with grass seeds (due to the drought it's mainly red clover at 60% 40%grass approx) Wondering what is best and safe to graze on the fields...avoiding bloat issues ect? If I put 8-12 months old heifers for breeding there will they need cake supplements as well or is there enough protein ect in the red clover? Also can putting stock on red clover cause any infertility issues in them in the future?

 

[harperfarmer]

We have 2 fields of red clover mixed in with grass seeds (due to the drought it's mainly red clover at 60% 40%grass approx) Wondering what is best and safe to graze on the fields...avoiding bloat issues ect? If I put 8-12 months old heifers for breeding there will they need cake supplements as well or is there enough protein ect in the red clover? Also can putting stock on red clover cause any infertility issues in them in the future?

They shouldn't need any cake as they'll be more than enough protein supplied by the clover. Shouldn't be any infertility issues caused either with cattle. My main worry would be bloat especially if it came wet. You can always put out straw/hay if worried, anything to increase the long fibre available. Whenever I've grazed some very clover rich swards (80%+ clover) I've strip grazed it with a ring feeder of very dry unchopped silage available. We still had the odd animal blow up so just need to watch them carefully. They will rocket along on it though, they just need managing a bit more closely.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Don't graze it to soon and try not to put them on hungry or let them get hungry, do you have a grass run back

 

[cpsf]

They shouldn't need any cake as they'll be more than enough protein supplied by the clover. Shouldn't be any infertility issues caused either with cattle. My main worry would be bloat especially if it came wet. You can always put out straw/hay if worried, anything to increase the long fibre available. Whenever I've grazed some very clover rich swards (80%+ clover) I've strip grazed it with a ring feeder of very dry unchopped silage available. We still had the odd animal blow up so just need to watch them carefully. They will rocket along on it though, they just need managing a bit more closely.

Thank you for your detailed reply, some good points made here! Thanks

 

[cpsf]

Don't graze it to soon and try not to put them on hungry or let them get hungry, do you have a grass run back

Grass run back? There’s 2 fields standing alone and they’re mainly red clover thriving in there at present. Might put sheep on there

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Pity you can't mow it

 

[tinsheet]

Cup of vegetable oil in the water trough everyday, problem solved!

 

[Oliveau]

Pity you can't mow it

Yes,that would be the answer: Mow, bale & wrap.

 

[crashbox]

My take:

Dairy cows, pre-bulling heifers (up to end of Oct for service 25th Nov), both fine, no fertility issues, no fancy oils.

Bloat less of an issue when red clover is in flower, in my experience, i.e. from now on.

Tips:
Put them into it late morning on a dry day, after dew has lifted, not on empty stomach.
Give small area, and a silage bale, on first day, to be cautious.
Put a rock salt feeder in the paddock.
Stock in tight paddocks to encourage utilisation.

Last week's dairy cow feed: (maize buffer AM, this PM):

Pre-bulling Heifers Autumn 2021:

 

[Derrick Hughes]

As anyone tried mowing a day if front of grazing

 

[crashbox]

By the way, was talking to vet today who said BEWARE feeding a lot of red clover to cattle in last third of pregnancy, causes deformation of calf bones, apparently!

Are You At Risk Of Long Bone Deformity? | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Long bone deformity appears to have a higher occurrence amongst beef suckler herds. Calves are born with a dwarf like appearance as a result of the

www.fas.scot

Not sure if that also applies with grazing red clover, though you'd probably also end up with cattle that were too well fed.

CB

 

[crashbox]

As anyone tried mowing a day if front of grazing

No, and on a hot dry day I would anticipate a lot of leaf loss.

 

[NorthumbrianFarmer]

To hijack this a little bit I’ve got some red clover and grass mix around 50/50 of each planted it in April and it’s all now just sort of stopped growing for 2 weeks, had plenty rain and sunshine just stuck at around 4 inches tall. Wasn’t sure if to Chuck a ton of store lambs on and wait till next year to cut it instead

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Is it in Flower or any buds

 

[organicguy]

As anyone tried mowing a day if front of grazing

Yes, always do if we are concerned or want better utilisation. Can mow one or two days infront. No bloat, clear up completely if allocated carefully.
Never worry too much about bloat if it is steemy and in flower but feed value is dropping.
Dangerous if going in at 3000 kgdm/ha.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Is it in Flower or any buds

To hijack this a little bit I’ve got some red clover and grass mix around 50/50 of each planted it in April and it’s all now just sort of stopped growing for 2 weeks, had plenty rain and sunshine just stuck at around 4 inches tall. Wasn’t sure if to Chuck a ton of store lambs on and wait till next year to cut it instead

It's recommended that you let it flower first year before cutting
Helps rooting

 

[NorthumbrianFarmer]

Is it in Flower or any buds

It's recommended that you let it flower first year before cutting
Helps rooting

There is no flowers or buds or any sign of them. Just seems to of paused itself

 

[Derrick Hughes]

There is no flowers or buds or any sign of them. Just seems to of paused itself

I would leave it a while see what it does . Must be a moisture thing
What variety was it

 

[NorthumbrianFarmer]

Global and Rozeta

 

[Sid]

Is it in Flower or any buds

It's recommended that you let it flower first year before cutting
Helps rooting

Ideal should let it flower every season at least once.