Reduce reliance on purchased feeds

With input costs skyrocketing, looking at alternative home-grown protein sources,
such as combinable crops and grass mixes, could help bolster ruminant rations
while reducing the reliance on purchased feeds.
Csaba Adamik, regional business manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition in Scotland,
explains there are a number of home-grown options available that could replace some
of the protein required from purchased feeds in any ruminant ration.

Making the most of grass silage​

“Forage is a vital building block of the diet and by increasing its protein content,
producers can reduce their reliance on protein from purchased feeds,” says Mr Adamik.

“The protein level in grass silage influences the composition of the rest of the diet.
By producing higher quality silage, the overall protein density of the diet can be improved,
resulting in a cost saving.”
For example, on a dairy farm where the forage dry matter intake is made up of
two thirds grass silage and one third cereal wholecrop, achieving a 3% increase
in the crude protein level of the grass silage can result in a 1% increase in the overall protein density of the diet.
To support this in the field, he suggests moving to earlier and more frequent cuts of silage, where possible,
and using pre-cut grass testing to assess the maturity of the crop before harvest.

Turning to high protein forages like lucerne is a good way of increasing
the level of home-grown protein sources in ruminant diets,
in areas where they can be grown successfully. As a viable alternative,
incorporating red or white clovers into the grass mixes can
also improve the protein content of silages.
“This option can sometimes be overlooked by non-organic producers
as they may prefer a grass variety that promises to boost yields per acre,” he notes.
“As a quick fix, producers can stitch these clover mixes into some of their
current grass leys this spring, benefiting from higher protein cuts later in the season.”

Opting for protein from combinable crops​

Incorporating combinable mixed crops into the rotation can offer higher levels of
protein and reduce the requirement for purchased feeds.

“For example, introducing a legume such as beans and peas could offer a practical solution for some producers.

“As well as providing a higher protein content, legumes can act as a good break crop, supporting with
weed and disease control, and improving soil structure in terms of organic matter and nutrition.
There are also potential savings to be made, as subsequent crops won’t need as much nitrogen
supplementation because legumes will fix more nitrogen in the soil,” explains Mr Adamik.

Spring beans can be grown on their own and combined, rolled and ensiled.

Peas and vetches are an excellent option to be included in spring barley and
oats seed mixes to improve protein content of fermented wholecrop.
Their relatively short growing season (12-14 weeks from sowing to harvest)
makes them a very attractive alternative in crop rotations.
“This second option helps to achieve higher protein levels while also benefiting
from the high starch content of the cereal wholecrop,” he notes.
Mr Adamik warns growers that although these options can be used as
higher protein alternatives, they have to be looked at in conjunction with
the rest of the diet. As an example, field beans when used as part of a
concentrate are not a direct replacement for soya, or other high protein raw materials.
As well as focusing on protein content, the “make-up” of the protein is equally important.
“Very high yielding herds and early lactation cows will almost certainly need some bypass protein supplementation in their diet,
and therefore beans or peas will not be sufficient in replacing soya entirely.
“It’s important to do your research to identify the best crop for your system and then work with
your nutritionist to incorporate it into the ration,” he says.

Maintaining feed quality in the clamp​

“To maintain as much of the home-grown feed’s quality as possible when it is being fed
as a silage, it’s worth considering an inoculant,” he adds.

“The Magniva Platinum range offers crop and condition specific forage inoculants which
increases the efficiency of fermentation compared to untreated forage, reducing the
protein break down and loss of other valuable nutrients from the ensiled crop.
When a Magniva Platinum inoculant is used, acidifying as well as anti-fungal fermentation
end products are rapidly produced, allowing the clamp to be opened after as little as 15 days,” explains Mr Adamik.

Top tips for growing spring beans​

Bryan Buckley, business manager at
Lallemand Animal Nutrition in Ireland,
explains that a good all-round
option is spring beans.

The benefits of growing this crop are:​

• They are easy to grow and manage in a range of soil types and conditions
• The crop is nitrogen fixing helping to reduce the need for nitrogen applications the following year
• They offer a good source of protein and starch
• The crop has a good feed value making it a worthwhile crop for ruminant diets
  • On average, spring beans provide a dry matter of 86% and a crude protein of 29%

However, Mr Buckley explains, that as when growing any new crop, research is key.

Before making a start​

• Carry out soil testing, so you get a full picture of what you’re working with
• Beans thrive in medium to heavy clay or loam soils
• Spring beans will be ready to harvest between late August and late September
• Key indicators of the crop being ready are:
  • The stems and pods turning black
  • A moisture content of between 20-25% – if the moisture content is higher, it can be crimped ahead of ensiling

Mr Buckley explains that when it comes to feeding ensiled spring beans, it’s best to leave them for three weeks before
incorporating them into the ration, so that the crop is fully fermented and stable. It’s also important to analyse the
crimp beans to understand the nutrient value, so that this can be balanced with the rest of the diet.