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Cows go loopy over new lupicaleage forage feed
Lupins and Triticale a New Protein and starch Mixed Forage crop high in FIBRE
Poor prospects for a better milk price prompted Tony Kirk, of Practical Dairy Solutions to look at alternative forage options for for a large dairy unit. During a re-assessment of a predominantly grass silage-based ration it was decided to introduce a variety of wholecrop alternatives. In the spring of 2004 the first large scale acerage of Triticale/lupins was sown (80acres) in the UK, a mixed forage that would supply a greater portion of the protein requirements for the dairy herd. The crop proved to be trouble-free to grow with a much reduced fertiliser program inspite of six inches of rain over three days in early August.
The TMR diet during the winter 2004/2005 consisted of variable forage chop lengths that included baled wholecrop peas and hay at less than 2kg each, grass silage at 6kg and triticale/lupin being the main forage at 30kg/per animal/day.
The overall effect on herd performance was due to animal dry matter intakes of 26kg per day day using a high fibre TMR Diet. This allowed a reduction in bought-in concentrate by approx 4kg per day and a milk yield increase of 1000 litres per cow per lactation. Another noticeable improvement was in animal milk quality which peaked at 4.6% Butter Fat and 3.5% Protein.
Extracted from
The Scottish Farmer (26th March 2005)
The Farmers Guardian (2005)
The Dairy Farmer (2005).
The Dairy Farmer (Sept 2006)