It pays to know forage mineral status better

David Thornton, Rumeno’s technical manager, urged visitors to Welsh Sheep to cut spending on supplements by developing a better understanding of forage mineral status.

He said that while hundreds of farmers submitted forage samples for testing every year relatively few interpreted reports fully, or used the results to change feeding strategies.

“To really make a difference to the bottom line it pays to know your grass and other forage mineral levels much better,” Mr Thornton insisted.

“The message is to know what you are feeding and then choose your supplement accordingly and accurately.” Soil type, fertiliser regime, grassland reseeding and other ration ingredients could markedly change dietary mineral balance.

“Choose supplements that address a problem, that contribute to a balanced ration and make a meaningful difference to animal health and performance.”