Know How / Feed and nutrition AHDB resource Download the feed budget planner spreadsheet Download spreadsheet Case studiesSee all SHEEPLack of colostrum increases lamb losses tenfold, study showsLamb mortalities on a Welsh sheep farm were 10 times more likely when the animals had not received adequate colostrum in the crucial first 24 hours of life, a study… FEED AND NUTRITIONFour ways tenant dairy unit manages consistent feeding Adding maize and an alkaline fibre nut to the feed ration has helped a Cumbrian farm maintain rumen health through a period of challenging production years. Andrew Barraclough took on… BEEFRed clover allows sustainable intensification on beef farmDouble-cropping has made Farmers Weekly’s 2024 Beef Farmer of the Year self-sufficient in home-grown feed for his 1,600-head enterprise. Red clover is the bedrock of North Wales beef finisher Dylan… DAIRYHow herds can cut soya without hurting milk yieldsSoya has long been a staple protein source in dairy cow diets, but its hefty environmental impact has led to questions over its continued use. Many milk buyers are now… SHEEPHill flock beats high-profit ewes amid suckler expansionA hill flock has survived a major enterprise restructure on an Exmoor farm, which saw cow numbers increased at the expense of a profitable in-bye sheep system. Only 150 shearlings… SHEEPFlock health and farm cost benefits from mineral auditingApplying fertiliser enriched with sulphur can improve grass yields, but a project in Wales has demonstrated why farmers should monitor impacts on their livestock or risk poor performance. Roger and… Practical adviceSee all DAIRYHow to replace concentrates and get more milk from forageDairy farms clamping grass silage with digestibility of more than 70% should have the courage to challenge their production of milk from forage. Substituting 1kg of concentrates with 1kg of… FEED AND NUTRITIONForage analysis: Which test is best for mixed crops?Producers who rely on near-infrared spectroscopy to analyse forages such as mixed herbal leys, bi-crops and wholecrop legumes could be overfeeding or underfeeding key nutrients in their rations. Inaccuracies of… POULTRYAdvice on managing mycotoxin risks for poultryDespite the rollout of new stricter limits on the permitted levels of mycotoxins in cereals for human consumption, no changes have been made to recommendations for parameters in animal feed.… FEED AND NUTRITION5 ways to be more efficient at maize production in 2025The value of maize in feed rations is not in doubt but farmers are facing challenges in continuing to use it with confidence amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. They need… MAIZEAdvice for creating temporary field clamps for maizeClamping maize in a field could be an option for farmers to avoid overfilling permanent structures or making a mess on roadways – but it requires careful planning. Hefin Richards… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT8 things to consider before sowing maizeMaize growers who are consistently getting crops off late, struggling with yields, and negatively impacting the environment may be asking themselves whether maize is the right crop for them, or… InsightsSee all DAIRYWhy efficiency is the route to dairy farm sustainabilityEvery time dairy farmers think about sustainability, they should be thinking instead about efficiency. This was the conclusion of a roundtable of farmers, independent experts and industry representatives who gathered… FEED AND NUTRITIONCopper in dairy rations: Is too much as bad as too little?Evaluating copper levels in every feed source and supplement before formulating rations for dairy cows – and youngstock – will help meet animal requirements but prevent overfeeding and protect animal… LIVESTOCKFeed efficiency research reveals importance of cow groupingBreeding dairy herds for feed efficiency can be negatively impacted on-farm by managing lactating cows in mixed parity groups. This is because of competition at the feed bunk and a… DAIRYCow health strategy rethink needed after bolus lossDairy farms need to review their strategies for preventing metabolic disease in transition cows as monensin boluses are no longer on the market, said independent veterinary consultant Dr David Charles.… FEED AND NUTRITIONMaize Watch: Crop progress a month behindMaize progress has largely been a month behind all year in southern Wales, with drilling and harvesting dates both delayed. This is according to George John of SG John… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTTrial compares performance of whey protein v whey powderUsing a whey protein-based milk replacer, over a whey powder-based alternative, could increase saleable milk yields by almost £500 a heifer. This is according to research presented by Volac’s global… BEEF16 ways to improve suckler herd profitabilityBritish beef farmers can check their management practices against a list of tried and tested ways to make their suckler herds more profitable and productive. A joint levy board initiative… FEED AND NUTRITIONBacterial inoculant boosts milk yield 1.9kg/day, study showsInoculating silage increases available dry matter, improves aerobic stability, and increases milk yields, according to the findings of a new trial. The independent trial was carried out at Reading University’s… FEED AND NUTRITIONExcess copper found to impair liver function in heifersFeeding excess copper to dairy heifer calves can compromise liver function, leading to poorer fertility and lower milk yields in first lactation. This is according to AHDB-funded research at Harper… LIVESTOCKAre milk fever and negative energy balance under control?Milk fever and negative energy balance are issues for many dairy herds, despite most dairy farmers recognising the importance of the dry period to cow health and productivity. According to… LIVESTOCKAdvice on using data to deliver consistent rationsDairy farmers need to make efforts to use their farm data to manage nutrition, monitor the results, then train staff correctly. This is because cows respond to consistency, says professor… DAIRYHow early life calf nutrition affects long-term metabolismResearchers are discovering more about early life programming and how critical this is for adulthood, according to Trouw Nutrition’s Dr Leonel Leal. This starts with colostrum, but also includes feeding… Advertiser contentSee all LIVESTOCKHow dairy businesses can reduce carbon and stay profitableHow a comprehensive and tailored whole-farm process can ensure dairy farms reduce emissions cost-effectively to deliver more sustainable and profitable milk production. There are two primary challenges when setting out… LIVESTOCKMaking sustainability work for the bottom lineHaving a clear emissions reduction plan is helping David Bacon make significant impacts into his carbon footprint, identifying priorities while not increasing costs. Farming at the 480ha Gleadthorpe Farm in… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTHome-grown forage – All you need to knowMaking better use of home-grown forages to reduce cost of production and improve sustainability starts with crop establishment and seed choice. With carefully chosen seed mixtures, a grass sward can achieve… ARABLEHow hybrid rye could help decarbonise the food supply chainAs well as having significant advantages for growers and proven benefits in pig and poultry rations, hybrid rye could now play a key role in decarbonising the food supply chain.… CROP MANAGEMENTHow to choose the best sulphur source for your cropsWith many growers using the summer months to think about next year's fertiliser requirements, focusing on how to incorporate sulphur into crop nutrition plans is one of the most important… DAIRYLet’s take a closer look at dry cow managementIs drying off a well-defined and flawlessly executed management task on your dairy farm? There’s no point in cutting corners if you wish to improve your dairy farm’s sustainability. The…
