Archive Article: 2000/03/17
RECENT milder weather has boosted grass growth, allowing cows to graze night and day in many areas.
Growth rates are currently higher than predicted, according to BGS grazing consultant Paul Bird. "Most committed grazers have cows out day and night now. It is important to keep on top of grass otherwise too much will end up being made into silage."
Sussex-based dairy producer Christian Fox reports grass growth rates of 22kg DM/day.
"Cows are now out night and day and are receiving no feeds other than grass. We are milking 97 cows out of a total of 130 and they are averaging 22 litres a day.
"Average cover is low but we are aiming to make no silage as our clamps are still full from last year. All stock is now out, including young calves which are offered shelter at night," says Mr Fox.
Low soil temperatures have hindered grass growth at Roland Taver0ners farm in Shropshire, but recent better weather means he is optimistic about having enough grass for cows.
"The week before last, soil temperature was only 5C, slowing grass growth. Now daily growth rate is 15kg DM/day and cover is 1823kg DM/ha – which is a low – but with current good weather I cant miss the opportunity to keep cows out night and day. Next week I am expecting grass growth to soar to about 40kg DM/ha/day."
Cows from his 240-cow herd are currently averaging 27 litres a day from 6kg DM grass, 6.5kg DM silage and 5kg of concentrates. *
Daily growth rates
Anglesey 28kg DM/ha
Pembrokes 50kg Dm/ha
Sussex 22kg DM/ha
Shropshire 15kg DM/ha
Dorset 36kg DM/ha