Archive Article: 2001/02/09
SOUTH-WEST
DESPITE successfully growing and feeding maize for many years, increasing cow numbers in one Devon herd means moving to an extended grazing system and out-wintering cows to reduce overhead costs.
But for this year at least, maize continues to form an important part of Bicton Colleges dairy herd ration. Rook damage early in the growing season meant one third less maize for cows this year, with whole-crop cereals bridging the gap.
In the past, the 120-cow herd, based at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, received up to 80% of its winter ration as maize, according to farm manager Donald Causley. Of its 6960-litre yield, 4570 litres comes from forage.
However, the autumn calving herd will move to spring calving in 2002, in preparation for extended grazing and maize use will gradually fall, said herd manager Robin Boaden. "We will continue to use some maize as Holstein-bred cows will struggle to cope on grass alone. Over time we will breed cows more suited to a grazing system."
Maize may also be used as a buffer feed in summer providing insurance against drought, added Mr Boaden.
Maize was planted in early May last year on the colleges sandy land, said Mr Causley. "We could have gone sooner but planting too early on this land means roots dont go down far enough, which can lead to drought stress in summer."
Fields are regularly analysed for phosphorous and potash which assists fertiliser policy. "Last year, nitrogen was applied at a rate of 120kg/ha to the seed bed. Potash was also applied and atrazine and pendimethalin were used for pre-emergence weed control."
Judges were impressed by the simple, financially efficient system in operation at Bicton College, although there were a couple of areas where clamp management could have been improved, said judge Brian Metcalfe.
"There was damage to one shoulder and silage was warming slightly, indicating aerobic spoilage. Also the clamp face sloped away which means water is more likely to get in."
Despite changing to an extended grazing system next year, Donald Causley (right) and Robin Boaden will continue to buffer-feed maize.