Proteins at low

5 October 2001

Proteins at low

GRASS silage protein levels are at their lowest level for seven years, according to silage analysis results from Frank Wright.

Protein levels have fallen from 13.2% last year to 12.6%, says the companys David Wilde. "Producers will need to compensate for lower silage protein by increasing the protein of concentrates this winter. But this will add £5-10/t to compound costs."

There is, however, some good news with average silage dry matter up from 27% last year to 31.8%, reducing silage production costs/t. Digestibility and energy values are also better than last year. "The lower silage production cost/t virtually offsets the extra cost of higher protein compound feed, helping to maintain margins this winter," explains Mr Wilde. &#42