Next six weeks are criticalfor productive capacity

Livestock farmers have welcomed improvement in the weather which will bring forward grazing of herds which are rapidly running out of good quality indoor fodder.

According to Teagasc, reports from knackeries around the country suggest that the percentage of fallen animals has increased this spring, compared to last year — which may be linked to inadequate feeding of cows, leaving them too weak after calving. It is feared that inadequate feeding is taking a toll on livestock. even though calving and lambing have not got into full swing yet.

Teagasc nutritionist Siobhan Kavanagh advises that the next six weeks are critical for maintaining the productive capacity of dairy and beef herds, and sheep flocks. She said a lot of effort and cost has gone into ensuring that cows and ewes were adequately fed for the last few months, and it’s important this is maintained until calving or lambing.