Joe Sheehy: Proper feeding levels essential for your herd

A lot of rolled grain was bought from growers/merchants this year. It is very important to know the moisture percentage in this grain before purchasing, writes Joe Sheehy.

For example one tonne of grain at 14% moisture supplies 860 kg dry matter while one tonne of moist rolled grain at 20% moisture will only supply 800 kg dry matter and is worth €10 per tonne less than the drier material.

Generally the best value for farmers is to buy a mix of concentrates which are properly balanced for the animal and roughage being fed. Consult your adviser on these matters.