Herd Management: Balancing nutrients and minerals in a grass silage based ration

With varying swards and weather conditions, there can be vast differences in feed quality and mineral profiles from bales and pits. It's important to know what you're working with, writes independent nutritionist Brian Reidy.

Many believe that finishing cattle don't require  mineral supplementation, which is totally inaccurate.

Balancing forages from farm to farm can be a challenge each winter. With varying swards and weather conditions, there can be vast differences in feed quality and mineral profiles from bales and pits.

Getting silage tested before formulating diets for the coming winter is an important way to increase production and keep control of costs. Many farmers will test their silage for Dry Matter, Protein, Energy, pH, etc., and will get advice on how they can best balance it for their stock.