Menu Close

Things don’t always go to plan. George Watts is a firm advocate of making Alkalage to feed to his 230 cow autumn block calving herd averaging 8,500 litres. However, weather conditions led a 40 acre wheat crop destined for treating with Home n’ Dry to unfortunately fail.

“We were left without that additional forage to complement our grass silage taken in four multi-cuts, maintain the 40% milk taken from forage and grazing and enhance the herd’s overall performance,” explains George, who farms with his family near Penistone, South Yorkshire.

“We considered various options and decided rapeseed meal to be the best along with AlkaProStar– W, an alkaline, high protein, high starch feed material. There was no need for any further supplementation.

“While AlkaProStar isn’t Alkalage which offers a real effective fibre source, the upshot was it provided the alkaline benefits, stabilising the rumen environment and improving overall feed efficiency. It was also driving higher starch and sugar intakes, and we subsequently found the cows milked even better during the winter housing period, peaking at 29.5 litres and settling at 28.5 litres throughout lactation, all without any risk to milk quality – 4.75% butterfat and 3.5% protein levels are being retained.”

“Furthermore, we were able to maintain herd health and fertility; we started calving 1 August with 75% calving in the first six weeks; 94% of the herd was served by mid-December, with 80% within the first three weeks of breeding.”

AlkaProStar Analysis

George says Alkalage continues to remain the favourite. “It’s a homegrown crop providing a source of forage to balance all the grass silages so Alkalage is still preferable, however AlkaProStar-W stepped into the breach and proved to be a good buffering option. It was easy to use, you just have to mix it into the TMR.”

George Watts

Features & Benefits of using AlkaProStar

  • Wheat or barley options; AlkaProStar-W or AlkaProStar-B
  • Alkalinity stabilises and enhances rumen function
  • Improves overall feed efficiency
  • AlkaProStar provides protein, starch and buffering all in one product
  • Ground meal avoids sorting at the trough
  • Mixes with ease into PMR/TMR
  • Available in 25kg bags, totes and bulk

For further help and advice please call the Alkaline on +44(0)1200 613118