Dan Ashworth manages a herd based near Clitheroe, Lancashire where 120 cows are milked through a robotic system and 50 cows through the parlour. Shortly, plans are to fully automate the unit.
The herd’s objectives: 11,500-12,000 litre target and maximising forage quality to support production whilst optimising health and fertility.
Prior to learning about alka products, Dan fed a supplement comprising a buffer, yeast and straw in an attempt to maintain production and achieve average of approximately 30 litres. Searching to drive rumen function without the risk of sub-acute acidosis, he initially introduced alkasystems technology in the form of adding AlkabupHa to the PMR together with more starch while removing the buffer and straw. Over time, as rumination improved, the quantity of blend fed was reduced by 2.5kg and milk increased to 35 litres, a trend that reflected a significant improvement in rumen function and subsequent efficiency.
“Since that initial exposure to alkasystems technology, we’ve tried Alkalage and Alkafibre as well as incorporating Alkagrain into the blend and compound fed on farm. While Alkalage doesn’t fit the unit’s regime which features introducing a grass reseed after harvesting the cereal crop, Alkafibre nicely filled a forage gap last year when yields were challenging,” he says.
‘‘Although we’ve fed various alka products, we are confident that including Alkablend and Alkanuts are the best option to supplement quality silage in our system.”
The Alkablend is balanced to complement the forage quality being fed at the time, with the Alkanuts fed to yield, over and above the base PMR.
Late July and the cows were averaging 42 litres from new crop silage, alka preserved maize silage, and the balanced Alkablend.
Features & Benefits of using Alkablend and Alkanuts
- Support animal health and performance
- Improved feed efficiency
- Alkalinity helps to buffer the rumen pH
- Safely increase cereal content of the diet
- Reduce the risk of Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)
- Cost effective provider of both starch and sugar
During the winter housing period, the Alkagrain is mixed with the grass silage and minerals in the diet feeder to provide M + 20 litres at the trough and topped up with concentrate in the parlour.
Apart from cost cutting, Jack says the alkaline grain has also improved herd health. “We’ve noticed fewer cases of acidosis amongst the milking cows, while fertility is being maintained. The autumn block calving period extends over a 12-week period and the herd is currently averaging 1.6 services per conception with a 380-day calving interval.
Alkagrain is also fed to the finishing cattle ad-lib for the last few months alongside grass silage, aiming for a finish at 24 months of age. ”Since replacing barley with Home n’ Dry treated grain in the diet, we’ve found it easier, quicker and safer.”
He adds; “Longer term, and our aim is to further reduce our reliance on purchased feed and make even more from homegrown products. Alkagrain will remain among them.”
For further help and advice please call the Alkaline on +44(0)1200 613118