CONCERNS over the number of recently analysed silage samples revealing low protein levels has led staff from Scotland’s Rural College to urge farmers to get their silage analysed as soon as possible, before the winter feeding regime begins in earnest.
Once identified, a protein shortfall can be easily rectified, but cattle fed on silage with low level of protein are at risk of rumen digestion problems which, in the worst cases, can be fatal.
It is not clear why there is a drop in protein on some farms but the late cold spring and recent wet winters in the past couple of years are thought to play a part. Having studied the latest test results Perth-based nutritionist Karen Stewart, from the college’s SAC consulting beef and sheep team, fears some results are below safe levels.