ROG WOOD

SAC Consulting is warning that a significant proportion of beef and sheep will be severely short of protein this winter with major consequences on performance. Analysis of silage samples have been found to have disturbingly low levels of protein which could cause stock to slowly starve even though they might look full.

Beef Specialist Basil Lowman explained that his figures for beef and sheep units reveal a worrying story and said: "Energy levels in the silages are average to good, but protein levels are disturbingly low. We are strongly advising farmers and crofters to get their silage analysed so they can supplement the feed if necessary."

Over a quarter of the silages analysed by SAC Consulting this year have insufficient protein for even a dry beef cow and nearly half have a protein content below 10 per cent. In a normal year silage will have a protein content of 13-14 per cent.

Despite not receiving enough protein from the silage they are fed, animals often look healthy and full which means their true condition is sometimes not discovered until late on. With very low protein silages the animal's rumen becomes completely blocked with partially digested food and the animal effectively starves to death, a condition generally known as rumen compaction.

On a protein deficient diet the animals' dung will be firm, dry and look like solid, mini hay bales.

Mr Lowman explained: "The problem really is with the bugs you find in the animals' rumen. It is these microscopic creatures which help breakdown the food, and they need sufficient protein to do so. Without it they will be less effective in breaking down the silage so it stays in the rumen for longer. This results in more partially digested feed blocking the rumen and stops them from taking in any more feed."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 308 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1230 per head and 232.6p per kg to average £871.10 and 208.1p, while 345 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1340 and 318.8p to level at £941.91 and 210.4p. Ninety-three store, B&W bullocks sold to £900 and 164.1p to average ££653.39 and 142.4p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4430 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £82 per head and 195p per kg to average 139.6p (-1.1p on the week).

There were also 4691 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £130 for Texels and averaged £64 (-53p), while light ewes peaked at £72 for Lleyns and levelled at 341.19 (-£1.38). Rams sold to £132 for a Texel and averaged £71.98.