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 winter feeding begins in earnest. Once identified any protein shortfall can be easily rectified, but cattle fed on silage with low levels of protein are at risk of rumen digestion problems, which in the worst case scenarios, 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 last couple of years are thought to play a part. Having studied the latest test results, Perth-based nutritionist Karen Stewart, from the colleges' SAC Consulting Beef and Sheep team, fears some results are below safe levels.
"We are very concerned that more samples have protein levels below the 10 per cent level which we would consider critical for most stock. In extreme cases the protein level is even lower than last year with a few at only 6-7 per cent crude protein.
"Most at risk are dry suckler cows, between weaning and calving, where straw is mixed in with silage they eat. In this situation even silages with moderate protein levels, if they are fed too much straw, will cause issues with the function of the animal's rumen and possible rumen impaction."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 359 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 231.6p per kg and an average of 195.1p (-3.9p on the week), while 549 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 242.4p and levelled at 203.6p (-11.2p). Ninety store, B&W bullocks sold to 150.7p and averaged 122.5p (-6.8p).
In the rough ring 261 beef cows sold to 165.2p and averaged 99.1p (-1.5p), while ninety dairy cows peaked at 110.2p and levelled at 82.4p (+12.9p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 6 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 208.5p and an average of 204.9p.
There were 105 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to 177p and averaged 97.8p, while dairy cows peaked at 85p and levelled at 63.4p.
The firm also sold 886 prime lambs to a top of £82.50 per head and 189p per kg to average 164.1p (-4p).
A nice show of 407 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £106.50 for Texels and average £60.53 (+6p), while light ewes peaked at £79.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £36.93 (-£6.73).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1552 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £85 and 190p to average 162.2p (-4.8p).
There were also 572 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £102 for Texel crosses and £54 for Blackfaces.
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