Maintain milk constituents at grass

Posted 9th May 2019

Farmers looking to maintain milk constituents this spring, while cows are out at grass, are being encouraged not to overlook the role of buffer feeding despite depleted conserved forage stocks on many farms. Lush, fast growing grass is the perfect feedstuff being relatively cheap to grow and perfectly synchronised in terms of FME (Fermentable Metabolisable […]

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Are you pushing the potential of your swards this spring?

Posted 27th March 2019

For many producers this season, the emphasis will be on filling clamps with the highest quality grass silage possible, following the forage shortages caused by last year’s drought. In many cases, producers may be looking to get extra volume from short term catch crops or may consider over-seeding mature leys to extend yield potential. However, […]

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QLF and QLF Agronomy are recruiting!

Posted 21st February 2019

Are you looking for a role in the agricultural supply chain? Have you an interest in ruminant nutrition or agronomy? Are you wanting a new challenge with a hugely rewarding very high uncapped earnings opportunity? If so, please send your CV to us. We have various positions available for the right people. QLF Agronomy is […]

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Maize silage analysis key to balancing varied starch levels

Posted 26th November 2018

Early maize silage analysis results are indicating varied quality, particularly when it comes to starch levels. Producers are therefore being urged to test forage stocks and adequately balance rations to maximise cow health and productivity. Rob Fowkes, nutritional advisor at Quality Liquid Feeds, explains that he is witnessing two main scenarios across the farms he […]

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Maintain sugar levels throughout housed period

Posted 22nd October 2018

In order to enhance rumen function, maximise feed efficiency, and drive productivity during the housed period, dairy farmers are advised to supplement rations with a suitable sugar source. Bronwen Pihlwret, nutritional advisor at Quality Liquid Feeds (QLF), explains that grazed grass is naturally high in sugars, providing cows with a sufficient dietary supply. However, this […]

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Plan ahead to manage silage shortages

Posted 17th October 2018

Despite results from Trouw Nutrition GB suggesting this year’s silage is good quality, dairy farmers are being encouraged to plan ahead to help manage any shortages. Rob Fowkes, nutritional advisor at Quality Liquid Feeds, explains that although the growing season has not significantly impacted silage quality, it has impacted on quantity. “Farmers are concerned that […]

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Don’t underestimate the importance of dry cow management

Posted 24th August 2018

Dairy farmers are being reminded of the important role of dry cow management, in particular nutrition, when looking to secure future herd health, fertility and productivity. Nutritional advisor at Quality Liquid Feeds, Rob Fowkes, explains that 80% of problems, such as mastitis, hypocalcaemia (milk fever), retained foetal membranes, ketosis and displaced abomasums (DA), can usually […]

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Farmers urged to keep an eye on somatic cell counts

Posted 13th July 2018

As we enter a high risk mastitis period, farmers are being urged to keep an eye on somatic cell counts to maintain herd health and maximise productivity. Rob Fowkes, nutritional advisor at QLF, explains that when cows are out at grass, pathogens build-up and this can cause a spike in mastitis cases and therefore somatic […]

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Take steps to secure next winter’s forage

Posted 2nd May 2018

Producers are being encouraged to take steps to help minimise the risk of reduced forage stocks next winter. “Wet weather conditions across the country may mean that producers have turned cows out onto a larger grazing platform than previous years, eating into land that would normally have been ear-marked for silage,” explains Rob Fowkes, nutritional […]

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Don’t overlook magnesium supplements this spring

Posted 20th March 2018

The prolonged cold and wet winter weather has led to restricted grass growth, delayed turnout on many farms, and in some cases shortages of forage earmarked for buffer feeding. However, as grass growth catches up and producers look to make the most of spring grass, they are being reminded not to overlook the potentially fatal […]

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Balance winter rations to make the most of home-grown forage

Posted 24th January 2018

As starch degradability of maize in the clamp increases, producers are being warned to watch for the effects of rumen pH drop.  “With a turbulent outlook for milk prices, it’s essential not to underestimate the importance of re-balancing rations to maintain milk quality and diet cost-effectiveness as the season progresses,” says Bronwen Pihlwret, QLF nutritional […]

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Balance energy for optimum performance

Posted 4th December 2017

Milk records can be an untapped source of insight into the nutritional requirements of dairy cows, particularly during the first few weeks of lactation. Producers are therefore being encouraged to utilise milk lactose levels to help predict negative energy balance, manage nutrition, and optimise performance. Energy deficits in lactating cows are often only identified once [...]

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Advantages of feeding a molasses based liquid feed

Posted 30th November 2017

“We know that adding sugary liquids to rations can reduce ration sorting and as a result increase rumen efficiency and ultimately milk yields,” says Bronwen Pihlwret, QLF nutritional advisor. Yet she adds that molasses-based liquids are often overlooked as a cost-effective way of utilising rations. “With many farmers having access to good quality silages this [...]

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Making the most of available grazed grass

Posted 30th November 2017

Despite grass performing above average this season, producers looking to take advantage of the extended grazing window are being reminded that grass dry matter variability could inhibit production if a well-balanced buffer ration isn’t presented to cows. Rob Fowkes, from Quality Liquid Feeds says that recent reports have shown that grass has huge variability in [...]

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Improve fibre digestion this winter

Posted 30th November 2017

Farmers are being advised to take advantage of lower neutral detergent fibre (NDF) levels being reported in this year’s silage analysis by ensuring rumen throughput is maximised to encourage greater milk output. “This year’s silages are promising, with good dry matter (DM), energy and protein levels, but lower NDF levels are being reported,” says Bronwen [...]

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QLF soils event 8th November 2017

Posted 3rd November 2017

You are invited to a pioneering biological soils event, with presentations from world renowned expert Gary Zimmer, 'The Father of Biological Farming’ and hosted by farmer Tim Parton. The one-day event, held in Staffordshire, will review the merits of biological farming, incorporating presentations from the ‘father’ of biological agriculture, Gary Zimmer, focusing on soil health and [...]

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QLF soils event 8th November 2017

Posted 26th October 2017

You are invited to a pioneering biological soils event, with presentations from world renowned expert Gary Zimmer, 'The Father of Biological Farming’ and hosted by farmer Tim Parton. The one-day event, held in Staffordshire, will review the merits of biological farming, incorporating presentations from the ‘father’ of biological agriculture, Gary Zimmer, focusing on soil health and [...]

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Advantages of using a liquid feed with your TMR

Posted 29th September 2017

Defra average farmgate prices have shown a steady rise in the price of milk over the past few months with a global demand for butterfat believed to be driving up prices. However, Farmers are urged not to be complacent with margins and to utilise available forage to achieve maximum yields. “Traditionally the sole purpose of […]

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