Twitter Instagram
    • Email Newsletters
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. May 2022
      2. March 2022
      3. Kitten & Puppy Supplement 2022
      4. January 2022
      5. November 2021
      6. May 2021
      Featured

      Over the Counter – May 2022

      By Simon KingMay 11, 2022
      Recent

      Over the Counter – May 2022

      May 11, 2022

      Over the Counter – March 2022

      March 8, 2022

      Kitten & Puppy Supplement 2022

      March 8, 2022
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    Dairy / Beef

    Beef farmers advised about the risks of straw impaction

    Simon KingBy Simon KingMarch 7, 2019No Comments2 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    Reports of cows dying from straw impaction is highlighting the risks associated with feeding straw-based rations to suckler cows.

    Straw impaction occurs when cows are fed rations containing mainly straw, without sufficient protein supplementation and feed then becomes blocked in the rumen.

    Currently forage is in limited supply across many farms, so some farmers are incorporating high levels of straw into dry suckler cow rations. Straw-based rations can be successful, but rely on the ration being supplemented to include other forages or feeds providing sufficient protein that is readily degradable in the rumen.

    Mary Vickers, senior beef scientist at AHDB said: “The symptoms of straw impaction are low appetites and very solid dung. The rumen microbes simply don’t have enough protein to reproduce and ferment the feed in the rumen.

    “We are reminding farmers to check their rations, feeding arrangements and look out for the symptoms to avoid this problem in their herd.”

    Tips for successful straw-based diets

    • Ensure the overall diet contains at least 9% crude protein in the diet dry matter;
    • Where feeding other forages, analyse these to ensure the complete diet meets overall protein requirements;
    • Include a supplementary source of protein if required e.g. rapeseed meal, distillers grains, or peas/beans;
    • Make sure straw is clean and palatable;
    • A straw-based diet is very dry, so ensure a plentiful supply of clean water;
    • Ensure all cows have good access to the supplement and the straw;
    • Mineral supplementation is important and needs to be suitable for suckler cow straw diets with good levels of trace elements and vitamins; and
    • As calving approaches consider adding silage with the straw to ensure cows have a smooth transition if they are on a silage based diet post-calving.

    Feeding sufficient protein to pregnant cows in the last month before calving also makes an important contribution to a successful calving and good colostrum quality.

    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleNFU says sheep splitting delay is “a huge setback for the sheep sector”
    Next Article Brexit uncertainty leads to spike in pet owners seeking advice

    Read Similar Stories

    Precision feeding can help extend grazing period

    Beware of major parasites at turnout

    Prevent production losses and disease in cattle by controlling flies early

    Most Read

    UFU and NIVA: The future of veterinary medicines must be sorted in Northern Ireland

    June 27, 2022

    Red alert for high worm egg counts as warm, wet weather persists across the UK

    June 24, 2022

    Fun-packed opening planned for the new Jollyes store in Southport, Merseyside

    June 23, 2022

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2022 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2022

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest
    • Pig World
    • Poultry News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo