Early birds can lift liveweight by 30%

摘要

Hay and silage production has increased significantly as farmers strive to use spring growth better and drought-proof their farms. This article outlines the best time to cut fodder to achieve optimum quality and quantity. Silage made from early-cut subclover pastures can potentially lift animal liveweights by as much as 30 per cent compared with the same pasture cut late for hay. New research from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries shows early cut silage has significantly higher feed value than the later cut hay and cutting the pasture earlier also results in higher clover seed set and denser pastures the following year.