Make maximum use of protein in autumn grass

Due to the good growing conditions, there is a relatively large amount of grass in the meadows this autumn. Autumn grass contains a lot of protein that can be used well by the dairy cows in a balanced ration. ForFarmers provides tips for maximum utilization.

In order to make maximum use of the protein-rich grass, it is advisable to keep cows grazing to a limited extent or to feed the grass fresh in the barn. Therefore, regularly graze the cows and rotate between the plots. Giving the cows a new plot every day improves the palatability of the grass. The advice is also to graze briefly and intensively, especially in the afternoon there are the most sugars in the grass. In addition, a short period of grazing is favorable for the protein percentage and a reduction in feed costs. Finally, do not make too many paths in the grassland and provide sufficient walking space for the cows.

Autumn grass can also be mowed and ensiled to compensate for the low protein level of the spring silages by adding a few kilograms of protein-rich autumn grass silage to the ration. Autumn grass can also be fed to young stock, but supplement the ration with protein-poor, structure-rich products (for example, short-chopped grain straw

Winning a good autumn pit is not easy
The grass is mowed at a relatively young stage and has a lower sugar content due to the high crude protein content and shorter growing days. The silage process is more difficult, so that the pH value decreases less quickly, resulting in a relatively high ammonia content and a moderate palatability of the silage. With a lower dry matter content of the grass, more soil (= crude ash) easily enters the silage.

Due to the wet grass and a higher crude ash content, there are more harmful bacteria and the risk of less good preservation increases. To make a tasty autumn silage that can also be fed to the dairy cows, the use of a good silage additive is absolutely necessary.

With an additive you get more good lactic and acetic acid bacteria in the grass silage and other bacteria have less chance. In addition, a well-preserved silage is also tastier and is better eaten by the cattle and converted into milk.

How do you arrive at a good autumn pit?

1. Mow in dry conditions. Preferably in the afternoon, when the grass has a higher sugar content and the grass is drier.
2. Only use a conditioner if dry weather is forecast.
3. Maximum field period of 48 hours. Maintain a maximum field period of 48 hours to limit the loss of sugars.
4. Avoid contamination with soil. Do not mow too short, maintain a stubble length of at least 7 centimeters, shake a maximum of 1 time and rake carefully and not too deeply.
5. Prevent fatigue. Do not reduce the grass too much when ensiling to prevent fatigue. 
6. Use a silage additive. When ensiling, always use a silage additive for good preservation.
7. Cover, immediately cover the pit airtight.