The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a clarification regarding the concentrate 15% crude protein limit which is set to become applicable in the coming days.
In a technical note issued yesterday (April 12, 2024), the DAFM explained the implementation of the concentrate 15% crude protein limit which is applicable from April 15 to September 30 as set out in the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations (SI 113 of 2022, as amended).
This measure has been in place since 2021 to reduce nitrogen surpluses during the main grazing season when good quality grass provides adequate crude protein for adult cattle.
However, in response to current weather conditions, and the delayed turnout of livestock in many parts of the country, the DAFM stated it “recognises the primary importance of animal’s receiving a balanced diet in line with their conditions”.
While the requirement applies to concentrates fed to dairy cows and other cattle aged over two years, at grass from April 15 to September 30, the department clarified where the requirement would not apply.
The DAFM confirmed the requirement does not apply where cattle are not outdoors fulltime at grass.
It stated: “Given the exceptional weather conditions this year, department inspectors will be especially conscious of local weather and soil conditions and recognise that in certain parts of the country dairy cows and adult cattle may not be at grass fulltime in the coming weeks.
“Even in situations where cattle are at grass fulltime, the department has always, and will continue to allow for situations where a higher level of crude protein is required in concentrates to maintain animal welfare or to meet the animal’s dietary needs.
The department confirmed that in that scenario, the department, at inspection, “will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist or an accredited farm advisory service (FAS) advisor stating that a higher level of crude protein is required”.
Records of purchased feed should include the quantities and types of concentrate feed, including crude protein content, fed to livestock on the holding.
Under SI 113 of 2022, these records should be maintained for five years and made available for inspection if requested.
The technical note read: “The department is acutely aware of the challenges that farmers are facing due to the continued inclement weather conditions, and therefore wish to clarify the options available to farmers within the current regulatory requirements as requested at the fodder and feed security meeting.”
Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) dairy chair Stephen Arthur said: “Farmers have been unable to get cows out to grass fulltime by mid-April, as would normally be the case.
“In many instances, this means for cows to get the correct nutritional requirements, they still require a concentrate feed with a protein content of over 15%,” he added.
“Farmers need every support they can receive through this period and DAFM has recognised the need to allow the feeding of concentrates with appropriate protein to meet the need of cows,” Arthur said.