The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a reminder to farmers and advisers over the flexibility in place for crude protein limits in animal feed.

The department said it is was issuing the reminder in light of the prolonged spell of dry weather, which may have impacted grass growth in many parts of the country.

The department is advising farmers, advisers and feed mills that there is flexibility available regarding the 14% crude protein limit, which is applicable from April 15 to September 30.

That limit is in place to reduce nitrogen surpluses during the main grazing season, when good quality grass provides adequate crude protein for adult cattle.

However, the department said that it recognises the primary importance of animals receiving a balanced diet in line with their conditions.

The requirement to limit concentrate protein to a maximum of 14% on an 'as fed' basis from April 15 to September 30 applies to all farmers feeding concentrates to dairy cows and other cattle over two years-of-age, at grass.

This does not, however, apply where cattle are not outdoors fulltime at grass.

Even in situations where cattle are at grass fulltime, the department allows 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.

In that scenario, the department accepts written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist, or an accredited Farm Advisory Service (FAS) adviser stating that a higher level of crude protein is required.

The department noted that, in practice, compliance is assessed taking into account the date the concentrate feed was purchased.

Records of purchased feed should also include the quantities and types of concentrate feed, including crude protein content, fed to livestock on the holding.

These records should be kept for five years and made available for inspection if requested.