The calving period on suckler farms across the country is well underway. However, the inclement and adverse weather – in recent weeks – has put extra pressure on both farmers and cattle.

Normally, farmers aim to turn spring-calving suckler cows out to pasture as they calve; wet grazing platforms and poor growth rates has resulted in these animals being housed for longer periods. This prolonged housing period has exhausted fodder supplies on many farms.

The feed requirements during lactation are for maintenance, some growth (particularly heifers and young cows) and milk production. If the cow is being fed inadequately, she will start to utilise body reserves and this will have a negative effect come breeding.

Furthermore, the energy requirement of a freshly-calved cow is approximately double that of a dry cow. Farmers should try to minimise, and if possible avoid, body condition loss.

Cows have approximately 80 days to recover from calving to breeding if they are to maintain a 365-day calving interval. Body condition at calving tends to be related to body condition at service.

Milk yield peaks at approximately six-to-eight weeks after calving, which coincides with the breeding season. By then, these animals should have access to good-quality grass.

According to Teagasc, freshly-calved cows – in good condition – should be fed good-quality silage with a dry matter digestibility (DMD) of >70% until turnout.

In the instance where silage quality is poor (<68% DMD), cows should be supplemented with 1-2kg of meal, Teagasc says. The meal should have a high energy value (UFL 0.94+), with a protein content of 16%.

If calved cows are in poor condition, Teagasc says, moderate-quality silage fed with 2-3kg of meal is sufficient until turnout.

Heifers – according to Teagasc – require concentrate supplementation in all cases until turnout to pasture. Where silage quality is moderate to good, 1-2kg of meal should be fed; if silage quality is poor, 2-3kg of meal is required.

When cattle are turned out to a paddock of good-quality grass, concentrate supplementation can be stopped.

Minerals

The need for minerals in the suckler cow diet is significantly lower than that of the dairy cow and, in general, mineral buckets/licks are adequate to supply minerals.

Major elements such as calcium, phosphorus and sodium will be adequately supplied in grazed grass and grass silage. However, magnesium must be supplied during the tetany risk period.

When turnout occurs, suckler cows are at high risk of grass tetany – particularly on lush grass, rich in potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) – in cold and wet conditions. According to Teagasc, cows need a supplement of 30g of magnesium during the high risk period.

Methods of magnesium supplementation include:
  • Pasture dusting;
  • Molassed mineral buckets/licks;
  • Magnesium ‘nut’ concentrate;
  • Water application.