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Finding value for money in concentrate feeds

Finding value for money in concentrate feeds

The cheapest concentrate mix on a € per tonne basis may not be the best value, writes Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist at Teagasc, who advises farmers to consider the value of the ration based on its feeding value relative to its cost.

A question often posed by beef farmers is: ‘How can I ensure I’m getting value for money from my concentrate feeds?’

The starting point in answering this question is ensuring the nutrient content of the concentrate is adequate and ticks the key boxes in terms of energy – particularly UFL/UFV, protein, mineral, and fibre supply – a topic covered in yesterday’s article, available below, on Teagasc Daily.

Also read: What should I look out for in concentrate feeds?

Once you have identified the nutrient content parameters desired, the next step is to shop around. Remember, there can be a lot of variation in price but always ensure that price differentials are not as a result of variations in nutrient content – compare like with like.

As often highlighted, energy is often the most limiting factor in beef diets so don’t assume a high protein concentrate has the necessary energy content to meet your animal’s needs. Often, this is not the case and the energy content of a 14% crude protein concentrate mix could be higher than an 18% crude protein concentrate mix. Equally, there is variability within similar crude ingredients in the amount of available protein (amino acids) and energy that they contribute to the ration.

Additionally, don’t just assume that straight ingredients are better value than concentrate mixes. Always check the price of straights (and home mixing) relative to buying a standard concentrate mix – including the workload and incorporation of minerals and other additives. And to ensure quality and feed standards are adhered to, only buy from licensed suppliers.

Interactive calculator

Calculating the relative cost of different feeds can be difficult. To make this process easier, Teagasc has an interactive calculator available where the price of barley and soya can be entered and the relative value of different feeds is then calculated automatically. This allows you to compare a variety of ingredients and forage sources based on their units of energy and protein.

 Access the Feed Values Calculator here.

Tune in to this week’s Beef Edge Podcast

Teagasc Nutritionist, Aisling Claffey discusses winter nutrition and diets on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Aisling explains that beef systems are simple and it comes down to trying to maximise intake and growth whilst minimising stress and digestive upsets.

A combination of factors ultimately decides how close you get to growing and finishing cattle to their genetic potential. These include management, diet, housing, water and disease control. Aisling highlights the importance of taking a silage sample and discusses the targets to see in the report. Then based on the result, the concentrates are balanced. 

Listen in below:

For further information, read the Concentrate Feeds Chapter from the Teagasc Beef Manual here.

Diary date - Teagasc National Beef Conference

The Teagasc National Beef Conference 2024 takes place on Tuesday, 19 November at 5pm in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 N9W4.

The theme of the conference is 'Sustainable Beef Farming: Pathways to a greener future'

See the National Beef Conference Programme here.