Optimise forage utilisation by stimulating rumen activity with forage supplements

Livestock producers looking to make the most of grazed forage can increase intake and digestion by 10 percent when supplementing pastures with a nutrient-rich forage supplement, says Dr. Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco.

“Supplying a balanced combination of nutrient-rich ingredients, forage supplement blocks stimulate the rumen to work harder by fuelling and increasing the rumen bug population. This results in up to a 10 percent improvement in forage intake and digestion,” explains Dr. Bond. “As we navigate a time of record-high concentrate prices, improving forage utilization will have a significant impact on the total feed budget.”

Livestock performance increases

In multiple trials, Rumenco’s Rumevite forage supplements show an increase in intake and digestion which has been proven to have significant impacts on livestock performance.

In a study of 156 head of store cattle on five different farms, livestock supplemented with Rumevite Cattle Booster had a 25kg live weight gain advantage over 105 days compared to the control group. Performance advantages carried through into the finishing period, with supplemented cattle maintaining the 25kg weight increase and therefore finishing 28 days ahead of the control group.

“When valuing live weight gain at £2.00/kg, the margin over feed cost for supplementing grazing stock with Rumevite Cattle Booster was £137.36 /head, compared to £109.00/head for the group that did not receive supplementation. The un-supplemented cattle required feed for an additional 28 days, costing an additional £36.55/ head in extra concentrate and silage costs,” explains Dr. Bond.