Every year, Irish dairy herds lose productivity due to preventable metabolic diseases — yet many farmers only test silage for stand nutrient content. While these are important, an often-overlooked factor is mineral balance, particularly the cation-anion balance (CAB).
CAB affects how well cows can mobilise calcium after calving. Imbalances can lead to milk fever, often called a “gateway disease,” which increases the likelihood of ketosis, fertility issues, mastitis, and reduced milk yield.
Testing silage for minerals and CAB gives farmers time to adjust diets, apply tailored mineral supplementation, and protect herd health before winter feeding begins. Specialist Nutrition provides expert guidance and on-farm support, ensuring your herd gets the nutrition it needs to perform at its best.
How to Test Silage Effectively
Correct silage sampling is the foundation of a successful mineral management program:
- Sampling Process
- Cut small holes in the silage pit down to around 4 ft depth.
- Collect multiple core samples across the pit for accuracy.
- Bag and send samples to a lab; results usually return in 10 days.
- What to Test For
- Nutrients: Protein, energy, DMD, etc
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other essential elements
- Cation-anion balance (CAB): Key for preventing metabolic diseases in dry cows
- Timing is Key
- Testing in August or early autumn gives nutritionists time to plan winter rations.
- Early analysis ensures dry cows and pre-calvers receive the correct minerals to prevent milk fever and support fertility.
By following these steps, farmers can make informed decisions rather than guessing nutrient content or reacting after health issues appear.
Why Mineral Balance Matters
Minerals are more than numbers on a lab report — they have a direct impact on herd health and productivity.
- Cation-anion balance (CAB): Affects calcium mobilisation after calving; a poor balance increases milk fever risk.
- Potassium levels: High potassium interferes with calcium metabolism, raising the likelihood of metabolic issues.
- Magnesium: Essential for preventing tetany and supporting smooth lactation transitions.
Without proper mineral balance, cows are more susceptible to milk fever, ketosis, and other metabolic diseases, which can cascade into lower fertility, higher mastitis rates, and reduced milk yield.
Real-Life Case Study
A farmer with high-milking cows experienced fertility problems and uneven herd performance. Standard silage tests showed no nutrient deficiencies, but mineral testing revealed a critical imbalance.
Intervention by Specialist Nutrition:
- Tailored dry cow and pre-calver mineral supplementation
- Adjusted winter feed plan based on CAB results
Outcome:
- Fertility rates improved
- Milk yield increased in the following lactation
- Incidences of milk fever and metabolic disorders reduced
This case highlights the value of proactive testing and expert advice, showing measurable benefits for herd health and farm profitability.
Protecting Silage Investment
Even high-quality silage can lose value if not stored correctly. Specialist Nutrition recommends:
Silostop Protective Covers
- Two-layer system: Oxygen barrier beneath anti-UV layer
- Benefits:
- Minimal feed waste
- Simple to strip and fold
- Durable for 10+ years, robust against wildlife
- Cost-effective (€250–€400 per cover)
Farmers report better feed quality, convenience, and reduced labour, particularly on maize silage where starch attracts birds. Proper storage ensures that nutrient-rich silage reaches your cows uncompromised, complementing mineral testing and supplementation.
Step-by-Step Recommendations for Winter Herd Health
- Test silage early for minerals and CAB, not just protein or energy.
- Focus on dry cows and pre-calvers to prevent milk fever and metabolic disorders.
- Adjust rations based on results, applying tailored mineral programs.
- Invest in protective silage covers to reduce waste and protect feed value.
- Seek expert guidance to design herd-specific feeding and mineral strategies.
Maximise Herd Performance Through Expert Silage Management
By combining proactive silage testing, tailored mineral programs, and proper storage, farmers can:
- Protect against milk fever, ketosis, and other metabolic diseases
- Maintain fertility and improve milk yield
- Preserve feed quality and minimise wastage
- Enhance overall herd health and farm profitability
Specialist Nutrition is Ireland’s leading advisor in animal nutrition, offering practical, tailored solutions that guide farmers from the field to the feed trough. With our expertise, your silage and herd management decisions are informed, strategic, and designed to deliver maximum results.
Contact our team today to discuss how tailored silage testing, mineral supplementation, and storage solutions can optimise your herd’s winter performance and long-term productivity.
