As you well know, spring weather in Ireland is unpredictable — and this year is no exception. While mild temperatures and dry spells have supported early grass growth in some regions, overnight frosts and patchy rain have limited access to fresh pasture in others. With these conditions in mind, farmers must prepare for two key scenarios: supplementing with buffer feeding when grass availability is reduced or adjusting production strategies to sustain performance without fresh forage.
When to Implement Buffer Feeding
If pasture growth is slow or fields become too wet for grazing, buffer feeding becomes essential to maintain milk yields and animal condition. Buffer feeding helps bridge the nutritional gap by providing a balanced diet, reducing reliance on unpredictable grass growth.
Key signs that buffer feeding is necessary:
- Ground conditions are too wet, leading to poaching of waterlogged soils and damage to pasture.
- Grass covers are too low to meet livestock needs.
- Variable weather patterns disrupt consistent grazing.
Best Buffer Feeding Strategies
- Silage and Hay – A reliable source of fibre and energy, silage helps maintain rumen function when fresh grass is limited. Ensure high-quality silage is available to prevent production dips.
- High-Energy Concentrates – If milk production is declining, supplementing with high-energy feeds such as maize meal or beet pulp can help sustain output.
- Moist Feeds – Products like brewers’ grains or pressed beet pulp provide additional energy while supporting rumen health.
- Mineral and Protein Balancers – When feeding silage or hay, ensure the diet is balanced with the correct minerals and protein sources to optimise performance.
How to Introduce Buffer Feeding
- Gradual Introduction – Introduce buffer feeds slowly to prevent digestive upsets.
- Monitor Intakes – Ensure animals are eating the correct amounts to maintain performance.
- Adjust Based on Weather – If wet conditions persist, increase supplementation to compensate for lost grazing opportunities.
Managing Production Without Access to Grass
If weather conditions prevent grazing altogether, farmers must rely on stored feeds and alternative management practices to maintain herd health and productivity.
Key Strategies for Maintaining Production
- Prioritise High-Quality Forages
When fresh pasture isn’t available, high-digestibility silage should form the base of the diet. Silage quality directly impacts performance, so ensure animals are receiving well-preserved, energy-rich forage. - Use Concentrate Feeds Wisely
- Lactating cows require a higher-energy diet to sustain milk production.
- Growing cattle need a balanced mix of energy and protein for weight gain.
- Pigs benefit from a diet high in digestible energy with adequate amino acids.
- Optimise Ration Formulation
- Balance energy, protein, and fibre to support efficient digestion.
- Avoid excessive starch to prevent acidosis, particularly if silage quality is low.
- Consider feed additives to enhance nutrient utilisation.
- Maximise Feed Efficiency
- Minimise waste by ensuring silage is well-preserved and not spoiled.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals to improve digestion and reduce stress.
- Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Planning Ahead: Preparing for More Weather Challenges
Since Irish weather remains unpredictable, it’s crucial to plan ahead to avoid future disruptions in production.
- Monitor Grass Growth – Regularly walk fields to assess regrowth and plan when to resume grazing.
- Stock Up on Essential Feeds – Ensure there are enough silage, hay, and concentrates available for extended periods of restricted grazing.
- Invest in Infrastructure – Consider improving drainage and grazing infrastructure to minimise future disruptions.
Conclusion
Whether dealing with wet, ungrazeable fields or limited grass growth, farmers need a structured approach to livestock nutrition. Buffer feeding ensures a stable diet when grazing is restricted, while carefully planned feeding strategies maintain production without fresh pasture. For expert advice on feed planning and supplementation, contact Specialist Nutrition today.