With consistent rainfall over the past ten days, a lot of cattle have been housed around the country. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton outlines a number of factors farmers should consider now at housing.

As feed accounts for over 75% of variable costs on most beef farms, Joe highlights the results from the Teagasc fodder survey and tips to reduce costs this winter.

Testing silage is very important to give an indication what ration is required. Joe advised the target of 20kg live weight gain per weanling per month (0.6kg/hd/day).

Joe also outlines that the nutrient content of the compound feed is more critical than the individual ingredients that make up the compound feed.

Watch more from Joe here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/want-50kg-more-winter-weight-gain-for-no-extra-cost-cut-silage-in-may-instead-of-june.php

For further information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/choosing-a-concentrate-type-for-finishing.php

For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at:

teagasc.ie/thebeefedge