The Transition from Grass to Winter Feeding

As autumn disappears with the introduction of the colder, dark days of winter that we have seen in recent weeks, Irish farmers face a significant transition in their farming practices—particularly when it comes to feeding livestock. The Transition from Grass to Winter Feeding (stored silage, hay, and concentrates) is an essential part of the agricultural calendar. This change not only ensures that animals have the right nutrition to thrive through the winter months but also sets the stage for their health and productivity in the year ahead. Continue reading to see how Herdwatch can help you during this transition and the tools available on the app to make farm management less stressful.

The End of Grazing: When Grass Stops Growing

In Ireland, grass is the cornerstone of livestock nutrition for much of the year. Dairy cows, beef cattle, and sheep are traditionally grazed on fresh grass throughout the warmer months, taking advantage of the country’s temperate climate and relatively long growing season. Grass is rich in nutrients and provides an affordable, sustainable food source.

However, as the days get shorter and temperatures drop, grass growth slows and eventually stops. By November, the lush pastures that have sustained livestock throughout the summer and autumn months start to become less nutritious. Fields may also become waterlogged, making grazing difficult or even damaging to the soil. The transition from grazing to winter feeding is not just about a change in diet—it’s a necessary step to protect both the animals and the land.

Feeding for the Winter: The Role of Silage, Hay, and Concentrates

Once the animals are housed, their diet undergoes a significant change. The lush, fresh grass of summer is replaced by stored feed. The main types of winter feed for livestock in Ireland are silage, hay, and concentrates, each playing a unique role in the animals’ nutritional needs.

Silage

• Silage is fermented, chopped grass that has been stored in airtight conditions to preserve its nutrients. It is the most common winter feed for cattle in Ireland and provides a relatively high-quality source of energy. Farmers typically cut grass in late spring or summer, ensile it, and store it in silage pits or wrapped bales.
• Silage is highly digestible and contains essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fibre. However, its quality can vary depending on the timing of the harvest and the conditions under which it was stored. This is why farmers carefully monitor their silage to ensure animals get enough energy during the winter.

Hay

• Hay is dried grass that is cut and stored for winter feeding. While it is less moist than silage, hay can be a valuable source of fibre and roughage. It tends to be lower in nutrients compared to silage, which is why it is often fed alongside silage to ensure a balanced diet.
• Hay is particularly important for sheep, as it provides necessary roughage to aid digestion, especially during periods when silage may be less palatable.

Concentrates

• Concentrates—such as grains, cereal-based feeds, and protein supplements—are often introduced during the winter months to provide extra nutrients, especially if animals have higher energy needs, such as lactating dairy cows or growing beef cattle.
• These feeds are typically higher in protein and energy and help to supplement the roughage provided by silage and hay. The exact amount of concentrates fed will depend on the animal’s age, size, breed, and purpose (e.g., milk production, fattening for beef).

Have enough fodder for the winter months ahead?

Ensuring Proper Nutrition: Balancing the Diet

As farmers move their livestock from grass to winter feeds, one of the most critical tasks is ensuring that animals receive the right balance of nutrients. While grass is a great source of fibre and energy, it’s important to remember that the nutritional content of silage, hay, and concentrates can vary from batch to batch. Poor-quality silage, for example, may lack sufficient energy or protein, requiring supplementation. Farmers must carefully monitor their animals’ health and adjust their feed accordingly.

Adjusting to Changing Conditions: As the winter progresses, livestock needs may change, and farmers must remain flexible. For example, a particularly cold spell may increase the energy requirements of cattle, meaning farmers will need to increase concentrate feeding or provide additional silage. Farmers can also record their feed purchases and usage on the farm using the Herdwatch App and keep detailed reports for your Bord Bia inspection.

The Benefits of Proper Winter Feeding

Proper winter feeding does more than just keep animals alive through the cold months. It has long-term benefits for both livestock and farmers:

• Improved Health and Productivity: Proper nutrition ensures that livestock remain healthy, with fewer cases of illness or injury during the winter. Healthy animals are more likely to calve or lamb successfully in the spring and achieve higher growth rates when put back on grass.
• Higher Quality Milk and Meat: For dairy farmers, the quality and quantity of milk produced during the winter months can be influenced by proper feeding. Likewise, beef farmers who are feeding livestock for finishing will see better weight gain and meat quality.
• Financial Sustainability: Feeding animals correctly during the winter months can reduce the risk of costly health issues and improve overall farm productivity. By ensuring animals are well-nourished, farmers increase their chances of a successful calving/lambing season and, ultimately, a profitable year.

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