Date: 19 October 2026
Dairy cows could face nutritional challenges due to forage variability this winter
Dairy farmers could face a more challenging transition onto winter diets this year, as summer drought conditions have left forage quality and nutritional value highly variable. “There’s no single picture of forage availability or quality across the UK this year,” says Mike Burns, regional business manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. He says the main challenge will be building rations around feeds with differing quality and nutritional value. “The variability is huge, which means the challenge this winter will not simply be dealing with good or poor forage, but managing diets containing feeds of differing quality and nutritional value.”
Alongside a need to make the most of available forage, Mr Burns says several forage challenges may need to be managed this winter. “Some drought-stressed overgrown second cuts could present issues around fibre digestion, and it’s likely that the dry forage will have been harder to consolidate and keep aerobically stable, potentially increasing the risk of moulds and mycotoxins. “At the other end of the spectrum, wetter or later-cut material may increase acid loading in the rumen. “In reality, a farm could encounter more than one of these challenges this year as different forages are introduced into the diet.”
Silage analysis will be the first port of call for both bought in and home grown forage this year. Mr Burns says: “To get a representative analysis, take samples from five points across the clamp face in a ‘W’ shape, particularly where multiple cuts have been ensiled in the same clamp.”
He recommends repeating the analysis monthly as the clamp face moves back and the proportion of different cuts changes. This will help producers adjust rations as forage quality shifts, while keeping rumen stability front of mind. “Maintaining rumen stability will be particularly important where forage quality changes through the winter,” he says. “The aim is to keep the rumen functioning as consistently as possible when the feeds going into it may be changing,” he explains. “A rumen-specific live yeast such as Levucell SC, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077, helps to create favourable conditions for the fibre-digesting microorganisms in the rumen, while at the same time supporting those that utilise lactic acid. “This enhances fibre and overall diet digestion as the characteristics of the ration change, which in turn maintains more consistent feed intake,” says Mr Burns.
However, he adds that this does not remove the need for accurate forage analysis or careful ration formulation. Once forage has been analysed , Mr Burns recommends saving the best silage for milking cows where possible.
“Bought-in forage or baled silage that’s lower in energy or protein, but is still well preserved and stable, should be used for youngstock or dry cows instead.”
Straw and wholecrop could help stretch grass silage stocks in appropriate diets, but actual forage intakes should be monitored, rather than relying on the formulated ration.
Avoiding waste where possible will also be key in a year where every kilo matters.
Mr Burns recommends paying attention to clamp management, keeping the face tidy and minimising heating and spoilage.
“Also look at what is happening at the feed barrier. You don’t want valuable silage going off and being scraped away.”
Where there is insufficient forage to last the winter, forage extenders can be discussed with a nutritionist or feed adviser. Finding a quality product with a consistent supply is the most important factor.
“Dairy cows thrive on routine and consistency, so the more consistency we can create in the diet and the rumen this winter, the better,” he concludes.
Source: industry press release.