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Close look needed to spot true fibre value
Don’t be misled by the price per tonne when buying digestible fibre feeds for the rest of the winter or to buffer feed during spring turnout. According to KW’s Colin Shepherd, there are big differences in overall feed value that aren’t currently reflected in the price.
“The general rule of thumb is that soya hulls and citrus pellets need to be around £10-12/t lower than sugar beet feed to be a better buy,” he explains. “Sugar beet feed is £115/t for Feb-April delivery, yet the price for an equivalent order of soya hulls or citrus pellets is around £108-110/t. That’s just not a big enough discount to make them worthwhile.”
The additional value in sugar beet feed comes from its rumen buffering capacity, which makes it far more effective in protecting against acidosis and balancing the effects of high starch diets and lush spring grass.
“Sugar beet feed is much more competitively priced this year, and many livestock farmers who’ve switched to alternatives could be missing out by not taking a fresh look at their plans for digestible fibre feeds,” Mr Shepherd adds. “And don’t forget pressed pulp, which at £33-35/t fresh – depending on location – is equivalent to paying £100-105/t for sugar beet feed. With some sugar beet factories staying open throughout February, it’s also the only moist feed that’s still available.”
Note to editors:
All prices quoted are based on 29t loads delivered on-farm in the Midlands |
