Store cattle

• If sufficient grass is available consider extending the grazing season by rationing the grass through the use of a block/paddock grazing system.
• As grass supplies fall below 7cm (3 inches) at the end of the season there is merit in introducing concentrate to store cattle. Feeding 1-2 KG/head/day will achieve an economic response, extend the grazing season and help maintain performance and reduce cost by saving silage.
• If aiming for an early turnout do not graze dry, southerly facing fields after the end of October. Apply urea fertiliser to these fields in the last half of February when 2-3 dry days are forecast.
• Turnout stores in the early spring when grass cover reaches 2 tonnes of DM/hectare (7cm high) and when ground conditions are sufficiently dry.
• Aim to keep cattle growing at 0.5 KG/head/day – see Table 11 for suitable rations.
• Consider selling some of the most forward stores to reduce feed requirements and provide money to purchase fodder or alternative feeds.

• Compensatory growth after turnout can complicate the store cattle situation.
• Feed the restricted silage diet when the cost of average quality silage rises above £22/tonne (£11/big bale).
• If straw is £65/tonne (£1/small bale) then average quality silage below £25/tonne (£12.50/big bale) is better value.