August 2, 2018

Ireland's concentrate feed use for cows to rise 75% in 2018

Ireland's average concentrate feed use per dairy cows will rise by an estimated 75% this year, compared to 2017, a report by Teagasc, the country's Agriculture and Food Development Authority, revealed.

The findings are based on normal late season grass growth and were compiled by Teagasc economists as part of a mid-year update, Agriland reported. 

In 2017, the average dairy concentrate feed use per head is estimated to be about 1,011kg per cow. The figure was a 14% increase from 2016, according to data by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The Teagasc report also anticipates that the average concentrate feed use per dairy cow will go beyond 1,750kg in 2018.

However, the report depended on "anecdotal evidence", given that official data on feed use in 2018 is currently limited.

For the first quarter of this year, data showed that the volume of dairy concentrate feed sales increased 21%, compared to the same period last year.

In addition, concentrate feed use is expected to be "well above normal." This trend is attributed to a persisting, unfavourable weather for grass growth in the second and third quarters of this year.

- Agriland