Outwintering has many benefits but planning is key

Come the following spring, it is also easier for stock to transition from brassicas to grass rather than moving from a housed diet to grass, according to William Fleming, area sales manager for Germinal GB, who added that out with direct labour savings, there are indirect savings such as not having to spread muck.

Lambs should be introduced to brassicas such as redstart, gradually

Below, he talks through a step-by-step checklist to maximise crop utilisation and animal performance.

1. Body condition score (BCS) stock.

Only healthy stock, in the right condition, should be turned onto brassicas. Ewes should be BCS 2.5 and cattle.

Those in lower body condition should be housed and fed.

2. Weigh and allocate the crop to maximise utilisation.

The target should be to achieve 85-90% crop utilisation which is achievable by budgeting in advance.

By mid-September, the crop will have reached maturity, so it is a good time to measure the crop.

Place a 1m square frame around the crop.

Use shears to cut the plants (about 10cm from the ground)

Place in a bag

Weigh the bag and record the weight per m2

To calculate DM yield per hectare, multiply the fresh weight per m2 by 10,000, then multiply by the expected crop dry matter percentage. For example Kale from 1m2 = 5kg fresh weight x 10,000 = 50,000kg fresh weight/ha. Average kale dry matter = 16% (50,000 x 0.16 = 8,000kg (8t DM/ha).

3. Provide roughage.

Brassicas are high in carbohydrates and can be ‘fizzy’, so it is essential to provide supplementary forage to prevent acidosis.

Forages such as silage, hay, or straw, should make up 30% of total intakes.

“Put bales out while conditions are good on the farm, not when conditions are bad.”

4. Transitioning stock.

Introduce brassicas to animals gradually.

Provide a run back of grass and introduce stock gradually to help acclimatise the rumen, says Mr. Fleming.

“Don’t put them onto the crop hungry; allow them to be relatively full and run them back and forward (between grass and the brassicas) initially so they don’t gorge themselves. You should build up to unrestricted access over 7-10 days.”

If practical, use two electric fences so if the stock breaks through the first wire they cannot break onto the full crop and gorge themselves.

5. Minerals.

Brassicas contain glucosinolates, which block the uptake of iodine from the diet. In addition, the crops are low in iodine. These increase the risk of iodine deficiency.

Speak to your vet about providing supplementary minerals.