Farmers are being reminded that feeding spoiled silage to youngstock could lead to health issues and have a negative long term effect on future productivity.

Jennifer Hitchman, technical manager at Silostop, believes that feeding spoiled silage should be avoided at all costs, no matter how tempting it may be.

She says that the best way to avoid it is by not producing spoiled silage, and clamp management is essential in achieving this.

With advancements in ensiling technology it is now possible to use a product that is drawn down on top of the silage and inhibits the further ingress of oxygen.

Jennifer said: "Youngstock are your future herd; boast the best genetics within the business, and offer your business the potential to improve future profitability.

"This is why it’s so important to ensure you invest in their nutrition for maximum growth and health.

“Particularly when milk prices are low, it’s important to resist the temptation to give the heifers poorly preserved silage, especially spoiled material.

“Intake of poorly preserved silage can be too low to achieve growth targets without the additional cost of supplementary concentrate feed.

“In addition, possible contamination of the silage with mycotoxins or E. coli endotoxins, with consequential adverse effects on fertility and immunity from infections, may result in heifers not conceiving and suffering from chronic infectious diseases.

“This can result in the animal being culled or performing much lower than her genetic potential.

"The cost implications are huge. And, can go on for the lifetime of the animal.

“The most effective way to prevent feeding this spoiled silage, is to avoid producing it. Clamp management is key to this.

"Never underestimate the effectiveness of good sheeting. It is possible to achieve zero visible waste on a clamp by using an oxygen barrier film.”