Early analysis of 2019 first cut suggests that many farms have dry silage, averaging 34.5 per cent dry matter (DM).

The analysis by ForFarmers showed a pH of 4.5 and low lactic acid levels, which may lead to some sorting by the cows at the feed barrier, if not managed correctly.

ForFarmers’ technical manager Bruce Forshaw said: “Energy is a little higher than last year, for both MELK and ME, and fibre content is lower, meaning silage could be good for milk production.

"Feed2Milk (F2M) analysis terminology helps provide information about a herd’s potential performance by giving a much better understanding of how each individual farm’s forage will perform, allowing ForFarmers nutritionists to put in place the most effective nutritional solutions on farm. F2M expresses these predictions through a new set of figures including MELK, TDP and RFC, as well as giving valuable insight to the silages’ impact on rumen health through AI and RI.

“Protein levels are also quite good with crude protein at 15.2 per cent and high True Digestible Protein (TDP) at 71g/kg DM, meaning savings can be made on bought-in protein.

“MELK levels are slightly lower than expected, possibly due to the lower lactic acid levels, but very close to last year’s figure.

“However, the high DM, high sugar and low lactic acid mean good clamp management will be essential to avoid aerobic spoilage when the clamp is opened."

MELK - More Energy for the lactating Cow - True energy available to the cow for milk production.

TDP - True Digestible Protein - The combination of microbial protein and protein that isn’t degraded in the rumen. This is used by the cow for maintenance and production.

RFC - Rapidly Fermentable Carbohydrate - Starch, sugar, fibre, fermented in the rumen for less than two hours, plus silage fermentation products (lactic acid).

AI – Acidosis index – Helps to predict the risk of acidosis.

RI – Rumination index – Helps to assess structural fibre supply.