NutriFibre® delivers the highest total protein and energy production per hectare compared with all other grass species. This is why NutriFibre® enables farmers to economise on the purchase of feed concentrates, thereby lowering the cost of your milk production.
After sowing, NutriFibre® puts a lot of energy into the development of its root system. This explains why NutriFibre® has a slower start than other grasses in the first year. After developing a solid underground system, the grass yield is high. A three-year research project demonstrates that NutriFibre® yields 30% more dry matter and 30% more protein than perennial ryegrass (table 1). With proper grassland management the forage quality can be perfectly maintained for many years. NutriFibre® has a long lifespan and will produce high yields for at least ten years with undiminished productivity.
Table 1: Difference in protein yield between NutriFibre® and perennial ryegrass.
Source: Louise Bolk Instituut (NL), 2011
Cows consume more feed if their ration contains NutriFibre®. It also slows down the passage rate of the total ration through the cow. This enables more effi cient use of available nutrients, which in turn results in higher milk production (figure 1). Apart from increasing milk production, a healthy rumen also increases the milk’s fat and protein content.
A = Perennial ryegrass - clover
B = NutriFibre®
C = Perennial ryegrass - hybrid ryegrass - clover
D = Festulolium - perennial ryegrass - clover
Source: Seges Denmark, 2015
Adding NutriFibre® to rations lowers feed costs. In many cases the addition of effective fibre is essential. A 20% NutriFibre® content in grass silage is the equivalent of one kilogram of wheat straw in the ration. By substituting NutriFibre® for straw, cows can get by with much less feed concentrates because NutriFibre® contains sufficient energy and protein for excellent milk production. This results in a 30 euro cents cost reduction per cow per day. For a 100-cows dairy farm this means a saving of more than €10,000 per year.
It is important to sow NutriFibre® at the right time; this decision will have great impact on the results over the years. Because the soil temperature should be above 12 °C at the time of sowing, it is advisable to sow NutriFibre® between March 1st and September 15th. Optimal results require proper soil cover, 50 kilograms of seed per hectare.
Weed control
NutriFibre® puts a lot of energy into the development of its root system. This explains why its above ground development is slower immediately after sowing. Controlling weeds at an early stage is important. As of the second season, the grasses will thrive and surpass the yield of all other species of grass.
Flexibility in cutting times
Cutting times are flexible because the quality of the feed value of NutriFibre® decreases more slowly when the crop matures than, for example, with perennial ryegrass or festulolium. This makes farmers less dependent on the weather, providing a better guarantee for making successful silage.
This NutriFibre® crop management manual provides you with the necessary information to get the most out of your NutriFibre® grass.
NutriFibre® is available in several of our grass seed mixtures . Click on the button to find one of our distributors. Do you have any questions about NutriFibre® ? Do not hesitate and send an e-mail to export@barenbrug.nl.
