Teagasc Demonstrates Alternative Animal Feeds

4 July, 2003

Expert advice on the role of alternative feeds for livestock will be given at a national demonstration on grass and forage grain, run by Teagasc at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny on Wednesday, 16 July from 10.30 am to 5 pm.

Event organiser, Jim O'Mahony, Chief Tillage Adviser with Teagasc said the event is aimed at dairy, drystock and tillage farmers who are interested in exploring the opportunities for growing and using crops such as wholecrop wheat barley, oats and triticale.

"These crops are being used by an increasing number of farmers and the Teagasc demonstration will enable farmers to get the best advice on growing, harvesting and preservation. The best information will also be available on growing, harvesting and utilising maize and a range of protein crops for animal feeding.

Advice will also be given on the relative costs of these alternative feeds and Teagasc animal nutrition specialists will provide guidance on their role and value in livestock feeding programmes.

Farmers attending the event will also see trials by the Department of Agriculture and Food on new grass and clover varieties and advice will be give on the best grass and clover mixtures for particular farming systems as well as demonstrations on grass seeding techniques.

The major commercial companies providing machinery and products for grass and alternative feeds will also be present, making the event a "one-stop-shop" for all farmers interested in efficient grass production and winter feeding.