There is huge value and potential for large savings on farms which use its own homemade Total Mixed Ration (TMR), according to Premier Molasses Product Manager Robert Flynn.
Flynn says that calculations of tonnage and analysis of the quality of forage in clamps will have taken place on many farms, giving farmers an indication of what supplementary feeds they will need to purchase over the coming winter months.
He says the winter feeding period is very important in beef finishing units, and it is essential that maximum daily live weight gains are achieved, particularly considering the cost of winter finishing.
“The choice of a robust feeding strategy is crucial to ensure that a finishing steer achieves an average daily live weight gain of 1-1.5kg/head/day, a bull 1.5-1.9kg/head/day and a heifer 0.75-1.0kg/head/day. Feeding of concentrates ad-lib or twice daily will depend on animal specification and silage quality.
“The formulation of TMRs on-farm allows for the use of cost effective home rations, which can lead to considerable cost savings.”
He outlines that the addition of molasses based products to these rations will both enhance the energy and protein levels of the feed, while also increasing the DMI (Dry Matter Intake) of the animal.
“Our products will help bind the TMR while also acting as a vehicle for carrying other nutrients, such as mineral supplements. The reduction of dust in feed, masking of less palatable straights and strengthening of the rumen microbial population all occur with the addition of molasses to the animal’s diet,” he said.
Storage and Feeding Solutions
Premier Molasses also offers a range of different storage solutions including IBCs and steel tanks.
Flynn says these storage tanks can be purchased as free standing or semi mounted units (e.g. on concrete walls or a steel structure).”Their compact size allows for adequate storage, with minimal usage of space. They also come fully plumbed for molasses with both inlet and outlet pipes and also stop valves.”
“We also provide hydraulically driven FF molasses pumps which facilitates ease of handling of product and accurate addition of molasses based liquids to forage wagons or silage clamps”, he added.
Flynn says the pump is hydraulically driven, allowing for ease of connection to a tractor/loader. It has an output of 0.5 litre/revolution, depending on the viscosity of the liquid. The pump can be connected to IBCs or fixed storage tanks, mounted on concrete or connected to diet feeders (as in the picture). It comes fully equipped with both inlet and outlet hoses and includes a stop valve for precision handling.
