Reports of cows dying from straw impaction is highlighting the risks associated with feeding straw-based rations to suckler cows.

Straw impaction occurs when cows are fed rations containing mainly straw, without sufficient protein supplementation. It causes feed to then become blocked in the rumen.

Currently, forage is in limited supply across many farms, so some farmers are incorporating high levels of straw into dry suckler cow rations.

Straw-based rations can be successful but rely on the ration being supplemented to include other forages or feeds providing sufficient protein that is readily degradable in the rumen.

Mary Vickers, senior beef scientist at AHDB, said: “The symptoms of straw impaction are low appetites and very solid dung. The rumen microbes simply don’t have enough protein to reproduce and ferment the feed in the rumen.

“We are reminding farmers to check their rations, feeding arrangements and look out for the symptoms to avoid this problem in their herd.”

Tips for successful straw-based diets

AHDB advisors recommend the following tips for avoiding straw compaction straw-based diets:

For more information please refer to the BRP manual: Feeding suckler cows and calves for Better Returns.