Back to News As we move through the grazing season, grass quality and quantity can fluctuate. That’s where buffer feeding comes into play.
Buffer feeding is the practice of offering supplementary feed alongside grass to maintain consistent energy and nutrient levels for your herd, particularly in high-yielding dairy cows. It helps bridge the gap when grass alone isn’t quite doing the job, usually late in the grazing season, when pasture quality dips, or during poor or extended periods of hot weather.
What is buffer feeding, and when should you do it?
Buffer feeding is essentially a way of topping up your cows’ diets when grazed grass isn’t providing enough. It’s most useful during periods when grass growth hasn’t caught up with demand in the spring, or later in the season when grass becomes more fibrous and declines in nutritional value. You might also turn to buffer feeding during prolonged dry or wet weather that limits fresh grazing. It ensures that your herd continues to receive consistent nutrition, keeping milk yields stable and supporting reproductive performance.
Understanding silage – test before you feed
If silage is a key part of your buffer feed, then it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re working with. Silage can vary significantly in nutritional value from one clamp to the next, and from one year to another, depending on factors like grass maturity at cutting, weather conditions, and how it was ensiled.
The main things to test for include dry matter, which tells you how much actual feed is in each kilogram of silage; metabolisable energy, which shows how much energy your cows can get from it; and crude protein, which is vital for milk production and reproductive health. You’ll also want to know the fibre content, as this affects digestibility and intake. And don’t overlook fermentation quality, including pH and lactic acid levels – these determine how stable and palatable the silage is, plus its effect on rumen health.
You can get your silage tested through most feed suppliers or independent labs. Testing is simple – you take a sample from several points in the clamp, mix them together, and send off the composite. Results usually come back within a few days and give you the numbers you need to balance your ration properly.
When to step in – spotting the signs
Your cows will often show you when they’re not getting what they need from grazing alone.
Keep an eye out for:
- A sudden drop in milk yield
- Loose muck or inconsistent dung
- Poor rumen fill or cud chewing
- Cows standing around looking unsettled or hungry, even after grazing
- Loss of condition, especially in higher-yielding cows
- Increased signs of acidosis or laminitis
A sudden dip in milk production is usually the first red flag. If dung becomes inconsistent, particularly loose or bubbly, that’s another clue that the rumen isn’t functioning as it should.
Other signs to watch include cows with hollow-looking flanks, slow rumination, or poor cud chewing. If cows seem restless, are bunching up near gates, or are still foraging hungrily after turnout, they may not be getting enough from the pasture. Over time, a drop in body condition, especially in higher-yielding cows, can also point to energy deficits. In more severe cases, issues like acidosis or laminitis can start to appear.
What should a buffer feed contain?
A well-balanced buffer feed complements what’s available in the field without causing digestive upsets. It should provide the nutrients that are most likely missing from poorer-quality grass – namely, energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Start with a high-energy base, such as maize silage or cereals like barley or wheat. Some farmers choose to include protected fats, which are a dense source of energy and don’t interfere with rumen fermentation. Quality forage – whether grass silage, whole crop, or straw – is vital for maintaining rumen health, particularly by providing effective fibre.
Protein is another key component. If your silage is low in protein, consider adding a source like rapeseed meal, soya, or protected proteins that bypass the rumen and are absorbed further down the digestive tract. Finally, don’t forget minerals and vitamins. These should be matched to your forage analysis to fill any gaps and avoid problems like milk fever, retained cleansings, or poor fertility.
The benefits of buffer feeding
When done properly, buffer feeding delivers a whole range of benefits across your herd. It helps maintain or even boost milk yields during periods when grazing falls short. Cows hold their body condition better, which in turn minimises metabolic diseases, and supports fertility, fewer days open, and better conception rates.
By balancing the diet, buffer feeding reduces the risk of metabolic issues such as acidosis and ketosis. It leads to more consistent dung and improved rumen function, which means better feed efficiency. Cows are generally more content and settled when they’re getting the nutrients they need. Buffer feeding also makes it easier to manage herd intakes during variable weather or grass growth, giving you more control over performance.
Our product recommendations for buffer feeding:
dynalac:
A proven, rumen-inert fat supplement that boosts energy density in dairy diets to support milk yield, fertility, and body condition in high-yielding cows.
envirolac:
The environmentally-friendly alternative to calcium soap, envirolac is a palm-free fat supplement that improves milk yield and quality while supporting sustainability and cow health through optimised rumen and liver function.
glyco-buf:
A slow-release, palatable rumen buffer with glycerol that maintains optimal rumen pH to enhance energy supply, digestion, and yield in transition and early lactation cows.
glycerene:
A unique, rumen-inert glycerol supplement that delivers fast-acting glucose energy to fresh calved cows, improving dry matter intake and reducing loss of body condition.
Other strategies to support herd performance
Buffer feeding works best when combined with other good herd management practices.
Body condition scoring is one of the simplest tools for monitoring cow health and productivity. Regular scoring – especially at key times like drying off, calving, and service – helps you spot problems early and tailor feeding more accurately.
Keeping a close eye on grass growth and quality helps you anticipate shortfalls and plan your buffer feeding strategy ahead of time. Using tools like online grass growth forecasts can give you a more precise view of what’s available.
Mineral supplementation shouldn’t be overlooked. Deficiencies in key elements like magnesium, selenium, or phosphorus can seriously affect fertility, immunity, and growth. Use forage analysis to guide your choices and avoid guesswork.
Consider investing in heat detection tools or activity monitors, which can be especially helpful when cows are under nutritional stress. Improving heat detection will tighten calving intervals and boost overall productivity.
Foot health is also important, particularly during wet weather when cows spend more time on tracks or concrete yards. Schedule regular mobility scoring and foot trimming, and make sure your housing and handling areas are clean and safe.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of good quality water availability. Even the best ration won’t deliver if cows can’t access clean, fresh water; it’s vital for feed conversion and milk production.
Open Map
Send Email
Open Map