geopiet Apr 15, 2012:

2. Buffer Feeding at Grass
Why buffer feed?
The aim in feeding grass supplements is to increase or maximise the total intake of nutrients in order to maintain or even increase milk production.
Since all forages are more expensive than grazed grass, the economics of feeding a forage supplement will not add up unless milk production is maintained or increased.

When should I buffer feed?
• To provide an energy and fibre source during a grass shortage or when ground conditions are poor thereby restricting the grazing time.
• To provide extra fibre when cows are grazing very lush grass in the spring or autumn to slow down rumen throughput.
• When the grass quality or supply is low during the early and late part of the grazing season.

What type of forage supplement should I feed?
The type of forage supplement to be fed will largely be determined by:
• Its availability;
• Its price;
• The length of supplementary period;
• The reason for the grass limitation (that is, wet lush grass or mature stemmy grass)

http://www.dardni.gov.uk/ruralni/supplementing_the_grass_sup...