Brian Shaw - Improving finishing performance of native beef

Brian Shaw farms at Dowry Farm near Huddersfield, where he runs a 300-head native beef unit supplying Dovecoat Park and Morrisons.

Brian Shaw - Improving finishing performance of native beef
Brian Shaw - Improving finishing performance of native beef

Cattle are sourced at 12 months of age and finished on a balanced grower-finisher diet based on grass silage (with 3-4 cuts per year stored in a clamp), alongside whole crop wheat and/or barley. The herd is managed through one summer at grass and one winter housing period.

Brian was looking for a practical way to protect rumen function and provide a safety net to his herd for peace of mind. Working closely with Rob Skelton at Dugdale Nutrition, the Actisaf® Rumen Efficiency Farm Pack was recommended at a rate of 30g/head/day to reduce the risk of acidosis and maintain digestive health.

Having a more stable rumen environment has allowed him to increase starch levels to 39.8% within the diet, which also contains 14% protein, 6% sugars and overall ME of 12.35 MJ/kg DM. This has helped drive lean muscle growth without compromising rumen pH.

Before the change, cattle were killing out at around 330kg deadweight. Since adjusting rations and adding the pack, Brian reports that they are consistently hitting his target of 350kg deadweight at 24 months. These results highlight how effective rumen management can translate into healthier animals, stronger finishing performance and improved profitability.

“The Actisaf® Rumen Efficiency Pack has allowed us to push the cattle harder on a higher starch diet whilst still putting on lean flesh rather than getting too fat,” Brian explains. 

“I think they are also finishing half a grade leaner, which suits the final processor and improves our margins. Cattle health has also been really good, and they aren’t suffering any digestive issues despite the high levels of cereals and fluctuations in silage quality.”