LIVESTOCK FARMERS in Scotland are being advised to test their forage for trace elements as well as energy and protein this winter, despite reports suggesting quality may be higher compared to other parts of Great
Britain.
According to Nettex Area Business Manager, Jane Moodie, who farms beef and sheep on her family farm in the Scottish Highlands, results from their silage analysis show good protein and energy values, hitting target levels of 13.5 per cent and 10.9MJ/kg respectively — with many other farmers in the country also reporting strong results.
“What I’m hearing from other farmers is that silage analyses have fared slightly better than other parts of Great Britain in terms of protein and energy,” says Miss Moodie. “However, it’s vital that silage is tested throughout the season, as results can vary depending on cut, time of year and even field location.”
Data from 1,500 silage samples1 taken from across GB highlights that although dry matter levels tend to be higher this year, there has been a continued decline in key trace elements such as magnesium, copper and zinc across the UK over the past three years.
The samples show copper levels have dropped from 8mg/kg DM in 2023 to 6mg/ kg in 2025, while zinc has fallen from 32mg/kg to 27mg/ kg over the same period. The summer drought also contributed to reduced cobalt and iron concentrations.
“Anecdotal evidence from farmers I’ve spoken to suggests that silages in
Scotland, on the whole, are testing a little better for energy and protein this season, which is encouraging,” says Miss Moodie. “However, we’re still seeing significant variation between farms and fields, particularly in trace elements like copper, zinc and cobalt.
“Even where silage looks good on paper, you can’t assume the mineral profile will meet livestock requirements — that’s why testing is essential. Knowing exactly what you’re working with allows you to balance rations accurately and support animal health through the winter.”
Nettex supplies the Endurabol range of boluses which offer a precise and consistent supply of trace elements, releasing nutrients in line with the animal’s requirements and helping to ensure they receive what they need, when they need it.
“Using a bolus allows farmers to be more precise and proactive about herd or flock nutrition,” explains Miss Moodie. “If you know you have a deficiency, it’s a simple, reliable way to maintain trace element balance and support fertility, immunity and overall performance — while giving farmers peace of mind that their stock are covered.”
The range of Endurabol cattle boluses all contain six essential trace elements and three vital vitamins (with the exception of the organic product). The range consists of products suitable for all stock types and systems. For example, Endurabol Pre-Calver is specifically formulated to help address the issues which can occur around the calving period, support the immune function of both cow and calf, reduce calving issues and optimise post-calving fertility.
There are also Endurabol boluses for sheep providing long-term coverage, or Sheep Conditioning Drench, formulated for use in ewes, rams and lambs at critical points of the year to ensure animals are in peak condition.
Miss Moodie says forage testing has also guided herd management decisions on her own family farm this year.
“We’ve seen good silage results this year, but without testing we wouldn’t have known that,” she says. “It really does make a difference when you have accurate data to work from.”
She adds that alongside mineral balance, colostrum quality and overall nutrition remain critical at this time of year.
“Even the best forage can’t do everything — you still need to make sure cows and ewes are getting the right support
going into lambing and calving. Testing colostrum quality and supplementing where needed with either high-quality colostrum from another dam or high-quality supplements such as Nettex Colostrum Gold for Calves or Ultra Concentrate Colostrum for Lambs, is key to giving youngstock the best start.”
Miss Moodie adds: “By understanding forage mineral profiles and using precision supplementation like boluses or drenches, farmers can take a proactive, targeted approach to nutrition — protecting livestock health, improving performance and getting the most from their winter forage.”
