One of the main issues is its high level of rapidly available protein in the grass, this is no doubt a good thing as it is there to be used, but in practice it is often released faster than the rumen can make proper use of it. When that happens, a significant proportion of the protein is used inefficiently or not at all rather than being converted into milk.

At the same time, cows are moving from a winter ration onto a grazing system, which whilst good is still different and potentially lower in effective fibre, this shift in diet can unsettle rumen microbes and reduce digestive efficiency while the rumen adjusts. During this transition we will often notice loose dung, lower butterfat and sometimes a drop in milk yield. The rumen simply needs time to adapt and, during that period, cows are less efficient at getting value from the feed in front of them.

Pasture Guard is a spring focused cake designed to support cows through turnout. It is formulated to help stabilise rumen function during the move to grazing, while improving the use of nutrients in fresh grass, particularly the high levels of available protein.

Its role is to support a more stable rumen environment and improve the balance between energy and protein. In practical terms, that helps rumen microbes adapt more quickly to diet changes, supports more consistent fermentation and improves the way cows use grass protein. Rather than allowing excess protein to be lost, more of it can be captured by rumen microbes and directed towards milk production.

Better rumen stability also supports fibre digestion and helps lower the risk of acidosis and the usual performance dip that can come with turnout. That matters not only for milk yield, but also for maintaining solids and overall herd consistency at a time when diets can be unpredictable from one week to the next.

By supporting rumen function at turnout, Pasture Guard helps maintain milk yield and solids, improve utilisation of grass protein, reduce nutrient losses and support overall cow health. With feed remaining the biggest cost on most dairy farms, making better use of grazed grass has a direct effect on profitability. Improved efficiency can also support environmental aims by helping to reduce nitrogen losses from the system.

Pasture Guard fits easily into existing feeding systems, whether it is fed through the parlour or alongside other feeds. It offers a practical, targeted way to manage the risks that come with turnout and to get more from spring grass, at a point in the season when small nutritional setbacks can quickly show up in the tank.