Starling damage on farms using the complete diet system of feeding dairy cows

Abstract

ABSTRACTMost farms that were feeding complete diets to dairy cows in the east midlands lost barley to starlings during the 1978/79 winter and more outdoor than indoor feeding sites were infested. The maximum total loss recorded on any one farm was 11 -881, this being 9% of the 1321 of barley presented to the cattle. The presentation of ground barley, rather than rolled barley, reduced the quantity of grain removed by starlings but the proofing of buildings i n which cattle are fed complete diets is suggested as the most effective means of preventing this food loss.