Specialist Nutrition

Specialist Nutrition Ireland’s expert partner in moist feed & on-farm nutrition. Specialist Nutrition offers bespoke Nutritional advice and products to Ireland leading farmers.

Supporting dairy, beef & pig farmers with scientifically-backed solutions to boost herd performance. 🌾 Established in 1999, Specialist Nutrition is the market leader in by-product management to Ireland’s growing drinks industry. Our products include moist feeds & liquid feeds as well as a wide selection of nutrition products, which combined with our technical expertise means we can offer complete

bespoke nutrition solutions to dairy & beef farmers across Ireland. Our growing product range reflects the increasing requirement for high performance nutrition products, which the changing needs of our market requires. We will continue to meet the demands of our customers, with a particular focus on efficient expansion of their farming enterprise.

26/05/2026

For high-volume grass crops, good coverage across the full swath is essential.👇✨

Rachel McCarthy from Specialist Nutrition explains how a high-volume applicator works on a wagon, where a wider reel and dense crop require more liquid to pe*****te properly through the swath.

This applicator is fitted with two nozzles to help achieve maximum spread across the crop. The flow rate can be adjusted from the tractor cab based on crop density and dry matter, giving the operator more control during application.

As Rachel explains, daily filter cleaning and washing the applicator after each cut are simple but important steps to keep the system running smoothly.💪

Accurate application helps make sure your Magniva silage additive is going where it needs to go: onto the crop.

Speak to the Specialist Nutrition team for guidance on the right Magniva additive and application setup for your silage system.

25/05/2026

The Magniva range can be applied at low volumes, down as far as 50ml per tonne, making it a practical option for both farmers and contractors during silage season.

In this video, Rachel McCarthy from Specialist Nutrition explains how the low-volume applicator is mounted, controlled and maintained.

The applicator can be fitted to the drawbar of a trailed machine or alongside the cab of a self-propelled machine in under 10 minutes. From there, the operator can control the application rate from the cab, adjusting based on crop density, dry matter and tonnes per hour.

A dye tablet can also be used on non-organic farms to make the liquid level easier to see during application.

Simple setup. Straightforward maintenance. Accurate Magniva application when it matters most.

For advice on Magniva silage additives and applicator setup, contact Specialist Nutrition on +353 (0) 51 833071 or visit specialistnutrition.ie.

22/05/2026

Farmers are ready to get silage season moving, but before the mower starts, two checks can make a big difference: nitrate levels and sugar levels.👇🐄

Nitrate levels are closely linked to fertiliser use and timing. As a rough guide, grass will use up around 2 units of nitrogen per day during the main growing season, but testing is still the safest way to know where your crop stands.

Sugar levels matter too, especially when first-cut silage is being made for lactating cows and quality is the priority.

This crop tested at 4% sugars, with nitrates well below where they need to be, meaning it is good to go.

A simple test before cutting can help protect silage quality, fermentation, and overall feed value for the season ahead.

For expert advice on silage quality and forage management, contact the Specialist Nutrition team.

📞 +353 (0) 51 833071
🌐 specialistnutrition.ie

19/05/2026

Getting silage additive applied evenly starts with the right setup. ✅👇

In this video, Pat Coakley from Specialist Nutrition explains how a liquid applicator works on a Krone rake, applying 0.5 to 2 litres per tonne depending on crop tonnage and dry matter.

The setup allows the operator to monitor application from the cab, while the nozzles treat the swath from both sides to help ensure the full crop is covered.

Daily filter cleaning is also a key part of keeping the applicator working properly. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it helps maintain a consistent flow and accurate application.

For advice on choosing and applying the right Magniva silage additive for your crop, speak to the Specialist Nutrition team.

Call us on +353 (0) 51 833071 or visit specialistnutrition.ie to speak with one of our nutritionists.

08/05/2026

First cut silage sets the foundation for the winter feed programme.👇

That’s why pre-cut testing can be so valuable. It helps farmers make a clearer decision on when to cut, based on what’s actually happening in the crop. The 6 key parameters to watch are:

🌱 Dry matter
🌱 Protein
🌱 ME
🌱 Sugars
🌱 NDF
🌱 Nitrates

Getting these right helps maximise what comes from the field into the clamp and supports better fermentation, feed value, and winter performance.

🔗 For pre-cut testing or silage advice, contact the Specialist Nutrition team: www.specialistnutrition.ie

06/05/2026

Agricultural Contractor John Deevy lifting first cut silage in strong conditions in Co. Kilkenny.

Days like this set things up well. Clean harvesting with good flow means no delays.
But silage quality is not decided in the field alone. It is decided in the clamp.

Even in good conditions, wetter grass can slow fermentation and increase the risk of heating and losses.

That is why this crop is being treated with Magniva Grass Wet additive. It is designed to support faster fermentation, improve stability, and help retain more nutrients and dry matter in the pit.

The result is simple - more silage to feed, and more consistent performance from it.

If you want to get more from your silage this season, speak to your local Specialist Nutrition technical advisor: www.specialistnutrition.ie

16/04/2026

Water is often the forgotten nutrient on farm.

Before turnout, it’s worth testing what your cows are actually drinking. Using a handheld tester, you can quickly measure water quality in the trough.

A reading between 0–50 RLUs indicates good quality water. Anything above that means it’s time to clean.

In this case, a reading of 520 RLUs clearly shows the need to empty, scrub, and remove any debris or algae before cows go back out.

Simple checks like this can make a real difference to intakes and performance.

Every farm is different — if you want tailored advice, get in touch with our team.
📞 +353 43 333 0077
🌐 specialistnutrition.ie

13/04/2026

Grass might be the focus right now, but water quality shouldn’t be overlooked.

Troughs have often been sitting idle all winter, allowing debris and algae to build up. Before cows head out, it’s important to check and clean them properly.

Poor water quality can reduce intakes, impact rumen function, and ultimately affect performance.

A quick check now can prevent bigger issues later.

If you want to make sure everything is right before turnout, have a chat with our team.
📞 +353 43 333 0077
🌐 specialistnutrition.ie

06/04/2026

Spring is here and with most cows calved, the focus shifts to getting cows up to peak milk and back in calf. One of the biggest challenges now is reducing time spent in negative energy balance. 🐄✨

A good quality TMR is key — strong silage, the right starch balance, and in some cases adding sugar can help. Sugar is highly palatable and energy-dense, helping drive intakes while supporting rumen function and better utilisation of fibre and starch.

It also allows you to pack more energy into a smaller feed volume, leaving room for grass as cows transition out.

For more advice on your feeding strategy this spring, get in touch with the Specialist Nutrition team.

📞 +353 43 333 0077
🌐 specialistnutrition.ie

24/03/2026

James Goodman from Co. Monaghan started using AuraCalf around three years ago after running into repeated issues with scours and rotavirus.👇🐄

Like many farmers, he tried different products, but nothing was solving the problem. Money going out, with little to show for it.

Since switching to AuraCalf, things have settled. Calf health improved, disease pressure reduced, and the system became far more consistent. No chopping and changing since.

And the results don’t stop at calf stage.

Comparing year on year, his weanling heifers came in 30kg heavier. Same system, same farm — the difference came down to what was going into the meal.

That’s performance you see at sale time.
And when beef price is strong, that extra weight goes straight to profit.

Healthier calves. Better weight gain. Stronger returns.

Talk to the Specialist Nutrition team today on +353 (0) 51 833071 or visit specialistnutrition.ie to see how AuraCalf can support performance on your farm.

Address

Ballymountain
Waterford

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+35351833071

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Specialist Nutrition posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share