Balancing for Essential Amino Acids Can
Improve Lactation Performance
by Glen E. Aines, Ph.D., Mid West Technical Services Specialist,
Balchem Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska.... Essential amino
acids are those that the cow cannot synthesize and must
therefore be supplied in the diet. Failure to provide each (and
every) essential amino acid at amounts necessary to meet the
needs of the cow results in decreased efficiency of protein
utilization and, if significantly deficient, lowers performance.
Natural Versus Synthetic Vitamin E for Dairy
Cows The risk of mastitis and retained fetal
membranes (also known as retained placenta) is higher for dairy
cows with low vitamin E status compared to cows receiving an
adequate amount of dietary vitamin E. Unfortunately, many common
feedstuffs used in dairy diets do not contain sufficient amounts
of vitamin E (the major exception is fresh, green pasture) to
support optimum immune function. Consequently, feeding
supplemental vitamin E is usually recommended and has become a
standard industry practice.
Silage
Packing Density
The process of producing silage
involves harvesting a fresh forage crop at a near neutral pH from
the field, putting that crop into an enclosed storage system of
some sort (e.g. bales, bags, bunkers, pits, piles, towers, etc.)
and acidifying the material to reduce its pH which prevents the
growth of spoilage organisms.
Biuret for Dairy Rations
Biuret is available exclusively through ADM Alliance Nutrition®
and is approved for use in dairy lactation diets. Biuret is formed
by the controlled decomposition of urea; condensing two molecules
of urea into a single molecule of biuret, which retains three of
the nitrogen atoms........
Optimizing Forage Quality through Proper
Harvesting, Ensiling, and Feedout Practices The
winter hiatus between silage seasons allows time to review some of
the more important management factors that can make the difference
between producing top quality forage and just having something
that is “belly fill.” Getting the best quality from forages is a
“cradle to grave” or holistic approach – all of the small details
need to be addressed.....
Blood Meal Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Many dairy nutritionists and producers are
currently utilizing distillers grains in dairy rations due to its
increasing availability and favorable cost. However, to
efficiently use distillers grains in the dairy ration, the diet
must be fortified with lysine. Today, the most efficacious means
to achieve a higher ration lysine level is to use blood meal in
conjunction with oilseed meals that are high in RUP
percentage.......
Mycotoxins Cut Dairy Profitability
Mycotoxins are a widely accepted issue in monogastric
nutrition. On a scientific basis, the general agreement in
ruminant nutrition over years was that due to the detoxification
ability of the rumen microbes, ruminants are not susceptible to
mycotoxins at all. On the other hand, extensive field studies
showed significant production losses and increases in incidence of
health disorders in early lactating dairy cows when mycotoxin
contaminated rations were fed.
Blood Meal Quality Assurance and Quality
Control As the leading
producer of ethanol, with 25% of the U.S. production and
increasing, ADM has a vested interest in conducting research and
developing the best products and technologies to facilitate the
use of corn byproducts, such as distillers grains, a protein-rich
byproduct of ethanol production. ADM Alliance Nutrition®
research and feed technology groups are positioned to provide
optimum products that compliment dry distillers grains (DDG) use
to achieve maximum ROI on its use in dairy diets.
Plant Botanicals as a Natural-Source
Solution for Improving Ruminant Performance
Over the past 50 years, the
development of antibiotics and ionophores and use of intensive
production systems has radically changed dairy production.
However, consumer preferences and scientific advances emphasize
exploring how natural compounds, such as plant botanicals, can be
used in diets for growing and lactating dairy cattle.
Heavy Fly Populations can Drastically Reduce
Profits With the increased emphasis on the environmental responsibility of
dairy producers and as residential housing developments and
dairies become physically closer, fly control on dairy farms has
become increasingly important.
Nutrition and Dairy Fertility It’s no secret
that good reproductive performance on dairies involves a variety
of factors, but often components of reproductive programs get
blamed when cows don’t get pregnant – which may be the wrong thing
to focus on.
Gambling with Horn Fly Protection can Leave
You Economically Drained ADM Alliance Nutrition Offers Protection
from Profit Robbing Horn Flies
The Gamble: No Horn Fly Protection
Each horn fly can bite and suck blood 20 to 40 times daily. Given
the horn fly’s tremendous reproducing ability, horn fly
populations can easily reach 1,000 to 2,000 per cow ......
Focus on Profits Rather Than Feed Costs
Focusing too intently on feed costs can be an expensive mistake.
On most dairy operations, higher milk production usually enhances
profits more than will decreasing feed costs.
HFP
(High Fat Product)
Maximized milk production, lowered
costs, and convenience are three important benefits HFP has over
traditional energy sources. ...........
Mineral Supplementation Vital to Optimum
Productivity and Health
Minerals
and vitamins are essential components of all biochemical processes
that occur in the body. A number of macro-minerals and micro- or
trace minerals have been shown to be essential for normal function
of animals. For optimum productivity and health, it is absolutely
necessary to provide adequate amounts of these minerals to the
animal’s tissues..............
Selecting a Quality Mineral
A
quality mineral product is the result of incorporating nutritional
knowledge and manufacturing expertise into every aspect of
formulation and production.
Feed Additives Specific
circumstances may call for the use of a feed additive in a dairy
ration. However, before a feed additive is routinely added to a
ration, its cost effective should be determined.
Nitrates in Corn Silage
During drought conditions, dairy
producers need to be well aware of the potential for nitrate
toxicity. Corn, sorghum, and sudan grass all have the potential for
accumulating nitrates. The worst problems are usually associated
with corn silage...........
Processed Mineral Technology
A quality mineral product is one that
provides readily available nutrients in proper amounts in a form
that ensures adequate consumption when fed. To achieve this
objective, there are really three products to
consider.............
Key Management Techniques to Reduce the
Amount of Oxygen in Ensiled Forage
Good compaction shortens the aerobic
phase and leaves more sugars for fermentation.......
Yeast Culture & Live Yeast Products
The Difference In recent years, an
increasing emphasis has been placed on “feeding the rumen first”
to support rumen performance and to obtain the most nutrients
possible from the ration fed. As interest in this area has grown
so has the number of products available to meet this
need..........
Forage Evaluation
Have you wondered why the milk level in the bulk tank suddenly was not as high as expected? Or, why the fat or total solids analysis was not as good as it was a month ago. Could the culprit be the new load of TMR,
new haylage, or new silage? .......
Obtaining an Accurate Feedstuff Sample
The nutrient levels of feedstuffs often vary
by 10-15%. Book values found in various feedstuff composition
tables are useful as averages, but to fine tune rations and
address unusual growing conditions or other variables affecting
nutrient composition of feedstuffs, feed analysis provides a
valuable tool........
Can Silage Inoculants Stand the Test of
Time?
Silage is a forage crop preserved
by "pickling" in acid. By packing the crop tightly into a silo
and excluding oxygen, plant sugars can be fermented into acid by
anaerobic bacteria. Although most crops carry a sufficient population of
natural bacteria to produce silage, there is no control over the type of
acid produced or how long the process takes.
Bacterial Inoculants can Improve the Quality
of Silage
Silage fermentation
can be roughly divided into four phases. The first phase of
fermentation is characterized by the presence of oxygen in the
silo.......
Silage Additives Using a
research-proven silage additive can help producers make the most
of ensiled forages. Guidelines for selecting a bacterial inoculant
and the importance of protecting silage from air and water are
included as sidebars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forage
Ensiling by Dr. Keith Bolsen, KSU Forage
Preservation and Cattle Nutrition Specialist, addresses commonly
asked ensiling questions.
Do Silage Inoculants Work? A
brief review of silage inoculants' effectiveness and the silage
inoculant found to achieve the majority of positive responses is
given.
Corn Silage Processing in Today's Dairy
Operation
Corn silage that has
been passed through a roller mill is referred to as processed corn
silage, and the roller mills are sometimes called
"kernel-crackers." .......
Hybrids for Corn Silage: Their Impact on
Dairy Production
Whole-plant corn
harvested as silage provides a major portion of the forage
inventory on many dairy farms. Corn silage is normally a
high-energy forage with tremendous per acre dry matter (DM) yield
potential relative to other forage crops.
Forage Quality and Its Effect on
Profitability It's more than you think.
The key to optimum
milk production and higher profitability can be found in forage
quality. Most dairy producers realize, to some extent, the impact
that forage quality has on milk production and income over feed
cost. .....
Fiber Digestibility is Important to
Production Forage digestibility is an important
factor in dietary considerations for high-producing cows in early
lactation........
Maximizing Dry Matter Intake When Using a
TMR Achieving optimum feed intake is important to maximizing milk
production. A one-pound change in dry matter intake (DMI) usually
results in a two to three-lb change in milk production. ......
Non-Structural Carbohydrate Nutrition
Carbohydrates
make-up approximately 70% of ration dry matter and therefore
comprise the “heart” of dairy rations. Nutritionists must view the
carbohydrate make-up of dairy rations using multiple carbohydrate
sources much like they have utilized multiple protein sources when
successfully designing nutritional programs that optimize
production, cow health, and, ultimately, profitability.........
Buffers and Acid/Base Balance in Dairy Cows
Dairy cows are unique among
farm animals in the amount of acid produced in the digestive tract
and found in commonly consumed feeds. Each time dairy cows
approach the feed bunk, they expose themselves to acid from
several sources. ......
Getting More Milk from Forages
Forages
supply a significant portion of the energy and protein used for
milk production. However, they are not always the most economical
sources of energy and/or protein. Volatility of feed ingredient
prices and weather conditions during forage growth and harvesting
can dramatically affect the value of nutrients in forages relative
to other feed ingredients.........
Using By-products and Alternative Feeds to
Improve Profitability
Despite recently low milk prices,
producers continue to expand their dairy operations. While feed
prices have remained moderate, producers are still looking for new
methods to improve efficiency of production to enhance
profitability. ..... DDGS, distillers dried
grain soluables
Commodity Feeds for Dairy What to Look For
and Why Commodity
feeds are typically co-products of a process which extracts,
converts, or separates compounds from an agricultural commodity
and results in products which go to various segments of the food
or feed industry......
Evaluating Undegradable Intake Protein
Sources UIP from grain by-products and animal
by-products provide amino acids often needed to support higher
levels of milk production........
Mycotoxins in Feeds and their Effects on
Dairy Cattle
Mycotoxins are poisons produced by
molds and occur frequently in a variety of feedstuffs. The high
frequency of occurrence as well as the concentrations suggest that
mycotoxins are routinely consumed by dairy cattle, causing
subclinical symptoms which result in production losses..........
Mycotoxin Concerns in Dairy Cattle
Mycotoxicosis is usually difficult to diagnose because symptoms
are often nonspecific. Reduced milk production typically occurs in
dairy cattle consuming mycotoxin-contaminated feedstuffs.
Management of feedstuffs to prevent mold growth and mycotoxin
formation is essential.
Variation in the Trace Mineral Content of
Feedstuffs Do book values of trace minerals in
feedstuffs provide a reliable indicator of the actual mineral
content? The author takes a look at the variation in trace mineral
levels in feedstuffs and the impact of "trusting" book values to
provide dairy cattle with needed trace minerals.
The Role of Trace Minerals in Bolstering
Resistance to Mastitis Proper vitamin and mineral
supplementation, although not a cure-all for poor management, can
play a major supportive role in bolstering the cow's resistance to
mastitis during periods of stress. Following is a brief discussion
of nutrients and their role in the immune system's response to
bacterial challenge.
Supplemental Biotin and Optimal Hoof Health
in Dairy Cattle Lameness and hoof disorders are coming into the spotlight of dairy
herd management. Recent estimates by dairy health experts point to
lameness as the second most costly disease in commercial dairy
cattle, behind mastitis.......
Establishing an Internal Parasite Control
Program Risk
Factors and Production Losses With internal parasites, it is well
established that even a few parasites present during early
lactation become a detriment to achieving production potential.
Parasitized cattle are harmed, not only by the parasites
themselves, but also by the indirect damage the parasites cause to
the immune system.
Feed Bunk Management
represents a very important aspect of the productivity and
profitability of all dairy operations. Proper feed bunk management
is important for maximizing dry matter intake (DMI) and optimizing
production. For each one lb increase in DMI, a cow can produce 2.5
to 3.0 lb more milk. Several aspects of feed bunk management need
to be considered:
Zinpro® Performance Minerals in PowerSurge™
– a University of Illinois Study
Trace minerals such as zinc,
manganese, copper and iron have critical roles in enzyme and
immune function, impacting growth rate and feed conversion.
Research from the University of Illinois shows that calves on a
full potential program fed Zinpro Performance Minerals (week 1
through 9) had higher average daily gains and better feed
efficiency.................................
Pasteurization of waste milk and calf
performance Some dairy operations have
investigated the use of on-farm pasteurizers to utilize waste milk
as feed for their calves. This is a serious management decision
which involves the evaluation of your potential pasteurizer
operation personnel and calf nutrition program.
Plant Botanicals as a Natural-Source
Solution for Improving Ruminant Performance
Over the past 50 years, the
development of antibiotics and ionophores and use of intensive
production systems has radically changed dairy production.
However, consumer preferences and scientific advances emphasize
exploring how natural compounds, such as plant botanicals, can be
used in diets for growing and lactating dairy cattle.
Milk Replacer Vitamin A, D, and E Levels:
Deficient, Adequate, and
Potentially Excessive Amounts
The National Research Council (NRC,
2001) recommendations for concentration of vitamins A, D, and E
needed in milk replacers to prevent deficiencies are based on
results of research investigations
Advantages of NurseTrate® Calf Milk Replacer
All milk proteins used in ADM Alliance Nutrition calf milk
replacers meet edible specifications compared to other milk
replacers that may include distressed, high bacteria feed-grade
milk proteins. The use of high-quality ingredients can raise calf
performance by as much as 0.1 lb average daily gain, which equates
to a 4.2 lb heavier calf at 6 weeks................
Biosecurity
in Calf Management
Management practices that prevent the
introduction or spread of disease on the
farm...........................
Calving Metabolic
Disorders
Minimizing post-calving disorders is
crucial for making a smooth transition from the dry and transition
phases to a productive lactation. Prevention of post-calving
metabolic disorders begins with sound dry and transition cow
nutritional programs and management practices..................
Prevent Post-Calving Metabolic Disorders
with Proper Nutritional Programs and Management.........Post-calving
metabolic disorders pose management and economic frustrations to
dairy producers. Minimizing post-calving disorders is crucial for
making a smooth transition from dry and transition phases to
productive lactations with high peak milk levels
Heifers the Foundation of the Dairy Herd
A well accepted goal of heifer raising is to calve
Holstein heifers at 24 months of age weighing 1350 lb post-calving
with a wither height of 54 to 56 inches.
Management & Care of Dairy Heifers Impacts
Herd Productivity and Income Potential
Pressure to make sound economic and
environmental decisions has created a need to continually evaluate
each dairy management decision. Dairy heifers are the future
income generating units on a dairy operation................
Feedbunk Management for Replacement Dairy
Heifers Management of heifers greatly impacts farm
profitability. Attention to growth rate, feeding strategies,
grouping, and environmental conditions can help producers move
heifers into the lactating herd sooner.
NurseTrate® Milk Replacers
It’s not just what we put in, but what we leave out.........
Raising Calves and Heifers Profitably
Historically,
the feeding and care of the replacement heifer has been treated as
a sideline to the management of the lactating herd. However, in
the modern era of high production, high culling rates, and rapid
expansion, management of the replacement animal has become a focal
point of the successful operation..............
Opportunities in Heifer Rearing
Financial incentives exist for calving heifers at 22 to 25
months of age. To attain financial benefits, producers need to set
heifer-rearing goals and implement feeding programs to reach the
goals.
Why ADM Alliance Nutrition Milk Replacer
Products are Higher Priced
The Effect of Physical Form of Calf Starters
on Performance of Calves
Calf
starter programs can significantly impact how well a calf
transitions from milk replacer or milk to a grower ration. The
transition to solid feed is very important in the development of a
functioning rumen.....
Colostrum:
The single most important factor in determining calf health and
survival is to provide every calf with an
early and adequate feeding of high-quality colostrum.
Prevention of Heifer Mastitis Focus on Staph.
aureus Infections and the Role of Flies in Transmission
During the last six years, researchers have found that
heifer mastitis is prevalent in many dairy herds. Staphylococcus
aureus (Staph. aureus) infections in heifers at calving has been
reported to range from 2 to 50%. Unfortunately, there appears to
be no relationship between prevalence of Staph. aureus mastitis
infections in the herd and prevalence in heifers at calving. ....
Productivity and Profitability take
Substantial Hit during Heat Stress
The annual cost of heat stress on the
dairy industry is estimated in the $800 million to $1.5 billion
range (St. Pierre, 2003). This financial burden occurs as a result
of lost productivity in terms of milk production, reproductive
efficiency, and associated health costs.
Bolster Energy Density of Lactation Diets
Effectively and Economically with Enertia®
Because of world demand for energy sources, it is critical that
producers choose the most economical and effective energy sources
available for dairy diets. The most effective energy sources are
those that promote efficient ruminal fermentation and possibly
provide benefits beyond just providing energy. These benefits
could include improved reproductive efficiency and promotion of
health.
Biuret for Dairy Rations
Biuret is available exclusively through ADM Alliance Nutrition®
and is approved for use in dairy lactation diets. Biuret is formed
by the controlled decomposition of urea; condensing two molecules
of urea into a single molecule of biuret, which retains three of
the nitrogen atoms........
Blood Meal Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Many dairy nutritionists and producers are
currently utilizing distillers grains in dairy rations due to its
increasing availability and favorable cost. However, to
efficiently use distillers grains in the dairy ration, the diet
must be fortified with lysine. Today, the most efficacious means
to achieve a higher ration lysine level is to use blood meal in
conjunction with oilseed meals that are high in RUP
percentage.......
Improving Feed Efficiency of Dairy Cattle
Increased global competition, rising production costs, and
relatively stagnant milk prices have forced dairy producers to
search for ways to increase efficiency in order to sustain
profitability. Improving feed efficiency (FE; milk produced per
pound of dry matter) of dairy cattle can have a significant impact
on profitability.
Blood Meal Quality Assurance and Quality
Control As the leading
producer of ethanol, with 25% of the U.S. production and
increasing, ADM has a vested interest in conducting research and
developing the best products and technologies to facilitate the
use of corn byproducts, such as distillers grains, a protein-rich
byproduct of ethanol production. ADM Alliance Nutrition®
research and feed technology groups are positioned to provide
optimum products that compliment dry distillers grains (DDG) use
to achieve maximum ROI on its use in dairy diets.
Plant Botanicals as a Natural-Source
Solution for Improving Ruminant Performance
Over the past 50 years, the
development of antibiotics and ionophores and use of intensive
production systems has radically changed dairy production.
However, consumer preferences and scientific advances emphasize
exploring how natural compounds, such as plant botanicals, can be
used in diets for growing and lactating dairy cattle.
Rumen Bypass Fats More than Just Energy Sources
Supplemental fat continues to be a practical means of sustaining
energy intake in high producing cows. However, the economic
success of using supplemental fat depends not only on proper
selection of fat sources, but also on knowing how much fat to feed
and when to feed it. Today, we know a lot more about feeding fat
than just a few short years ago.........
Development of Innovative, Technologically
Advanced, and Performance Proven Dairy Products The Mission of ADM
Alliance Nutrition Dairy Research
Many new and exciting dairy products have been developed by ADM
Alliance Nutrition’s dairy research team. Understanding the scope
of research that provides the foundation for ADM Alliance
Nutrition’s dairy program underscores the commitment to
development of innovative, technologically advanced, performance
proven dairy products..........
Practical Considerations for Balancing
Lactation Rations for Amino Acids
It is well known that methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys) are the
two most limiting amino acids (AA) for maximizing milk and milk
protein production in lactating dairy cows. This is largely
because of their low concentrations in feed protein as compared to
their concentrations in milk and ruminally synthesized bacterial
protein.........
Nutritional Solutions Can Help Reduce Risk
Factors Associated with Displaced Abomasums
Management of the dry cow and
transition program is often complicated by displaced abomasum (DA,
a common post-partum syndrome. This physical anatomical disease is
caused by entrapment of the abomasum between the rumen and the
left side of the cow........
Getting More Milk from Forages
Forages
supply a significant portion of the energy and protein used for
milk production. However, they are not always the most economical
sources of energy and/or protein. Volatility of feed ingredient
prices and weather conditions during forage growth and harvesting
can dramatically affect the value of nutrients in forages relative
to other feed ingredients.........
Maximizing Dry Matter Intake When Using a
TMR Achieving optimum feed intake is important to maximizing milk
production. A one-pound change in dry matter intake (DMI) usually
results in a two to three-lb change in milk production. ......
Mastitis Management through Trace Mineral
Nutrition by Mike Socha, PhD, and Dana Tomlinson,
PhD, Zinpro Corporation...... Consistent production of
high-quality milk is a goal of every dairy producer. The benefits
of high-quality milk include longer shelf life and increased
cheese yield. These factors ultimately increase consumer usage of
dairy products. Preventing mammary gland infections is one of the
cornerstones in the production of high-quality milk.
Progress in Understanding Hemorrhagic Bowel
Syndrome
What is “dead gut?” Where does it come from? How do we prevent it?
by Dr. Neil E. Forsberg
Focus on Profits Rather Than Feed Costs
Focusing too intently on feed costs can be an expensive mistake.
On most dairy operations, higher milk production usually enhances
profits more than will decreasing feed costs.
HFP
(High Fat Product)
Maximized milk production, lowered
costs, and convenience are three important benefits HFP has over
traditional energy sources. ...........
Locomotion Scoring Cows
A locomotion score is a qualitative
index of a cow’s ability to walk normally. Visually scored on a
scale of 1 to 5 , where a score of 1 reflects a cow that
walks normally and a score of 5 reflects a cow that is
three-legged lame. A locomotion score is made in a few seconds per
cow.............
Mineral Supplementation Vital to Optimum
Productivity and Health
Minerals
and vitamins are essential components of all biochemical processes
that occur in the body. A number of macro-minerals and micro- or
trace minerals have been shown to be essential for normal function
of animals. For optimum productivity and health, it is absolutely
necessary to provide adequate amounts of these minerals to the
animal’s tissues..............
Peak Milk and It's Affect on Profitability
Every producer who wants to be more profitable should make maximum
peak milk production a priority. Peak milk is the highest daily
milk production achieved during a lactation
Putting Pasture in the Milk Production
System An intensive rotational grazing program
involves the use of pasture as a forage component of the diet.
Under-taking such a grazing program requires considerable
planning, a transition period, and the ability to be flexible.
Strategies for Heat Detection and Timing of
Artificial Insemination A proactive approach to the
breeding of dairy cows can be accomplished by using a systematic
breeding program, which could have a major impact on reproductive
management of lactating dairy cows......
Reproductive Performance
Reproductive performance is predominately determined by heat
detection rate, conception rate, and voluntary waiting period.
Well-managed dairies have above average reproductive performance
which translates into better farm returns.
Estrus Detection Aids Many
dairy producers may find estrus detection frustrating and time
consuming. When used properly, estrus detection aids can be
beneficial in determining cows in heat.
Fiber Digestibility is Important to
Production Forage digestibility is an important
factor in dietary considerations for high-producing cows in early
lactation........
Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle
The 7th Revised
Edition (2001) of the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle
published by the National Research Council (NRC) was released in
mid-January. The new Dairy NRC includes expanded discussions on
most of the topics contained in the previous editions as well as
the addition of several new topics..........
Vitamin E for Dairy Cows
In recent years, several benefits of providing adequate
vitamin E to cows have been discovered. These benefits include
improved mammary gland health, reduced prevalence of reproductive
disorders, and enhanced immune function. .......
Vitamins in Dairy Cattle Nutrition
Providing supplemental water-soluble vitamins A, D, and E in dairy
diets is cheap insurance against reduced productivity or
compromised health status that may occur when feedstuffs do not
supply needed amounts.
Phosphorus: Nutritional Management
Dairy producers must not wait until nutrient management
laws are passed to reduce phosphorus (P) excretion in manure.
Why?.......
Methionine Supplementation: A Key Factor in Balanced Amino Acid
Formulation
In balanced rations, supplemental methionine not only increases
total milk production and protein concentration but also typically
increases milk fat concentration. In addition, the use of
supplemental methionine in amino acid balanced rations allows for
lower ration crude protein levels, which reduces ration cost and
environmental impact.
Overview of Protein Nutrition
The
objective of feeding cows for high production is to optimize rumen
fermentation. The better the fermentation, the more microbial
protein produced. Microbial protein is the primary source of
protein for absorption in the intestine and contains a profile of
essential amino acids that is almost perfect for milk
production.......
Evaluating Undegradable Intake Protein
Sources UIP from grain by-products and animal
by-products provide amino acids often needed to support higher
levels of milk production........
MILK UREA NITROGEN Uses and Interpretation
Protein is usually the most expensive major nutrient in
the ration. Besides the extra cost of overfeeding protein, excess
dietary protein can negatively impact reproduction and can cause
lower production, especially during hot weather.
Protein Nutrition of the Dairy Cow
Protein nutrition of the dairy cow is
complicated. When balancing rations for milk production,
nutritionists previously only considered the crude protein
requirement. ........
Alleviation of Heat Stress Recent Updates
and Management Factors
Heat Stress Effects on DMI Heat stress causes a sharp
decline in milk yield which can last from several weeks to several
months, depending on geographic location. Milk production is
reduced because cows eat less feed and use consumed nutrients less
efficiently.........
Prevention of Heifer Mastitis Focus on Staph.
aureus Infections and the Role of Flies in Transmission
During the last six years, researchers have found that
heifer mastitis is prevalent in many dairy herds. Staphylococcus
aureus (Staph. aureus) infections in heifers at calving has been
reported to range from 2 to 50%. Unfortunately, there appears to
be no relationship between prevalence of Staph. aureus mastitis
infections in the herd and prevalence in heifers at calving. ....
Udder Edema
Limiting salt
intake during the dry period is the best preventative approach to
udder edema.......
Parasite Control for Lactating Dairy Cows
Internal parasites can cause a decline in milk production. Cows
most vulnerable to internal parasitic infections are those in the
first 100 days of lactation. The burden of parasitic infections
can be dramatically lifted through the use of properly timed
dewormings to break the parasites' life cycle.
Supplemental Biotin and Optimal Hoof Health
in Dairy Cattle Lameness and hoof disorders are coming into the spotlight of dairy
herd management. Recent estimates by dairy health experts point to
lameness as the second most costly disease in commercial dairy
cattle, behind mastitis.......
Heavy Fly Populations can Drastically Reduce
Profits Encroaching residential housing
developments and the fly's ability to negatively impact feed
efficiency, decrease milk production, and transmit disease dictate
the need for fly control on dairy operations.
Nutritional Strategies take the Heat Out of
Heat Stress ADM
researchers have investigated several ingredients that have been
shown to provide physiological benefits through their ability to
minimize deleterious effect of heat stress in dairy cows.
Researchers identified ingredients that may enhance gut health and
integrity while supporting the immune system and assisting with
blood flow and heat dissipation.
Calving Metabolic
Disorders
Minimizing post-calving disorders is
crucial for making a smooth transition from the dry and transition
phases to a productive lactation. Prevention of post-calving
metabolic disorders begins with sound dry and transition cow
nutritional programs and management practices..................
Prevent Post-Calving Metabolic Disorders
with Proper Nutritional Programs and Management.........Post-calving
metabolic disorders pose management and economic frustrations to
dairy producers. Minimizing post-calving disorders is crucial for
making a smooth transition from dry and transition phases to
productive lactations with high peak milk levels
Pre-Fresh: The Cow in Transition
A smooth transition between the dry and early lactation periods
can have a positive and profitable impact on production,
reproduction, and health.
Peak Milk and It's Affect on Profitability
Every producer who wants to be more profitable should make maximum
peak milk production a priority. Peak milk is the highest daily
milk production achieved during a lactation
Establishing and Maintaining an Internal
Parasite Control Program for Dairy Cattle by Donald H. Bliss,
Ph.D., Veterinary Parasitologist, MidAmerica Ag Research,
Verona, Wisconsin
Dairy producers are very concerned
about the cost of production. Losses, especially those caused by
preventable disease such as gastrointestinal parasitism, become
extremely important especially when feed costs are high. The
loss due to poor utilization of feed is directly related to the
level of parasitism present. The cost of parasitism begins with
a depressed immune system, poor growth in calves, and reduced
reproductive efficiency in breeding animals as well as the
direct effect of reduced feed intake, reduced feed efficiency,
and reduced milk production. Knowing how to reduce or prevent
these losses can be very valuable to the efficiency of an
operation..........
Don’t Let Water Limit Dairy Performance
by Mike Socha, Ph.D., Research Nutritionist, Zinpro Corp. Only air
is more important than water to dairy cows. When one considers
milk is 87% water and lactating cows typically drink four to five
lb of water for every pound of dry matter consumed, it is easy to
see why cows not only need good-quality water, but why they also
need an abundant supply.
Productivity and Profitability take
Substantial Hit during Heat Stress
The annual cost of heat stress on the
dairy industry is estimated in the $800 million to $1.5 billion
range (St. Pierre, 2003). This financial burden occurs as a result
of lost productivity in terms of milk production, reproductive
efficiency, and associated health costs.
Nutritional Strategies take the Heat Out of
Heat Stress ADM
researchers have investigated several ingredients that have been
shown to provide physiological benefits through their ability to
minimize deleterious effect of heat stress in dairy cows.
Researchers identified ingredients that may enhance gut health and
integrity while supporting the immune system and assisting with
blood flow and heat dissipation.
Defining Heat Stress
Heat stress on
dairy cows can be very serious. Not only does heat stress
negatively impact dry matter intake and milk production, it also
has adverse consequences on foot health, reproduction, milk
quality, and the incidence of disease.
Heat Stress... Here comes the Heat
Heat stress can have a devastating
effect on productivity and reproductive efficiency of the dairy
herd. Several factors play a significant role in minimizing the
adverse economic impact of heat stress. This article will focus on
these factors and management considerations that can reduce the
severity of heat stress on dairy herds.
Cooling Systems Dairies
throughout the U.S. have shown to be susceptible to significant
heat stress issues with the Pacific Northwest area being the only
exception. The benefits of providing supplemental cooling for
dairy cattle have been well documented. Numerous technologies and
systems for alleviating heat stress have been used with varied
degrees of success.
Heavy Fly Populations can Drastically Reduce
Profits
With the increased emphasis on the environmental responsibility of
dairy producers and as residential housing developments and
dairies become physically closer, fly control on dairy farms has
become increasingly important.
Horn Flies Can Be a Significant Economic
Burden on the Dairy Farm
Horn flies can cause
significant economic loss in dairy cattle. Adverse effects of
these biting flies include up to 20% lower milk production, weight
loss, and growth compromise in dairy replacement animals.....
Gambling with Horn Fly Protection can Leave
You Economically Drained ADM Alliance Nutrition Offers Protection
from Profit Robbing Horn Flies
The Gamble: No Horn Fly Protection
Each horn fly can bite and suck blood 20 to 40 times daily. Given
the horn fly’s tremendous reproducing ability, horn fly
populations can easily reach 1,000 to 2,000 per cow ......
ECO-NutritionSM Helping Dairy Producers Enhance Environmental
Sustainability Dairy producers are acutely aware of the enhanced environmental
regulations that have been set in place. The objectives of these
regulations are to ensure livestock operations are managed to
reduce the potential for soil, water, and air pollution.......
Standing Behavior in Free Stalls
Abnormal standing behavior
is a welfare and economic problem because it contributes to
lameness, lost production, and decreased cow longevity.......
The Changing Dairy ENVIRONMENT
Stringent environmental mandates will
soon take effect across the country. Of particular concern is the
EPA’s new Confined Animal Feeding Operations rules that are
expected to go into effect ............
Phosphorus: Nutritional Management
Dairy producers must not wait until nutrient management
laws are passed to reduce phosphorus (P) excretion in manure.
Why?.......
Overcoming Environmental Phosphorus issues
Phosphorus is essential for many growth and body
functions, including energy storage, protein formation, as a
component of phospholipids, nucleic acid synthesis, and as a key
component in many coenzymes. Cellular activities and cell function
depend on adequate phosphorus. ......
Environmental Conscience Needed When Feeding
Dairy Cows The environmental contamination
potential of manure can be reduced through diet manipulation. Of
special concern are the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus excreted
by dairy cows.
Doing the Right Things Right.....Focus on
what you can control
During financially challenging times, one can get wrapped up in
a great deal of emotion which is wasted energy. What is
critically important is to focus on what we can control and to
prioritize those things that can provide the greatest return on
human and financial resources. Following are a few critical
areas related to the nutritional management on the dairy.
Natural Versus Synthetic Vitamin E for Dairy
CowsThe risk of mastitis and retained fetal
membranes (also known as retained placenta) is higher for dairy
cows with low vitamin E status compared to cows receiving an
adequate amount of dietary vitamin E. Unfortunately, many common
feedstuffs used in dairy diets do not contain sufficient amounts
of vitamin E (the major exception is fresh, green pasture) to
support optimum immune function. Consequently, feeding
supplemental vitamin E is usually recommended and has become a
standard industry practice.
Don’t Let Water Limit Dairy Performance
by Mike Socha, Ph.D., Research Nutritionist, Zinpro Corp. Only air
is more important than water to dairy cows. When one considers
milk is 87% water and lactating cows typically drink four to five
lb of water for every pound of dry matter consumed, it is easy to
see why cows not only need good-quality water, but why they also
need an abundant supply.
What Can Producers Do to Best Position Their
Business in Tough Economic Times?
Times like these are a time to reflect on what we are doing right
and as importantly being objective about what we can and need to
be doing better. Producers need to look at this as a time to
re-evaluate their operation. What are things that can be done to
save costs without compromising production, health, and
profitability?
Managing Milk Price Risk
now is the perfect time to
revisit the basic principles of milk price risk management.
The following discussion will address the when, why, and how of
successful milk marketing.
Heat Stress... Here comes the Heat
Heat stress can have a devastating
effect on productivity and reproductive efficiency of the dairy
herd. Several factors play a significant role in minimizing the
adverse economic impact of heat stress. This article will focus on
these factors and management considerations that can reduce the
severity of heat stress on dairy herds.
Biuret for Dairy Rations
Biuret is available exclusively through ADM Alliance Nutrition®
and is approved for use in dairy lactation diets. Biuret is formed
by the controlled decomposition of urea; condensing two molecules
of urea into a single molecule of biuret, which retains three of
the nitrogen atoms........
Sexed
Semen Delivers More than Heifer Calves
Sexed semen has been on the
technological horizon for several years. Advances in sex sorting
technique and set-up procedures have enabled this latest
reproductive management tool to become a commercial
realization........
Mycotoxins Cut Dairy Profitability
Mycotoxins are a widely accepted issue in monogastric
nutrition. On a scientific basis, the general agreement in
ruminant nutrition over years was that due to the detoxification
ability of the rumen microbes, ruminants are not susceptible to
mycotoxins at all. On the other hand, extensive field studies
showed significant production losses and increases in incidence of
health disorders in early lactating dairy cows when mycotoxin
contaminated rations were fed.
Precision Balanced Rations Yield Milk Production and Environmental
Benefits To achieve optimal milk production and
good milk components requires a well-balanced ration. A number of
commercial software programs are available that can be used to
balance rations for dairy cows. ADM Alliance Nutrition has worked
closely with the Dalex Corporation for many years, and in the
process, has developed a proprietary, customized,
state-of-the-art, ration balancing program for dairy cows and
heifers. The software program is referred to as the ADM Alliance
Nutrition DalexSolutions Program.
Opt for Put Options
There is an old saying in the
commodity business that “High prices cure high prices.”
Regrettably, there is no one-liner for when high
prices cure high prices. Thanks to a variety of risk management
strategies utilizing the Class III futures and options market,
producers don’t need a one-liner for when. Dairy
producers now have a number of different methods to protect a
profit during periods of high futures prices............
National Identification System Protects
Livestock Industry RFID Technology can be more than just an Animal
Tracking System
By now almost everyone involved in any sector of animal
agriculture has heard something about a National Identification
System designed to protect the US livestock industry. The
increasing number of international animal disease outbreaks
reported over the past decade has greatly intensified public
interest in the development of a National Animal Identification
Program for the purpose of protecting animal and consumer
health........
Mounting Producer Interest in Price Risk
Management Raises Questions
Surging volatility in prices for dairy
products has increased since the United States government lowered
price supports during the mid-1980s. One effect of this policy
change was the need for a tool to manage the “new” price risk
assumed not just by producers, but also by the industry........
Labor Management Recognizing Dairy Employee
Performance
We can establish goals that we want to
attain, but it requires that we provide clear expectations,
accountability, and leadership to accomplish them...........
Employee Meetings
Focusing on day-to-day
activities often leads managers of dairy operations into the trap
of overlooking the need to communicate effectively with
employees.........
Encouraging Input Fosters Teamwork
Fostering a teamwork ethic within a dairy operation enhances
employee effectiveness. Forming a team is easy, but in reality,
actual functioning as a team is a difficult task. ...........
Finding Qualified Dairy Farm Employees
As in any business, one of the
greatest differentiating factors in a dairy business is its
employees. Competition for qualified employees continues to
heighten for agribusiness. The producer must have a structured
plan to gain and retain employees that meet their specific needs.
................
Progressive Dairy Clients Will Benefit from
New Strategic Alliance
Assisting dairy producers in all
facets of their business is a goal of ADM Alliance Nutrition’s
Dairy Solution® Team. Recently, a new alliance was established
with Dairy Strategies, LLC, a dairy business management consulting
firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional offices in
California, Minnesota, and Texas..........
Records A Reflection of Profitability
Records not only reveal production
problems, they can also help pinpoint why some dairy operations
are very profitable while others are not.........
Practical Biosecurity for the Dairy Herd
Risk reduction strategies include a practical biosecurity program. Dairy managers spend considerable time and effort on business plans, cash flow, employee management, facilities, etc., and, certainly these are very important to the operation of a dairy farm. However, to turn a profit, facilities must be full of healthy, high-producing cows.
.........
Bottlenecks in the Milk Factory
Bottlenecks in the milk production pipeline can be avoided by
ensuring facilities have good ventilation, providing sufficient
bunk space and waterer space, and making the environment conducive
to cow comfort.
