▶️ Watch: Fats in the dairy diet
Lyssa Seefeldt discusses the use of fats in dairy rations, how fats are digested & metabolized, types of fats, and potential limitations of using various fats in dairy diets.
Feed and Nutrition
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▶️ Watch: Balancing diets for energy & amino acids to maximize milk components
Sebastian I Arriola Apelo discusses amino acid balancing when feeding different energy sources to maximize milk protein and fat. Discussion will include various scenarios, including consideration of an induced milk fat depression.
Risks of inadequate fiber in the diet
Fiber in the diet provides an important role in rumen function and digestive health. The varying levels of digestibility of fiber are due, in part, to differences in the amount of lignin, the part of the plant cell wall that provides the plant rigidity.
▶️ Watch: Selection of dairy cows for consistent performance under predictable conditions
Kent Weigel, Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension, presents on current research on the day-to-day consistency of dry matter intake, milk yield, and the genetics behind it.
Forage Testing Functionality
Forage testing has the potential to allow you to more effectively utilize your forages. Using test results can help you realize more pounds of milk from your cows by helping you decide where to best use your forages and how to complement them in your ration. Using forage testing is a relatively inexpensive way to maximize your efficient use of forage.
Feed additives, an alternative to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in dairy cattle
The contribution of the dairy production system to climate change is small compared to electricity generation or transportation. The U.S. EPA’s 2022 report showed that the contribution of the agriculture sector to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S was around 10% on a million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMtCO2e) basis in 2020 (Figure 1), and about 39.5% of this 10% is represented by livestock methane emissions from the enteric fermentation and manure management.
Hoof health & nutrition of dairy cows
Nutrition affects more than just the cow’s digestive system. The effects of an imbalanced diet can be seen throughout the animal’s body. Of particular interest are concentrates, such as grain-based feed ingredients, that typically contain high amounts of sugar and starch.
Effects of Hail Damage on Standing Corn Silage Nutrient Composition: A 2023 Case Study
During the summer of 2023 Northwest Wisconsin experienced several hail events. Large hail and 60 mph straight line winds came through the Rice Lake area of Barron County on July 20, 2023. On July 24, a hail event also caused damage in central St. Croix County.
Sub-optimal transition cow care causes significant economic losses
Earlier in the year, I attended the Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, where many of the topics focused on transition cow care. One of the big take-home points from more than one speaker was that prevention of clinical disease is vital for long-term success of your cows. Issues during the transition period are associated with reduced reproduction and milk production. Prevention is followed closely by early diagnosis of clinical disease issues.
Using lab tests to estimate forage stability and fermentation efficiency
Today many forage tests provide information beyond the energy and protein in the feed but also feed fermentation quality and its stability in the manger. Having efficient fermentation is critical to ensure the forages being fed are highly palatable and digestible.
Silage-specific corn hybrids for dairy cattle diets
Corn silage is a key forage fed to lactating dairy cows in Wisconsin. Upgrading the nutritional value of corn silage could maximize the consumption of dry matter or increase the energy density of the diet.
Maximize feed bunk management to increase profitability
Something that is constantly on the mind of dairy producers, no matter how small or large the farm, is the cost of production. Feed is the largest input cost on the dairy, making efficiency with feed bunk management a priority for all dairy farm managers.
