Feed and Nutrition

 

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▶️ 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.

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.

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.