Research Triangle Park, N.C., September 25, 2007 – A recent study completed at the University of Missouri showed that cows fed NutriDense corn silage improved feed efficiency by 11.4 percent over cows fed conventional corn and corn silage. These results show how good NutriDense corn silage can be for dairy cows and for producer profitability.
The study, which was conducted by Dr. Jim Spain at the University of Missouri in 2005 and 2006, concluded that adding NutriDense corn and corn silage to lactating rations can improve efficiency while maintaining high levels of production. The control group, which was fed conventional corn and corn silage, consumed the most feed of the three groups, while cows fed diets with NutriDense corn silage and NutriDense grain ate the least. However, each group produced the same amount of milk. Therefore, the NutriDense silage-grain group showed an 11.4 percent improvement in milk production efficiency over the control group.
“What we saw in the research was increased production efficiency. We’ve now seen the same response across the entire University of Missouri herd as they are all being fed NutriDense corn silage,” said University of Missouri researcher Jim Spain. “We’ve been able to decrease the inclusion of grain while maintaining production. Because of increased efficiency, we’re able to improve profitability.”
The group fed NutriDense silage-grain increased volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by 13 percent, a direct indicator of fiber digestibility. Produced by rumen microbes, VFAs heavily influence production of milk and milk components, as well as the environment inside the rumen.
“By using NutriDense in your cropping system, you can produce a corn hybrid that has higher levels of effective fiber while lowering lignin content,” said Jerry Weigel, manager of nutrition and technical service for BASF Plant Science. “This makes more energy readily available to the cow, which can then be used for the production of VFAs.”
Because of the improved efficiencies, NutriDense can lower ration costs. Especially during a time of high feed prices, finding a quality substitute to corn can be a challenge. Because NutriDense is 3.5 to 5 percent higher in net energy for lactation than conventional corn silage, replacing conventional corn silage with NutriDense-based corn silage decreases the amount of grain that needs to be fed. Bottom line – NutriDense can reduce feed costs and deliver more effective fiber to make cows more efficient and more profitable milk producers.
About BASF Plant Science
All BASF activities involving biotechnology are incorporated in BASF Plant Science. BASF Plant Science coordinates an international research and technology platform with eight sites in five countries including Europe and North America and employs about 700 staff. In addition, BASF Plant Science has established numerous complementary cooperations with research institutes, universities and biotechnology companies in Europe and North America. The research activities of BASF Plant Science are concentrated in the areas of more efficient agriculture, renewable raw material and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. These include, for example, plants with improved agronomic characteristics, a higher content of vitamins or Omega-3 fatty acids for preventing cardiovascular diseases as well as plants with a higher nutritional value for animals.
During the 3-year period of 2006-08, BASF is dedicating a total of €400 million to the expansions of its plant biotechnology operations.
To find out more about BASF Biotechnology, please visit our Web site at www.basf.com/biotechnology.
About BASF Chemical Company
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 million (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
