Soon, dairy producers will be moving from old to new feed. Here are some tips for a smooth transition.
Transition slowly.
An overnight switch can be detrimental to your herd’s health. By adding some from each batch of corn silage to the ration, you can make the transition smoothly. If the new silage is better than what you’re currently feeding, it may be better for you to start feeding more of it sooner. But if the new silage is poorer than what you are currently feeding, lengthen the transition period as much as possible to take advantage of a better nutrient profile.
Monitor often.
Changes in dry matter intake and production will happen quickly after nutrition changes. Pay attention to feed intake, fluctuations in milk production and the incidence of metabolic disorders in the fresh cow pen. Any major changes may be a red flag that the new ration isn’t meeting the herd’s nutrient requirement.
Consult the experts.
If you’re not sure how to feed your new crop of corn silage, the BASF Plant Science Tech Service team is here to help. Feel free to send an e-mail to Jerry Weigel, Janet Snow or Chris Peter. Each has a wealth of knowledge that can be beneficial when you’re making decisions about how to feed the new crop.
