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New Research Validates Feed Efficiency of NutriDense Silage

August 4th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, August 4, 2010 – A recent study from Cornell University concluded that lactating dairy cows fed NutriDense Silage showed a 6 to 8 percent improvement in feed efficiency, or converting feed to milk. The other hybrids compared in the study were brown midrib and dual purpose.

“One of the most interesting conclusions from the study was the difference in feed efficiency. NutriDense Silage was about 6 to 8 percent better in feed efficacy, or converting feed to milk, than either of the other two hybrids that were used, so we did get a highly significant improvement in feed efficiency in NutriDense Silage in this particular trial,” said Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition specialist at Cornell University. “That means to get the same pounds of milk producers would feed about 6 to 8 percent less pounds of feed. In theory that would say they’re going to get the same milk income with a lower feed cost input or a wider difference between milk income and feed costs. It should improve profitability.”

The study, entitled “Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility,” was presented by Dr. Larry Chase at the American Dairy Science Association’s 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, held July 11-15 in Denver, Colo.

“Dr. Chase’s research has important implications for the dairy industry,” said Greg Jones, NutriDense Silage product manager. “At BASF Plant Science, our goal is to improve the profitability of dairy producers. We are excited to see university research continue to prove that NutriDense Silage improves feed efficiency and thus income over feed costs.”

For more information on the study, visit the NutriDense blog (www.nutridense.com/blog) to listen to a podcast with Dr. Chase.

NutriDense Silage is nutritionally enhanced corn silage developed specifically for efficient milk production. University studies show NutriDense Silage provides a four to eight percent improvement in feed efficiency, or converting feed to milk, giving dairy producers an income over feed cost advantage. The result is lower feed costs and greater profitability for dairy producers. NutriDense Silage yields equal to or greater than dual purpose and greater than brown midrib, so producers can achieve high-quality corn silage without sacrificing yields.

To learn more about NutriDense, visit www.nutridense.com, follow on Twitter @NutriDense or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NutriDense.

About BASF Plant Science

BASF Plant Science – a BASF group company – is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, about 700 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals. BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current projects include higher yielding row crops, nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed and higher content of Omega-3’s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases. To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please visit www.basf.com/plantscience.

About BASF

BASF – The Chemical Company.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $13 billion in 2009. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

NutriDense is a registered trademark of BASF Plant Science L.P.

Podcast: Dr. Larry Chase discusses the results of his feed efficiency study

August 4th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

We recently shared the results of a Cornell University study comparing NutriDense Silage to two other hybrids. To learn more about the study’s background, experimental design and results, I was able to talk with Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition extension specialist at Cornell University, about the study and what he and his team found.

Listen in with the audio player below to hear our conversation.

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Sign up for ‘Have You Herd,’ technical dairy e-Newsletter

August 3rd, 2010 by Karlie Justus

Every other month, the NutriDense team puts together a technical e-Newsletter called “Have You Herd.” Tailored to the needs of dairy nutritionists, veterinarians and consultants, the e-Newsletter is a high-level resource on topics such as agronomy, feed efficiency and dairy nutrition. It also includes a roundup of industry news and upcoming events.

Here’s a sampling of some previous Have You Herd articles:

You can now sign up to receive Have You Herd in your e-mail inbox right here on the NutriDense website. Look for the Technical e-Newsletter button on the homepage and blog sidebars, or click on the image above. In addition, check out the full e-Newsletter archives here.

Podcast: Jerry Weigel talks feed efficiency and poultry, part one

July 16th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

Last month, I sat down with Jerry Weigel, manager of nutrition and technical service, to talk about feed efficiency and dairy cows, and learn about how NutriDense can help producers improve their bottom lines when it comes to corn silage.

This month, we’re back with two more interviews with Jerry on what feed efficiency means for poultry producers. Listen in to part one below, and check back in two weeks to hear the second installment of our chat.

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Podcast: Jerry Weigel talks feed efficiency and dairy cows, part two

June 28th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

A few weeks ago, we kicked off a podcast series with Jerry Weigel, manager of nutrition and technical service, on feed efficiency. We’re back again with more questions about how this topic relates to dairy cows. Click on the audio player below to listen in.

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Be sure to check back in the coming weeks as I talk with Jerry on feed efficiency as it relates to poultry.

Understanding Feed Components

November 18th, 2009 by Jerry Weigel

Silage sampling is key to good management, but deciphering the lab results can be tricky. Here are some of the key things to look for in your results.

Energy
Corn silage is a major component of dairy cattle rations because of its high energy levels. Net Energy for Lactation (NEL) is the number to focus on. Adequate values for corn silage range from 0.68-0.74 Mcal/pound of dry matter (DM).

Fiber
Corn silage can be an effective fiber source, but you can see quite a bit of variation in fiber content and quality. One analysis performed at the lab is lignin levels; lignin content will range from 2.50-7.00 percent of DM. Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) will range from 18 to 32 percent of DM and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) will range from 32 to 55 percent of DM. This information will help you determine how effective the fiber source will be once in the rumen.

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate levels, especially sugar content, will range from 4 to 8 percent of DM. The sugars found in the plant could come from the grain or the stover fraction. Starch is a storage carbohydrate in corn and will range from 17 to 42 percent in the plant. High levels of starch in the ration could contribute to rumen acidosis, which could lead to lameness and performance problems.

Dry Matter
It is very important to know accurate moisture levels. Dry matter will range from 32 to 37 percent. If levels of corn silage in the total ration exceed 35 percent, then more routine sampling should be conducted for moisture content.

Knowledge really is power for a sound dairy cow nutrition program, and it all starts with an accurate and representative forage testing program.

Why Corn Silage?

November 16th, 2009 by Jerry Weigel

On some farms we’ve seen corn silage reach almost half the ration, and for good reason. New hybrids exist that are bred to exhibit traits that make corn silage a very attractive forage, especially in light of today’s high corn prices Some of the positive attributes that corn silage offers include:

High-energy
It’s no secret that energy is probably the most important nutrient cows need throughout lactation to achieve high levels of production. After calving, it’s often difficult to provide cows with enough energy to prevent loss of body condition. The less time cows spend in the resulting negative energy balance, which is partially dependent on a high-energy ration, the more time they spend producing high volumes of milk without the looming possibility of metabolic disorders. NutriDense Silage may be a great alternative to more expensive energy sources. There are varieties available that replace lignin with effective fiber and sugar, which improves fiber digestibility and increases net energy for lactation (NEL). This allows producers to cut back on grain, creating a more reasonably priced ration.

Palatability
Cows like NutriDense Silage, so quality corn silage can help boost dry matter intake (DMI). This is especially important for fresh cows because we have a hard time getting them to eat after calving. If we are able to boost intake during early lactation, we have fewer metabolic disorders and have an overall more profitable cow, not to mention more productivity through lactation.

Consistency
Dairy cows crave consistency in their day-to-day schedules, and this includes the feeding program. If harvested over a short time period, high-quality corn silage can be a very consistent part of the ration and ensure that each bit of the TMR is the same as the last. This consistency also benefits rumen microbes by encouraging a consistent population throughout lactation.

Easy-to-manage
In general, corn silage is easier to manage than other crops, especially when considering what it takes to manage multiple cuttings of alfalfa. Still, it’s critical for corn silage to be harvested at the appropriate moisture level and packed tightly to encourage proper fermentation. Because in-field moisture levels can change quickly, it’s also important to get the corn out of the field as quickly as possible to reduce variation.

NutriDense Solves the Transition Cow Mystery

November 11th, 2009 by Jerry Weigel

Despite all the advances in research, we still don’t completely understand the transition cow and how she works. Any way we can improve the ration nutrition profile during this period three weeks before and after calving can help her perform better during her lactation.

Maintaining ecological balance in the rumen should be our number one priority. Keeping the rumen happy means a healthier, more productive cow. Because the rumen utilizes forages so well, providing higher levels of effective fiber, rather than starch, can optimize rumen health.

By growing NutriDense Silage, you can produce a low-lignin corn hybrid that has higher levels of effective fiber and sugar. This makes more energy readily available to the cow, which can then be used to increase milk production.

As you continue to look for ways to help your transition cows, remember the importance of effective fiber and a healthy rumen. Providing the right nutrients and optimal rumen balance can lead to a productive lactation.

Podcast: Jerry Weigel on nutritionally enhanced grain

November 6th, 2009 by Courtney Beck

A nutritionally enhanced grain such as NutriDense Grain can help swine and poultry producers reduce feed costs while increasing feed efficiency. In this week’s podcast, Jerry Weigel, BASF Plant Science manager of nutrition and technical service, provides an introduction to nutritionally enhanced grain.

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Podcast: Jerry Weigel on Fiber Digestibility

September 18th, 2009 by Courtney Beck

One thing you will hear us say often about NutriDense Silage is that it is more digestible for the cows. In this week’s podcast, Jerry Weigel, BASF Plant Science manager of nutrition and technical services, discusses the importance of fiber digestibility in dairy cows.

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