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NutriDense Silage Use in Dairy Replacement Heifer Feeding

December 14th, 2010 by Jerry Weigel

There’s an interesting paradox in the dairy industry — frequently, we put a lot of money into dairy genetics, but then do not feed heifers accurately. As a result, producers lose money on the genetic potential of these heifers.

For the most part in today’s world, close to 55% of the average cow’s life is spent as a heifer. Furthermore, feed costs are the largest cost input, accounting for approximately 60% for heifer production. On a dairy, raising heifers can account for as much as 15% of total farm expenses, so this is a great opportunity for you to work with your clients to optimize diet efficiency.

The BASF Plant Science team recommends that heifers should average between 2.00-2.25 lbs/d for average daily gain (ADG) using accurately formulated rations to ensure they are optimizing body protein deposition but not increasing body fat deposition.

When developing heifer feeding regimes for your clients, the number one concern that should be kept in mind is to avoid over-conditioning. We know that over-conditioning (feeding excess energy) frequently leads to potential post-calving problems. Over-conditioning also reduces feed efficiency due to the deposition of fat, which converts less efficiently than protein. Another factor that can affect feed efficiency is age, as older heifers are sometimes less efficient than younger heifers.

NutriDense Silage has elevated protein and the energy contribution is from improved digestibility of the Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), not corn starch. Added starch will often reduce fiber digestion by creating alterations in the rumen ecological environment. NutriDense offers more flexibility for increasing the use of industrially produced co-products like soybean hulls, corn gluten feed, or distillers grains with solubles. It also allows you to use lower quality forage products like wheat straw, soybean stubble (provided there are not any soybeans in the stubble hay) or grass hay in the heifer feeding program.

NutriDense Silage can be used under many different feeding regimes. And it is our recommendation in heifer programs that controlled intake is the best option. Controlled intake using highly digestible fiber sources and an optimum balance of protein will:

  • Maximize efficient use of available Nitrogen and organic matter
  • Reduce manure output
  • Reduce feed costs
  • Provide for long-term milk production as a lactating cow

Additionally, we recommend the use of ionophores within the dairy replacement heifer program.

In closing, remember one of the important goals of a dairy replacement feeding program is to rear heifers as economically and environmentally responsibly as you can, without compromising future lactation performance. To accomplish this goal, it is very important that you work with your clients to put together heifer replacement feeding regimes using forage sources such as NutriDense Silage as a primary feedstuff.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any of our NutriDense field nutritionists.

Jerry Weigel is the manager of nutrition and technical services for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at gerald.weigel@basf.com.

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Posted in BASF Plant Science, Dairy, Silage, eNewsletter | 2 Comments »

Conversations from the Milking Parlor

December 14th, 2010 by Dr. Christopher Peter

In my travels this fall and when speaking with dairy producers, nutritionists, consultants, veterinarians and seed partners marketing NutriDense corn silage hybrids, one question invariably arises: “Is NutriDense similar to brown midrib (BMR) corn silage?”

The easy answer is “No,” but there is definitely a series of discussions and questions to address when comparing these two silage types.  There may be some similarities relative to improved overall fiber digestibility.  NutriDense, however, provides a high-quality, highly digestible source of rumen effective fiber. Supplemental sources of effective fiber (e.g., straw) are often needed in BMR-based rations to stimulate rumen peristalsis. In contrast, the fiber composition and digestibility attributes of NutriDense allow for a reduction in the need for supplemental effective fiber as well as starch sources in NutriDense-based rations, especially when high levels of corn silage are fed. Nevertheless, once the fiber digestibility differences are discussed, the conversation ultimately turns to the economic side of the corn silage equation, but taking a more holistic, whole-farm approach.

We fully realize maximizing feed efficiency in the herd is of paramount importance to overall profitability, especially with the high commodity and ingredient prices we are currently experiencing. Moreover, even if we can increase Dry Matter Intake (DMI) with high-quality corn silage, we must also ask ourselves if the added intake is being utilized in an efficient manner. We all agree that evaluating and monitoring feed efficiency in the herd is critical. At the same time, we must not forget to evaluate the costs associated with producing high-quality corn silage and their impact on subsequent feed efficiency measures.

Dairy producers, as well as their contract silage growers, demand a high-quality, highly digestible corn silage, but not at the expense of yield and agronomic factors (e.g., standability, disease and insect resistance). All corn silage is not created equal relative to cost/lb. of Dry Matter (DM), and only after truly evaluating these costs will a herd’s feed efficiency measures provide accurate, actionable information.

  • How many acres does it take to meet a particular dairy’s silage needs for the year?
  • What are the seed, fertilizer and chemical costs associated with filling those bunkers or other storage facilities?

These costs are directly associated with corn silage cost/lb. of DM in the ration and should be scrutinized and addressed for accurate determination of feed efficiency in a herd.

You may ask yourself, why does this matter? Well, I am reminded of an old saying encouraging our forefathers to, “Go west young man!” Why? Land, of course! Now I don’t claim to know every dairy producer’s situation, but in our current environment of commodity prices, not to mention ever-increasing land values and rent, I am completely confident that generating the greatest value of high-quality corn silage off a limited acreage should be our number one priority.  On a dairy farm, an acre of ground is not for making silage; it is for making milk, and this is precisely where the NutriDense advantage is clearly evident.

Based on 2008 and 2009 data from University, third party and BASF Plant Science trials, NutriDense hybrids yielded 2.87 greater wet tons per acre compared to BMR hybrids (equivalent to a 10% yield advantage for NutriDense).  Moreover, cows fed NutriDense corn silage were 6.3% more efficient in converting DM to milk compared to those fed BMR (Cornell, 2010).*  Interestingly enough, that trial also showed that the milk production improvements observed when feeding BMR hybrids were merely a function of increased DMI, and not a product of improved feed efficiency.  This increased DMI of BMR, in turn, results in more acres of a potentially lower-yielding hybrid being required to meet the dairy’s silage needs, not to mention addressing the subsequent associated land, seed, fertilizer and chemical costs.

Keeping in mind our goal of producing the most value from a limited or specific number of acres, NutriDense truly is the “synergy of quantity and quality.” In addition to offering excellent tonnage, NutriDense also provides a high-quality, highly digestible source of rumen effective fiber, proven to provide significant improvements in feed efficiency and subsequent whole-farm profitability.

Dr. Christopher Peter is a field nutritionist for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at christopher.peter@basf.com.

* Chase, L.E.  2010.  Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility.  2010 ADSA PSA AMPA CSAS ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, Denver CO.   Abstract #813.

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Considerations for Feeding Higher Levels of Corn Silage to Lactating Dairy Cows

October 14th, 2010 by Jerry Weigel

As all nutritionists know, milk production is highly dependent on the amount of energy a cow consumes. Additionally, effective fiber is required to ensure a properly functioning rumen. High-quality corn silage can meet both of these needs and is readily consumed by the cow, so it is a good idea to consider feeding higher amounts of corn silage. In fact, according to several presentations by University of Illinois Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Mike Hutjens, it has been proven that up to 60% and quite possibly 70% of her Dry Matter Intake (DMI) could be quality corn silage.

When planning feeding regimes with greater inclusions of corn silage, different varieties should be evaluated carefully. Such factors as Digestible Neutral Detergent Fiber (DNDF), DNDF to starch concentrations, and protein concentrations are very important. Many of the new high-quality corn silages have greater crude protein levels and could reduce the incorporation of soybean meal in the diet. It is important to have enough degradable protein in the ration to maximize rumen fiber and starch utilization. A good guideline to remember is 60 to 65% of the protein to be provided as rumen degraded.

Several important factors should be evaluated when considering incorporation of corn silage into the dairy lactation ration at DMI of greater than 70% of her forage Dry Matter (DM).

  • Silage production costs, as DM yield will have a bearing on production costs. Fixed costs will not vary that much relative to the total costs – if the land yields more tons of DM there will be more tons to spread the total costs across.
  • Nutritive value is very important, as corn silage has to contribute beneficial fiber while still adding usable energy to the feed ration.
  • Projected Income over Feed Costs (IOFC) and feed efficiency (converting the available energy to milk).

There are also things to keep in mind regarding corn silage harvest and storage. It is important to remember that as the plant matures, the level of fiber digestibility and starch decreases. Maximum digestibility occurs at one half to two-thirds the milk line. The fermentation profile should also be taken into consideration with an optimal rumen pH range of 3.8 to 4.2.  For optimal feeding results from quality corn silage, it should be stored in air tight facilities, pits or bunkers for at least 100 days before beginning to feed to allow for adequate fermentation. Proper fermentation becomes critical if corn silage contributes to more than 65% of the forage intake and as silage as a percentage of the DMI increases. With the above said, if the corn silage harvest window was too short and your silage was too mature, you should not consider feeding high levels of corn silage at this time.

Routine corn silage sampling is critical.  And it becomes increasingly important for adequate sampling after opening the storage facility as the percent of corn silage in the diet increases and more analytes are being contributed to the diet from corn silage. The most important factor is moisture, and one must determine the variant in moisture. A movement of only a few points in DM could make for 2 to 4 pounds over or under on DM fed. You would be taking away from the cow her ability to determine her DMI by artificially setting it for her in this DM error. We suggest sampling for moisture every 2 to 3 weeks, especially when you open different storage facilities.

As with any ration formulation, it is very important when feeding high-quality corn silage diets to consult with a knowledgeable nutritionist to help balance the feed. Please feel free to call on me or my team of nutritionists if you have any additional questions.

Jerry Weigel is the manager of nutrition and technical services for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at gerald.weigel@basf.com.

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NutriDense Silage Plot Trials Yield Positive Observations

October 14th, 2010 by Mark Schultz

In late August I, along with the NutriDense forage specialists and the silage hybrid development team, was busy inspecting silage test plots throughout the Midwest and Northeast. The variation in growing conditions from the upper Midwest to the Northeast has provided an excellent year for the evaluation of genetic potential, agronomic traits and relative maturity zoning.

Many cornfields in southern Pennsylvania experienced severe heat and drought challenges, affecting pollination and ear development, and resulting in lower tonnage and quality. Additionally, corn borer pressure resulted in an increase in stalk lodging. These plant health issues will lead to drier silage and ensiling challenges.

Central and northern Pennsylvania plots saw better growing conditions with more favorable rainfall and soil moisture, resulting in plant health improvements over that of the southern region of the state. It is expected that tonnage and quality should benefit from the aforementioned conditions. Positive quality and tonnage is also anticipated for central New York plots due to improved growing conditions and limited plant stress.

Generally positive results were observed in the Midwest. Despite adverse weather conditions such as hail and wind damage in some areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, trials showed good overall growth and health, leading to optimistic tonnage and quality predictions for these regions. Northern Illinois plots should also produce good silage results in the face of some unfavorable weather; experiencing wet growing conditions for much of the growing season.

The investment in agronomic trait technologies expressed advantages especially in stressed growing conditions. This year certainly showed us that growers who implemented good management practices will be rewarded for their investments. Incorporating soil fertility programs, appropriate plant populations for the field and fungicide use has led to positive results for NutriDense Silage plot trials and positive prospects for year-end.

Mark Schultz is a sales agronomist for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at mark.schultz@basf.com.

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Make the Grade at Silage U

October 14th, 2010 by Greg Jones

Interested in learning more about corn silage and the role it plays in dairy production? NutriDense Silage is excited to announce Silage University, an online learning tool for dairy producers, seed representatives and others involved in the dairy industry.

This training module features information portrayed through University researcher quotes, animated diagrams and visuals, and is a way to learn more about high-quality corn silage and the role it plays in improving profitability through increased feed efficiency.

Here are a few of the topics covered in Silage University:

  • What is high-quality corn silage?
  • Why is corn silage important to dairy production?
  • How can high-quality corn silage increase feed efficiency?
  • What are the different types of corn silage, and why are some better than others?

To “attend” Silage University or to get more information, visit www.silageu.com.

Greg Jones is the NutriDense Silage product manager for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at gregory.jones@basf.com.

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Feed Efficiency: Effect of Corn Silage Quality and Hybrid Selection

August 11th, 2010 by Rich Lutz

Feed costs in dairy rations are no doubt the largest single expense associated with milk production, as often they can average in excess of 50% of production costs.  Feed Efficiency (FE), also known as milk production efficiency, is often utilized to benchmark herds in terms of their relative profitability.

Hutjens (2007 and 2010)1, 2 offers practical approaches to feed efficiency and their applications on dairy operations.  With regard to silage quality contributing to feed efficiency, Hutjens points out the following:

  • As neutral detergent fiber (NDF) percent in the ration dry matter increased, FE declined from 1.8 to 1.4 based on Journal of Dairy Science data from 2002 to 2004.  FE values remained constant at 35 percent NDF and above.
  • Currently, with herd FE ranging from 1.4 to 1.7, each change in 0.1 point is worth approximately 34 cents per cow per day.
  • Feeding high-quality forage is a key solution.  Consider increasing corn silage levels in rations as cost per cow per day may drop 15- 30 cents as protein prices remain competitive.
  • Evaluate the use of silages with more effective fiber and high neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD).

For more practical tips on increasing feed efficiency, click here to read the paper.

Additionally, feeding corn silage hybrids with increased fiber digestibility has been shown to significantly increase FE in dairy herds.  Spain and Sampson (2007)3 published findings determining the feed values and ultimate effect on FE utilizing a corn silage hybrid with NutriDense Silage traits:

  • Cows fed NutriDense Silage produced 71.7 pounds/cow/day compared to 70 pounds/cow/day for cows receiving conventional corn silage.Based on dry matter intake, cows receiving NutriDense Silage were 11.4% more efficient than cows fed conventional silage (1.56 vs. 1.4).
  • In related in vitro work, Spain and Sampson observed a 13% increase in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) with NutriDense Silage when compared to conventional silage.
  • This positive measurement of fiber utilization supports that NutriDense Silage contains favorable fiber for energy contribution to the overall TMR used in the feeding trial.

More recently, Chase (2010)4 conducted a trial with lactating dairy cows to examine the relationship between corn silage hybrid fiber digestibility, milk production, dry matter intake and feed efficiency.  Results demonstrated that:

  • Cows fed NDS had significantly better feed efficiencies when compared to cows receiving either BMR or conventional hybrid silages.Feed efficiency (kg 3.5% fat corrected milk/kg dry matter intake) was significantly higher for cows fed NDS (1.87) compared with either BMR (1.76) or conventional (1.74) rations (P<0.002).
  • Dairy consultants utilizing FE numbers to evaluate dairy production profitability may wish to consider how silage quality and hybrid selection can affect those values.

Rich Lutz is a forage specialist with BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at rich.lutz@basf.com.

References:

1 Hutjens, M.F.  2007.  Practical approaches to feed efficiency and applications on the farm.  Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop Proceedings.  Pages 1-7.

2 Hutjens, M.F.  2010.  Lessons learned with low milk prices.  2010 NEAFA Dairy Health and Nutrition Conference Proceedings.  Pages 18-21.

3 Spain, J.N. and J.D. Sampson.  2007.  Use of NutriDense corn for corn and corn silage in diets fed to high producing dairy cows.  J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 85, Suppl. 1/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 90 Suppl. 1.  Page 556.

4 Chase, L.E.  2010.  Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility.  2010 ADSA PSA AMPA CSAS ASAS Joint Annual Meeting, Denver CO.   Abstract #813.

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Cornell University Feed Efficiency Study Featured in Progressive Dairyman

August 11th, 2010 by Greg Jones

With the dairy industry facing economic constraints, producers are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing milk production. One place to look is feed — when feed efficiency increases, producers are able to get the same milk with less feed.

The results of a recent feed efficiency study performed by Dr. Larry Chase, professor and dairy nutrition extension specialist at Cornell University, were featured in the July 1 issue of Progressive Dairyman in an article titled “Improve feed efficiency, increase profitability by selecting high-quality corn silage hybrids.” Dr. Chase revealed results that found NutriDense Silage to be six to eight percent better in feed efficacy, or converting feed to milk, than other high-quality corn silage in the study.

Click here to learn more about the study and how NutriDense stacked up against other hybrids.

Greg Jones is the NutriDense Silage product manager for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at gregory.jones@basf.com.

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Use Co-Products for Efficient, Cost-Effective Rations

August 11th, 2010 by Jerry Weigel

At BASF Plant Science, we tend to focus our ration discussions around corn silage, which in our opinion should comprise the majority of the total mixed ration (TMR). However, we should spend some time discussing the co-products that can be used to make up the rest of the TMR. Industrially produced co-products, such as corn distillers grains, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal and soybean hulls, are very important for a dairy cow’s diet.

Here are some of the most commonly used co-products:

  • Distillers grains are popular because they can replace both corn and soybean meal (the standard protein we have in our dairy rations) to a certain percentage. We’ve proven over and over again that corn distiller products are a viable replacement for corn, up to 20-25% of the ration dry matter intake. It won’t fully replace it because of the energy. We know that corn fiber is a very effective energy source and a very safe and effective fiber source. It allows us to displace corn, and sometimes even other forages, and lets us maximize other corn forages such as corn silage as well as then allowing us to bring the inclusion of soybean meal down.
  • Corn gluten feed can be used on a dry matter basis in 15-20% of the total ration.  Corn gluten meal is the protein fraction of the corn that is over 60% protein, and we know it’s a very good source of bypass protein.
  • Soybean hulls are another very important co-product. Soybean hulls are the remaining 8-10% that is left once you pop off the meats (soybean meal). As we know from work we did at Missouri years ago that’s been duplicated several times, you can easily go to 25-30% of the DMI with soybean hulls.

Some producers may view co-products as an added financial expense, but if used correctly, they can actually help save producers money. We urge producers to work with their nutritionists, extension agents or veterinarians to do linear programming to determine how they can displace corn, soy or other potential forage sources like alfalfa in the ration and ultimately bring down costs without any negative effects on feed efficiency. Additionally, we have seen some early work on young growing animals indicating that co-products may improve feed efficiency because it’s allowing the animals to be more efficient at converting this carbohydrate source over to energy. If you are buying wet co-products be sure you know the moisture content of the product and understand that their “shelf life” is shorter than dry products.

One question when determining the use of co-products is, how high can we go with corn silage in the ration? At BASF Plant Science, we have looked at that question quite a bit in our research. In our recent study with Cornell University, we included 5.5% of the ration dry matter soybean hulls with excellent results. If one is looking at corn gluten feed, corn distillers products or soybean hulls, NutriDense fits very well into those programs and allows producers to further drop the amount of corn grain in TMRs. Additionally, we know the effective fiber of NutriDense will give us that safety margin or the rumen ecological advantage that fits very well with corn or soybean co-products.

There are certainly a lot of negatives on co-products out there, but they’re usually driven by a lack of information. Producers who use co-products need to work with their suppliers to make certain they know the correct nutritional specifications, which in turn will allow for proper balancing. If fed and managed properly, co-products will be very profitable to a producer’s operation.

Jerry Weigel is the manager of nutrition and technical services for BASF Plant Science. You can contact him at gerald.weigel@basf.com.

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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.

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Consider a foliar fungicide for more tonnage and healthier plants

June 24th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

The use of foliar fungicides in corn grain production has gained favor over the past few years.  As grain prices increased, savvy producers realized that the investment in a well-timed fungicide application could pay huge yield dividends at harvest.  Corn silage, another valuable crop especially when chopped for high-performance dairies, can benefit from a foliar fungicide application as well.  The return on fungicide investment for the corn silage producer can be more tons per acre of higher-quality silage.

Corn growers have learned that the yield increases associated with some fungicides stem not only from a decrease in leaf diseases, but also from a general increase in plant health.  By reducing the incidence and severity of fungal leaf disease, the corn plant is better able to convert light energy into starch, protein and sugars.  Healthy plants are also better able to deal with the environmental stresses often encountered during the growing season. In silage, since the entire plant is harvested, the plant health aspect becomes even more valuable.

Foliar fungicides vary in their formulation and mode of action, and only a few products are labeled for applications to corn grown for silage.  Headline® fungicide, manufactured by BASF, is the fungicide most widely used by corn growers in North America.  Data from research plots and field trials have shown very positive responses to Headline applied to corn silage.  A trial in Plainfield, Wisconsin in 2008 showed an average of 1.62 tons/acre (at 70% moisture) increase from a Headline application over an average of 35 hybrids.  This yield increase translated to an average of 2,837 additional pounds of milk per acre using the standard dairy industry tons to milk calculation.  The results from a trial in Unity, Wisconsin were even more impressive.  Averaged over 21 different hybrids, the Headline application resulted in an extra 3.26 tons/acre and an increase of 3,986 pounds of milk per acre.

Silage quality can also be maintained by a timely application of Headline.  Trials grown in Wisconsin, Maryland and New York showed increases in fiber digestibility and corresponding increases in milk per acre when compared to an untreated check.

Another important benefit of a foliar fungicide application is the increase in “stay green” or late season plant health.  This increase in plant health means a wider silage harvest window.  Whether your customers are large operations with hundreds of acres of silage to cut or smaller operations waiting on a custom chopper, cutting silage at the proper moisture is an important step in harvesting quality corn silage.  Keeping the crop healthy and green for a longer period of time can pay huge dividends in the feed bunk.

After starting with the right hybrid, your customers can help maintain the nutrition potential of that silage crop with a timely fungicide application.  A foliar fungicide such as Headline can be a management tool in your customers’ quality silage plan.

This article was written by Mark Schultz, a sales agronomist for BASF Plant Science. He can be reached at mark.schultz@basf.com.

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