Jerry Weigel was featured this morning on SwineCast.com. The podcast interview focused on NutriDense Grain and its implications for corn growers and animal feeders. Click here to listen to the podcast.
Podcast: Jerry Weigel on silage feed out
December 18th, 2009 by Courtney BeckBy now, many producers are close to feeding this year’s silage. In this week’s podcast, Jerry Weigel, BASF Plant Science manager of nutrition/technical services, offers some tips for a smooth transition.
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Article: How Does Later Corn Harvest Impact Cow Health, Milk Production?
November 19th, 2009 by Courtney BeckThis year’s late corn harvest has certainly raised many questions and concerns. The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program has responded by beginning research to evaluate the impact of later-harvested corn on cow digestive health and milk production efficiency. Click here to read more about the program in an article from the Gouverneur Times.
Understanding Feed Components
November 18th, 2009 by Jerry WeigelSilage 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 WeigelOn 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 WeigelDespite 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 BeckA 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 BeckOne 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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Feeding Cows in the Summer
August 14th, 2009 by Courtney BeckSavvy dairy producers know the importance of adjusting their feeding programs during the intense summer heat. Jerry Weigel, BASF Plant Science LLC manager of nutrition and technical services, offers hot-weather tips to maintain milk production and maximize cow comfort in this week’s podcast.
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