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Winter 2011 Research Roundup

December 6th, 2011 by Rich Lutz

Here are some of the latest research findings pertaining to silage and dairy production presented at the 2011 American Dairy Science Association/American Society of Animal Science Joint Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La.:

2011 ADSA®-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting - New Orleans, Louisiana

M319 Independent effects of diet chemical fiber and physical measurements on dairy cows

D. Sauvant, W. Z. Yang, D. R. Mertens and K. A. Beauchemin

Fiber effectiveness has been defined by physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF), which is the product of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and the fraction retained on a 1.18-mm sieve. To evaluate the concept of using an index (product of fiber and particle size) for predicting cow responses, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the independent and interaction effects of chemical fiber (NDF) and alternative physical measurements (PM). A database was compiled from 24 published experiments using lactating dairy cows and 104 (n) treatments where dietary NDF and PM were reported. Forages were long, chopped or grounded. Dietary NDF averaged 35.3 ± 7.1 percent of dry matter (DM). Three PM were considered: mean particle size (MPS; 3.72 ± 2.02 mm, n = 44), particles retained on a 2-mm sieve (P2; 42.4 ± 15.5 percent DM, n = 40) or on 19-mm and 8-mm sieves of the Penn State Particle Separator (P8; 49.5 ± 12.7 percent DM, n = 36). As the PM was not measured with the same criteria across the experiments, a dummy variable (0 or 1) was created to systematically code the short or long PM, respectively. The effects of NDF and PM were tested on chewing index (CI; 37.5 ± 11.9 min/kg DMI, n = 78), rumen pH (6.08 ± 0.26, n = 60), acetate to propionate ratio (A:P; 2.70 ± 0.73, n = 52), milk yield (MY; 29.0 ± 10.6 kg/d, n = 96) and milk fat percentage (MF; 3.75 ± 0.62 percent, n = 82). Meta-analyses were carried out using GLM procedure including the effects of experiment, NDF, PM and the interaction. NDF was a continuous co-variable. The mean differences between treatments were: NDF = 4.3 percent DM; MPS = 1.31 mm; P2 = 7.5 percent DM; and P8 = 8.6 percent DM. Experiment was systematically significant (P < 0.01). For CI, pH and A:P, influences of NDF and PM were significant (P < 0.01), but there was no interaction between them. For MY and MF, only the effect of NDF was significant (P < 0.01). As expected, MF was negatively affected (P < 0.01) by pH (MF = −1.05 + 0.76 pH, n = 48, RMSE = 0.05 percent). In conclusion, the effects of NDF and PM appeared to be additive in published trials, which questions the principle and the validity of their product (peNDF) for predicting lactating cow responses.

82 Production response to corn silage produced from normal, brown midrib or waxy corn hybrids

J. S. Barlow, J. K. Bernard and N. A. Mullis

The starch in waxy corn hybrids is 100 percent amylopectin, which has been suggested to be more digestible than that of normal corn hybrids, but the production response to feeding silage produced from these hybrids has been inconsistent. In contrast, brown midrib (BMR) corn varieties have lower lignin concentrations and have been shown to support higher dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient intake and milk production response of lactating dairy cows to diets based on corn silage produced from three different types of corn hybrids. Thirty-six multiparous and primiparous Holstein cows (77 DIM and 37.1 kg/d milk) were used in an 11-week completely randomized design trial during the fall of 2009. Experimental diets contained 36.4 percent of the dietary dry matter (DM) from corn silage from either a normal (Agratech 1021), BMR (Mycogen F2F797) or waxy (Master’s Choice 590) hybrid. All cows were fed the diet containing normal corn silage during the first two weeks of the trial before being assigned to one of three treatments for the following nine weeks. Data collected during the first two weeks were used as a covariate in the statistical analysis. No difference (P = 0.81) was observed in DMI among treatments which averaged 22.6 kg/d. Milk yield was highest (P = 0.03) for cows fed BMR (37.6 kg/d) compared with waxy (35.2 kg/d) but similar to control (36.2 kg/d). Milk fat percentage tended to be lower (P = 0.10) for cows fed control (3.28 percent) compared with BMR (3.60 percent) or waxy (3.55 percent) corn silage. Milk protein percentage (P = 0.07) tended to be lower for cows fed normal (2.79 percent) compared with waxy (2.89 percent) but similar to BMR (2.85 percent). No differences were observed in yield of milk components. Energy-corrected-milk (ECM) yield, dairy efficiency (ECM/DMI) and body weight change did not differ among treatments. Results of this trial are consistent with previous reports in which cows fed diets based on corn silage produced from BMR hybrids have higher milk yield compared with other hybrids. Corn silage produced from the waxy hybrid supported similar yield of ECM because of higher milk components, but milk yield was not improved compared with the normal.

146 Spoilage yeasts in silage have the potential to directly impact rumen fermentation

M. C. Santos, A. L. Lock, G. D. Mechor and L. Kung Jr.

Yeasts associated with aerobic spoilage of high-moisture corn (HMC) and corn silage (CS) were isolated and characterized to determine their potential for direct effects on rumen fermentation. Samples were obtained from 21 U.S. dairy farms; HMC averaged 6.3 and CS averaged 5.4 log10cfu of yeasts/g of fresh forage. Candida valida (CV) was the most predominant species accounting for 35 and 31 percent of total isolates in HMC and CS, respectively. One isolate of CV was added to in vitro culture tubes containing total mixed ration (TMR), buffer and rumen fluid at theoretical concentrations of 0, 4.4, 6.4 and 8.4 log10cfu/ml; the 6.4 dose was equivalent to a cow consuming 30 kg of fresh CS with 7.0 log10cfu/g. After 12 and 24 hours of incubation at 39°C, samples were analyzed for pH, yeast number, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDF-D), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and fatty acids (FA). Culture pH declined from 6.8 at 0 hours to 6.4 and 6.3 after 12 and 24 hours, respectively (P < 0.01). After 24 hours, numbers of viable yeasts for the control treatment decreased from 2.4 to 0.4 log10cfu/ml. For the other levels, the measured numbers at time zero decreased from 4.0, 5.9 and 8.1 to 2.2, 3.9 and 5.3 log10cfu/ml after 24 hours, respectively. Inoculation with CV caused a linear decrease in NDF-D at 12 and 24 hours (P < 0.01). After 12 hours, NDF-D for the highest CV addition was 34 versus 44 percent for control and after 24 hours NDF-D was 52 versus 58 percent. At 24 hours, the concentration of total VFA, acetate and propionate was 106, 57 and 29 mM for the highest CV dose whereas for control the concentrations were 98, 53 and 25 mM, respectively (P < 0.05). FA analysis of CV indicated that it contained ~25 percent saturated fatty acids (SFA), 60 percent cis monounsaturated fatty acids, and 15 percent cis polyunsaturated fatty acids. Overall, the biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated FA was not altered across treatments and declined over time with an increase in the accumulation of SFA, especially stearic acid; under the conditions tested, CV did not alter the formation of BH intermediates. The results of this study indicate that the addition of CV, especially in high levels, can decrease NDF-D and may alter the concentration of propionate and acetate. However, no changes in the production of BH intermediates were detected under the in vitro conditions tested.

T122 Relationships of fermentation characteristics in corn forage

R. Ward and D. R. Mertens

Our objective was to study factors affecting the fermentation characteristics of corn forage using a database of analyses from Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Inc. The initial database contained 4,712 samples over four years from 41 states with analyses including fermentation characteristics such as titratible acidity (TA), ammonia (NH3), acetic (Ac), lactic (La), and propionic (Pr) acids (measured chemically). Components such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), starch (St) and sugar (Su) were determined by chemical or NIR methods. Non-ammonia N (NAN) was calculated by difference between CP and NH3. Data was analyzed using Proc MIXED in SAS. In order, TA was affected by Ac, La, Pr, NAN, St, Su, NH3, ash and ADL (P < 0.0001). Intercept, Ac and La accounted for 0.61, 0.20 and 0.18, respectively, of the variation explained by the model. The coefficients for Ac, La and Pr were positive and all other variables had negative coefficients. Average TA was 7.2 in October, increased to 8.0 by January and was maximum (8.9) in April (all different P < 0.005). Corn silage NH3 (percent DM) was related (in order) to Ac, La, CP, St, ADL and Pr (R2 = 0.54). Intercept, Ac and La accounted for 0.40, 0.22 and 0.19 of model variation, respectively. All coefficients were positive. Average NH3 was 0.77 in October increased to 0.90 by January and was maximum (1.08) in May (all different P < 0.0001). When TA replaced individual acids (La, Ac, Pr) in the model, NH3 was related (in order) to TA, CP, St and ADL (R2 = 0.52); TA accounted for 0.73 of model variation. Expressing NH3 as percent of CP reduced the R2 (= 0.45) and the influence of CP (P = 0.093). When months in storage was added to the NH3 model with TA, CP, St and ADL, the R2 increased to 0.56, and the linear and quadratic effects of storage were significant (P < 0.0001). When Ac was grouped by level, DM, St and Su decreased, and fiber and NH3 increased, as group Ac increased. Region or year had limited effects on any of the results. We concluded that NH3 in fermented corn forage is related not only to the extent of fermentation as indicated by TA or acids (Ac, La, Pr), but also to time in storage. Fermentation relationships can explain changes in corn forage that affect utilization.

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Research Roundup

August 10th, 2011 by Courtney Beck

Here are some of the latest research findings pertaining to silage and dairy production presented at the 2011 American Dairy Science Association/American Society of Animal Science Joint Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La.:

2011 ADSA®-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting - New Orleans, Louisiana

165 The Effects of Protease Enzymes and Storage on the Ensiling and Nutritive Value of Corn Silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding protease enzymes to chopped whole plant corn on silage fermentation and nutritive value after varying lengths of storage. Chopped and processed whole plant corn (Mycogen TMR2W726, Dow AgroScience, Indianapolis, Ind.) was harvested (36.3 percent dry matter) and ensiled without enzymes or treated with one of two different proteases (E85 or E86; AB Vista, Wiltshire, U.K.) at one times (1X) or one hundred times (100X) the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. The enzymes were mixed with a phosphate buffer and applied to chopped forage while mixing. Replicated-treated piles of forage were prepared for each enzyme treatment. Four bags of forage were vacuumed and heat-sealed for each enzyme treatment and storage time and allowed to ensile at 23 ± 2 degrees C for 45 and 150 days. The hypothesis was that in the silo, proteases would liberate starch and increase starch digestibility (Starch-D). The statistical analysis included the main effects of enzyme treatments, days of storage and their interactions. When compared with untreated silage, there was no effect of protease or length of storage (45 vs. 150 days) on pH, concentrations of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or starch. At 45 and 150 days, treatment with proteases did not affect NDF-D or the concentrations of lactic acid, acetic acid or ethanol when compared with untreated silage. Ammonia-N and soluble-N (percent of CP) contents increased after ensiling compared with levels at harvest and were greater (P < 0.01) for the 100X enzyme doses when compared with untreated silage at both storage times (45 and 150 days). Starch-D (ruminal in vitro, seven hours) was 66.3 percent for freshly chopped corn plants. After 45 days of ensiling, treatment with E86 100X had greater (P < 0.01) starch-D (80.6 percent) than all other treatments except it was similar to E85 100X. After 150 days of ensiling, E85 1X (81.9 percent), E85 100X (82.9 percent) and E86 100X (88.6 percent) had greater (P < 0.01) starch-D than untreated silage (74.0 percent). Effects of the proteases on amino acid content and for longer periods of storage will be determined. The data obtained to date suggests that exogenous proteases could be used to improve in vitro ruminal starch-D in corn silages.

M352 On-Farm Dry Matter Testing to Improve Feed Delivery Precision on Dairy Farms

Silage comprises a major portion of total mixed rations (TMR) in most dairy operations. The content of the TMR that is offered to the animals differs from the intended ration. The uncertainty of rations may affect feed efficiency and consequently milk production, feed expenses and environmental losses. When silage is measured by weight, unaccounted for changes in silage dry matter (DM) content may substantially change a fed ration. The objective of this study was to measure variation in silage DM on selected dairy farms and determine the potential usefulness of an electronic method of on-farm DM analysis. A field survey of 31 Maryland dairy producers obtained data about on-farm DM analysis frequency, DM analysis methods, ration analysis frequency, feeding regimen, milk production and number of cows. Of those surveyed, 83 percent reported testing forage DM more than once per year by any method, and 63 percent reported testing DM by an on-farm method; mean number of cows was 103, and mean reported rolling herd average was 22,100 pounds. Eight surveyed producers volunteered to collect on-farm DM data for 21 days. Producers performed daily DM analysis using a Farmex 1210 electronic silage tester, recorded observations on rain events, and recorded ration changes related to the daily DM analysis. Silage samples corresponding to the on-farm DM analyses were retained, and were analyzed for DM after drying at 55 degree C followed by 100 degrees C (as standard method) and electronic tester (in-lab). There were large differences among farms in how well different methods of DM analysis compared. The difference between on-farm DM (electronic) and standard DM had a mean of 1.82 percent and SD of 4.99 percent. Ninety-five percent of observations fell within the limits of agreement (1.96 x SD ± mean) of −7.97 and 11.60 percent. The electronic method did not compare well to laboratory DM analysis for most farms.

T337 Effect of Replacement of Conventional Corn Silage With Brown Midrib Corn Silage on Behavior and Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows

Feeding forages with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility to high-producing cows has the potential to increase feed intake and milk yield. However, highly digestible forage-based diets may negatively affect feeding behavior and ruminal fermentation. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows (six ruminally fistulated) averaging 196 days in milk were used in a crossover design study with two-week periods (10-days adaptation, four-days collection) to determine the effect of NDF digestibility of corn silage on chewing behavior, ruminal fermentation, total tract digestibility and lactational performance. Dietary treatments consisted of 1:1 replacement (dry matter, or DM, basis) of conventional corn silage with brown midrib corn silage (BMR). The total mixed ration (TMR) contained 43 percent corn silage, 15 percent grass silage and 42 percent corn-soybean based grain mix (DM basis). The NDF content was 37.7 and 42.0 percent, the physically effective NDF (peNDF) was 35.8 and 39.6 percent, and 24-h NDF digestibility was 42.3 and 57.0 percent NDF for the conventional and BMR corn silages, respectively. Data were analyzed as a crossover design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Cows had higher dry matter intake but lower feed efficiency when fed the BMR diet. Diet did not affect milk yield, milk composition, time spent eating or time spent ruminating. However, cows chewed less per unit of NDF and had a lower mean pH over a 24 hour period when fed the BMR diet. Highly digestible forage does not stimulate chewing to the extent that would be predicted based on standard laboratory methods, such as peNDF. Measurement of peNDF may need to be adjusted based on forage NDF digestibility since chewing response is a function of forage particle size and NDF digestibility.

222 Alternative Approaches of Replication for Estimating in Vitro Starch Disappearance

Measuring disappearance kinetics of starch and other substrates as they ferment is expensive and labor intensive because replicated serial measurements are needed. Assuming starch is 100 percent digested, rates of disappearance could be calculated theoretically from measurements at a single time by assuming that disappearance is zero at a fixed and assumed lag time. However this approach is dependent on removal of outliers and high precision in the measurement of in vitro starch digestion (IVSD). Our objective was to evaluate alternative strategies for minimizing the number of IVSD needed to measure starch disappearance rates. The IVSD of six samples of corn grain or silage (4-mm grind) were measured in quadruplicate on three consecutive days by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Inc. using a composite inoculum from three donors fed total mixed ration (TMR). Measurements were made at two, four, six, 12, 18 and 24 hours. Local regression (Proc LOESS in SAS) was used to detect outliers. LOESS has the advantage that not only the observations replicated within day, but also those from repeated days and serial times can be used to detect outliers. Proc NLIN of SAS was used to fit a model with a single exponential pool with discrete lag to the results. Rate and lag estimates were generated for each replicate within day. Proc MIXED of SAS was used to test day effects with random replicates. There was no difference among consecutive days for rates (P = 0.13) but a 1-hour difference in lags (P = 0.04). All 72 measurements for each feed were used to estimate the overall rate of starch disappearance, which varied from 0.114 to 0.168/h for the six corn sources. Deviations from the overall rate for each source were calculated by using four replicates within each day or two replicates from each of two days. There was no difference in deviations, absolute deviations or squared deviation for within-day or among-day rate estimates. When two replicates within day were compared with one replicate from two days there was no difference in replication approach. For consecutive-day in vitro, it appears that replications within day are as accurate as between day replicates for estimating rate.

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Potential Economic Value of Increased Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cows via Corn Silage Quality

August 10th, 2011 by Rich Lutz

Rich Lutz, BASF Plant Science

Due to the constantly increasing cost of feed and milk production, improving feed efficiency (FE) is more important than ever in high-producing dairy herds. A number of papers on the subject have been published in recent years, including Casper (2008), Hutjens (2007, 2010), Erdman (2011) and Fry (2011).

Casper et al. (2003) observed that higher FE occurred when dairy herds were having high milk production on lower than expected dry matter intake (DMI). Evaluating these dairy herds indicated that the apparent reason for achieving higher milk production on lower than expected DMI appeared to be related to forage quality.

Hutjens (2010) offered practical applications on how improved forage quality impacts FE and profitability in dairy herds. With herd FE ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 (pounds of 3.5 percent milk per pound of dry matter, or DM) each 0.1 point change is worth approximately 34 cents per cow per day. Key factors impacting FE include forage quality, fiber digestibility, ration formulation, DMI and rumen health. Forage quality remains a key solution in obtaining optimum FE. Producers should consider increasing corn silage levels in rations as feed cost per cow per day may drop by 15 to 30 cents.

A recent Cornell University study (Chase, 2010) demonstrated significantly improved FE for high-producing dairy cows fed NutriDense Silage hybrids compared to those fed either dual purpose corn or brown midrib (BMR) corn silage hybrids.

Agronomic results from the Cornell University study demonstrated that the NutriDense Silage hybrid yielded 5 percent more tons of DM/acre than the BMR hybrid. Yields of the NutriDense Silage hybrid versus the Pioneer® dual purpose hybrid were not significantly different.

Agronomic Results

In the feeding trial, high-inclusion levels of corn silage were evaluated. Total mixed rations (TMR) consisted of 59 percent of the respective corn silage hybrid, 5.5 percent straw and 35.5 percent grain. Twenty cows were assigned to each treatment – NutriDense Silage, BMR or Pioneer dual purpose – at seven to 12 days post-calving and individually fed their respective rations for 10 weeks.

FE, 3.5 percent fat corrected milk (FCM) per pound of DMI, was significantly improved (P<0.002) for cows fed NutriDense Silage (1.87) compared to those fed either the dual purpose (1.74) or BMR (1.76) corn hybrids.

Feed Efficiency Values for Corn Silage Hybrids Varying in Fiber Digestibility

Although feeding the BMR-based TMR did result in improved milk production compared to those fed either dual purpose or NutriDense Silage, this increase in milk yield was a feed intake-driven response (higher DMI) and not indicative of greater energy contribution from the BMR corn silage.

Cows fed NutriDense Silage were 6.3 percent and 7.5 percent more efficient in converting DM into milk than those fed BMR or dual purpose hybrids, respectively. In addition, NutriDense Silage contained 6.3 percent more net energy for lactation (NEL) than BMR and 7.5 percent more NEL than the dual purpose hybrid. These data confirm earlier published work by Akay & Jackson (2001) and Spain & Sampson (2007), who reported improvements in FE when comparing NutriDense hybrids to dual purpose hybrids available in the marketplace.

Assuming 50 pounds DMI/cow/day and feed costs averaging $0.10 per pound of DM, the observed FE improvements could result in a significant income over feed cost (IOFC) advantage.

Potential Economic Value of Corn Silage Hybrids Varying in Fiber Digestibility

Utilizing the data generated from the 2010 Cornell University feeding trial, BASF Plant Science L.P. has developed a silage value calculator. This tool will allow the user to quickly evaluate the potential value that an improvement in FE may bring to a dairy operation, taking into consideration specific input values from the dairy.

Nutrition professionals and their producer clients may wish to consider evaluating corn silage hybrids that have demonstrated improved FE in controlled feeding trials.

For a downloadable PDF of this article, click here.

REFERENCES

Akay, V. and Jackson, J. K. Jr. 2001. Effects of NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids on the rumen fermentation, digestibility and lactation performance of dairy
cows. J Dairy Sci; 84:1698-1706.

Casper, D. P., Whitlock, L. A., Schauff, D., and Jones, D. 2003. Consider the
intake/efficiency tradeoff. Hoard’s Dairyman 148:604.

Casper, D. P. 2008. Factors affecting feed efficiency of dairy cows. Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne IN. April 22-23, 2008, pp. 133-144.

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.

Erdman, R. A. 2011. Monitoring feed efficiency in dairy cows using fat corrected milk per unit dry matter intake. 9th Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Timonium, MD. March 23-24, 2011.

Fry, R. C. 2011. Measuring feed efficiency why and how on the back of a napkin. 22nd Annual Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, Gainesville, FL. February 1 – 2, 2011.

Hutjens, M.F. 2007. Practical approaches to feed efficiency and applications on the farm. Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop Proceedings, pp. 1-5.

Hutjens, M.F. 2010. Lessons learned with low milk prices. 2010 NEAFA Dairy Health and Nutrition Conference Proceedings, Syracuse NY.

Spain, J.N. and Sampson, J.D. 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, p. 556.

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Research Roundup

May 25th, 2011 by Courtney Beck

Here’s the latest research from the Journal of Dairy Science and Michigan State University relating to feed efficiency, milk production and forage feeding.

Nutritional Control of Feed Intake in Dairy Cattle

Feed intake is affected by the interaction of diet characteristics, physiological state of animals, and environmental stressors. The signals controlling feed intake likely change throughout lactation. Control of feed intake is likely dominated by hepatic oxidation of NEFA during transition and propionate in late lactation, while ruminal distension likely controls feed intake of peak lactation cows. Thus, optimizing feed intake requires different diets through lactation (i.e. grouping cows). Controlling mobilization of body fat stores during transition and limiting diet fermentability are keys to maximize feed intake during transition. Peak milk yield is maximized by feeding low- fill diets that are highly fermentable. The filling effect of diets is affected most by concentration, digestibility, and fragility of forage NDF. Diets should be formulated to limit diet fermentability to provide consistent supply of fuels as milk production declines post-peak and plasma insulin concentration and insulin sensitivity of tissues increase.

Milk production and energy efficiency of Holstein and Jersey-Holstein crossbred dairy cows offered diets containing grass silage

Eight Holstein and 8 Jersey-Holstein crossbred dairy cows (all primiparous) were used in a repeated 2 (genotype) × 2 (concentrate level) factorial design study involving a total of 4 periods (each of 6-wk duration), designed to examine the effect of cross-breeding on the efficiency of milk production and energy use. The 4 periods began at 5, 11, 27, and 33 wk of lactation, respectively. Animals were offered a completely mixed diet containing grass silage and concentrates, with the level of concentrate in the diet either 30 or 70% of dry matter (DM). During the final 10 d of each period, ration digestibility and energy use was measured, the latter in indirect open-circuit respiration calorimeters. No significant interaction existed between cow genotype and dietary concentrate level for feed intake, milk production, or any of the energy use parameters measured. Across the 2 genotypes, total DM intake, milk yield, and milk protein and lactose concentrations increased with increasing dietary concentrate level. Thus, cows offered the high-concentrate diet had a higher gross energy (GE) intake, and a higher energy output in feces, urine, milk as heat, and a higher metabolizable energy (ME) intake as a proportion of GE intake and as a proportion of digestible energy intake. Across the 2 levels of concentrates, the Jersey-Holstein cows had a significantly higher total DM intake and body condition score, and produced milk with higher fat, protein, and energy concentrations, compared with those of the Holstein cows. In addition, the Jersey-Holstein cows had a significantly higher GE intake and energy output in urine, methane, and milk. However, crossbreeding had no significant effect on energy digestibility or metabolizability, energy partitioning between milk and body tissue, or the efficiency of ME use for lactation. Relating ME intake to milk energy output and heat production indicated that crossbreeding did not influence ME requirement for maintenance or energy efficiencies. The energy metabolism data were also used to compare energy efficiencies between “early” (data pooled for the first 2 periods) and “late” (data pooled for the second 2 periods) stages of lactation. Stage of lactation had no effect on energy digestibility or metabolizability, whereas increasing stage of lactation increased the rate of energy partitioning into body tissue and reduced the rate of energy partitioning into milk, irrespective of cow genotype. In conclusion, crossbreeding of Holstein dams with Jersey sires had no adverse effects on the overall production efficiency of Holstein dairy cows in terms of milk production, efficiency of ME use for lactation, and energy partitioning between milk and body tissue.

A prospective study of calf factors affecting first-lactation and lifetime milk production and age of cows when removed from the herd

This prospective study was designed to investigate possible carryover effects of calf management practices and how events occurring during the first 16 wk of life affect first-lactation and lifetime milk production as well as age when animals are removed from production. This is the final of 3 stages in a longitudinal study that encompassed 10 yr of data collection. First, management and nutritional data were collected in the first 16 wk of life. The second part of this study evaluated conditions of animals at the time of first calving as affected by calf management, nutrition, and health. Both of these studies have been previously reported. This third portion covers the same calf effects on lactation performance and age at culling. Observations for the current study were collected from on-farm and Dairy Herd Improvement records. The multiple imputation technique was used in this analysis to avoid bias due to missing data. This study concluded that delivery score, weaning dry matter intake, days of illness before 4 mo, days treated before 4 mo, and body weight at first calving all had significant effects on first-lactation production of Holsteins. Delivery score and grain intake at a young age affected lifetime production. Age at culling was only affected by early grain intake in this study.

Influence of a reduced-starch diet with or without exogenous amylase on lactation performance by dairy cows

The objective of this trial was to determine lactation performance responses in high-producing dairy cows to a reduced-starch versus a normal-starch diet and to the addition of exogenous amylase to the reduced-starch diet. Forty-five multiparous Holstein cows, 68±29 d in milk and 696±62kg of body weight (BW) at trial initiation, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a completely randomized design; a 2-wk covariate adjustment period with cows fed the normal-starch diet was followed by a 10-wk treatment period with cows fed their assigned treatment diets. The normal-starch total mixed ration did not contain exogenous amylase (NS−). The reduced-starch diets, formulated by partially replacing corn grain and soybean meal with whole cottonseed and wheat middlings, were fed without (RS−) and with (RS+) exogenous amylase addition to the total mixed ration. All diets contained 50% forage and 19.8% forage neutral detergent fiber (dry matter basis). Starch and neutral detergent fiber concentrations averaged 27.0 and 30.9%, 22.1 and 35.0%, and 21.2 and 35.3% (dry matter basis) for the NS−, RS−, and RS+ diets, respectively. Expressed as a percentage of BW, dry matter intake was greater for cows fed RS− than for cows fed NS− or RS+. Intake of neutral detergent fiber ranged from 1.09 to 1.30% of BW among the treatments, with that of RS− being 21% greater than that of NS−. Milk yield tended to be greater for cows fed NS− compared with the RS diets. Milk fat content and yield were unaffected by treatment. Milk protein content and yield were greater for cows fed NS− compared with the RS diets. Concentrations of milk urea nitrogen were greater for cows fed RS diets compared with the NS− diet. Body weight, BW change, and body condition score were unaffected by treatment. Feed conversion (kg of milk/kg of dry matter intake) was 10% greater on average for cows fed NS− than for cows fed the RS diets, and tended to be 6% greater for cows fed RS+ compared with RS−. Feeding a reduced-starch diet formulated by partially replacing corn grain and soybean meal with a wheat middlings and whole cottonseed mixture compared with a normal-starch diet without addition of exogenous amylase to either diet reduced milk and component-corrected feed conversions. Addition of exogenous amylase to a reduced-starch diet was of minimal benefit in this study.

Effect of the provision of a low-nutritive feedstuff on the behavior of dairy heifers limit fed a high-concentrate ration

The objective of this study was to examine the behavioral and growth responses of dairy heifers when a low-nutritive feedstuff was provided with (either within or alongside) a limit-fed ration. Twenty-four Holstein dairy heifers (187±11.3 d of age, 231.1±12.0kg), divided in groups of 4, were exposed to each of 3 treatments in a replicated Latin square design with 28-d periods. The treatment rations were (1) total mixed ration (TMR) in a limited amount (TMR-L), (2) TMR in a limited amount with straw (1.8kg of DM/d per heifer) offered as a choice (TMR-SC), and (3) TMR in a limited amount with straw (1.8kg of DM/d per heifer) mixed in (TMR-SM). The TMR was fed, once daily, at a restricted level (2.02% of body weight) and contained (on a DM basis) 19.0% alfalfa/grass haylage, 21% corn silage, 45% high moisture corn, and 15% protein supplement. Feeding behavior and unrewarded time at the feed bunk were recorded for the last 14 d of each period. Standing time was recorded for the last 7 d of each period. Rumination behavior was recorded twice weekly (during the fifth hour after feed delivery) in the last 14 d of each period. Body weight was recorded weekly and group DMI was recorded daily. Dry matter intake was lowest for the TMR treatment compared with the treatments with straw (5.7 vs. 7.3kg/d). Heifer average daily gain tended to be lower on the TMR-SM treatment compared with the TMR-L and TMR-SC treatments (0.78 vs. 0.94kg/d). Feed efficiency (DMI/ADG) was improved on the TMR-L (6.3) compared with TMR-SC (7.8) and TMR-SM (9.9) treatments. Daily feeding time differed between the TMR-L (76.1min/d), TMR-SC (206.9min/d), and TMR-SM (279.2min/d) treatments. Unrewarded feeding time at the feed bunk differed between the TMR-L (38min/d) compared with the TMR-SC (10.9min/d) and TMR-SM (1.7min/d) treatments. Inactive standing time differed among treatments, with TMR-L being the highest compared with TMR-SC and TMR-SM (556.4 vs. 409.9 vs. 340.1min/d). There tended to be fewer heifers ruminating on the TMR-L compared with TMR-SM (14.0 vs. 21.9%). The results suggest that provision of straw as a choice alongside a limit-fed ration will allow heifer growth rates to be met, as well as provide a suitable foraging source that heifers can use to satisfy their natural feeding behavior patterns.

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The importance of agricultural research

March 21st, 2011 by Courtney Beck

A recent article by Rick Jordahl in Pork Magazine looked to the importance of research in agriculture and the threat of its decline in the coming years. In the introduction of “U.S. Ag Research In Decline,” the article discusses why research is vital to the industry:

To remain competitive in the long term, every business must embrace the latest technology, apply the most productive strategies and employ the latest tools. For U.S. agriculture, that means robust research needs to continue at a brisk pace.

The United States has a rich history of support for agricultural research. In 1862, the Morrill Act provided grants of land and money to state colleges, whose main objective was to advance the science and understanding of agriculture and associated disciplines. About 25 years later, the Hatch Act established agricultural experiment stations. In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act started agricultural extension services so vital today in making the latest information available to farmers.

Here at NutriDense, research is also very important. Our e-Newsletter stays on top of the latest NutriDense and industry research. Additionally, you’ll find results from recent NutriDense Silage research studies on our Dairy page.

Additionally, listen in to our most recent podcast with NutriDense Silage product manager Greg Jones to hear more about upcoming research projects in 2011.

1 Chase, L.E. (2010). Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility. 2010 JAM, Denver CO; July 11-15, 2010. Abstract #813.

2 Sampson JD, Spain JN. Use of NutriDense Corn Variety for Corn and Corn Silage in Diets Fed to High Producing Dairy Cows. Reference information available upon request from BASF Plant Science Nutrition.

3 Akay V, Jackson JK Jr. Effects of NutriDense and Waxy Corn Hybrids on the Rumen Fermentation, Digestibility and Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 2001;84:1698-1706.

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Cow-culate your savings

February 28th, 2011 by Courtney Beck

There is a new feature on our Dairy page that helps to make math fun – and profitable.

Previously on the blog, we showed you the results of university research studies using NutriDense Silage at Cornell University, the University of Missouri and the University of Kentucky.

Using the recent study from Cornell University – which concluded that lactating dairy cows fed NutriDense Silage showed a 6 to 8 percent improvement in feed efficiency – our team put together a “cow”-culator that determines a dairy producer’s annual savings with a 6 percent improvement in feed efficiency.

Head on over to the Dairy page by clicking on the image below to play with the numbers yourself:

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Video of Dr. Mike Hutjens’ World Dairy Expo seminar

October 29th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

One of the highlights for us at the 2010 World Dairy Expo was sponsoring and attending Dr. Mike Hutjens’ seminar “Managing Feed Costs 2010.” The recently retired University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor discussed strategies for evaluating forage inputs, building rations for optimal performance in high-producing cows, and determining nutrient levels and forms. We were also honored to establish the “Michael F. Hutjens BASF Graduate Student Travel Awards” scholarship fund at the seminar to mark his service to the dairy industry.

World Dairy Expo recorded and posted the seminar online:

Managing Feed Costs in 2010 from World Dairy Expo on Vimeo.

Learn more about Dr. Mike Hutjens in these previous posts:

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Carry good corn silage practices through to harvest

October 27th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

Dairy Herd Management’s article “Good corn silage harvest practices pay off” examines the importance of following your corn silage best practices through to harvest. As the article points out, quality corn silage is the basis for proper harvest management and increased milk production:

It all starts with harvest timing. Proper harvest management is critical for high-quality corn silage, which increases milk production in cows. Silage that is too wet when harvested may not ferment properly and can lose nutrients through seepage. If silage is too dry, it has lower digestibility because of harder kernels and more lignified stover. In addition, dry silage does not pack as well, increasing the potential for air pockets and mold, say agronomy experts at Minnesota State University.

To learn more about guidelines for moisture testing and cut and crop processing, read the entire article here. In addition, check out these previous blog posts on ways to maximize corn silage and harvest:

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Heads Up: Cornell Nutrition Conference runs Oct. 19-21

October 19th, 2010 by Karlie Justus

The 72nd annual Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers kicks off tomorrow and runs through Thursday in East Syracuse, N.Y. The conference provides industry-leading research and information for feed industry professionals and nutritional consultants. Our own forage specialist Rich Lutz will be on hand as well, so be sure to say hello.

Back in July, Cornell professor and dairy specialist Dr. Larry Chase presented the study “Milk production and feed efficiency in dairy cows fed corn silage hybrids varying in fiber digestibility” at the American Dairy Science Association’s 2010 Joint Annual Meeting in Denver, Colo.

Learn more about Dr. Chase and the study’s results in these previous posts:

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Podcast: Dr. Randy Shaver discusses corn silage hybrid selections

October 12th, 2010 by Courtney Beck

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Randy Shaver, professor in the Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, about quality corn silage, its implications for dairy production and hybrid selection considerations.

Listen to this podcast, the second in a two-part series, to hear the rest of the conversation.

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For more information on high-quality corn silage, listen to our first podcast interview with Dr. Shaver.

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