In today’s tough economy, feed efficiency and lower feed costs are at the forefront for dairy producers. A University of Missouri study(1) demonstrated that silage containing NutriDense traits helped with both of those problems. The study found that, based on the Dry Matter Intake (DMI), NutriDense Silage was 11.40% more efficient than conventional corn silage. Additionally, cows fed the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) containing NutriDense Silage were 6% more efficient than the cows fed the TMR containing conventional corn. This increase in milk production efficiency translated into tangible results – a feed cost reduction of approximately $.80 per cow per day was observed.
“What we saw in the research was increased production efficiency,” said Dr. Jim Spain, University of Missouri associate professor of dairy nutrition. “We’ve now seen the same response in the entire University of Missouri herd as they are all being fed NutriDense corn silage. We’ve been able to decrease the inclusion of grain while maintaining production. Because of the increased efficiency, we’re able to improve profitability.”
(1) Sampson, J.D., Spain, J.N. 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.
