FEED & NUTRITION

The transformation of nutrients from a predominantly green and brown feed mix into a creamy white, life-sustaining liquid called milk by the dairy cow is a truly amazing process. One of the main components of the dairy cow’s milk is fat (butterfat). It is the component by which Canada’s supply management system is managed.

Often when nutritionists think of fatty acid nutrition, our minds turn to fat supplements. However, the area is much broader than dairy cattle diet fat supplements and should be recognized as such.

Most dairy research tends to focus on protein and energy needs, and trace minerals are often overlooked. Yet when we fail to consider the role of trace minerals, problems can arise, including interferences or interactions with minerals in feed and water.

Oilseed byproducts are an effective source of protein for dairy cattle, with soybean meal being a common ingredient in North American dairy rations. However, canola meal has been garnering interest by dairy nutritionists in recent years thanks to a growing body of research demonstrating positive impacts on performance and increased canola production in Canada, resulting in increased availability of canola meal into the U.S.

Corn is a vital part of most rations in Canada and comes in many forms: corn silage, dry corn and high-moisture corn (including earlage or snaplage). This article will focus on high-moisture corn.

As many hay producers and operators know, one of the most challenging aspects of baling hay is determining its quality and relative feed value (RFV).