FEED & NUTRITION

It is a balancing act when it comes to feeding protein. Dairy cows do not have a requirement for crude protein – instead, they require amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The main sources of amino acids are:

Kilograms of milkfat and milk protein shipped, also known as milk component yield (MCY), accounts for a large portion of the milk cheque.

Most dairy feeding studies are conducted in mid-lactation, providing vital information regarding the nutritional needs of cows. Since 2000, 28 such feeding experiments have been conducted evaluating canola meal as an ingredient for dairy cows.

Plastic recycling is an issue that concerns consumers in almost every industry, and agriculture is no different.

A study released in 2011 found that Ontario farmers use nearly 7,000 tonnes of plastic as part of their yearly operations.

Some years, by some happy accident, producing forage goes well and the end product is not only marketable but of exceptional quality.

“My feed bill is too high. How can I cut my feed costs?”

As nutritionists, it’s a question we hear often. And on dairies with robots, it’s no different.