FEED & NUTRITION

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).

Fat and fatty acid (FA) digestion and metabolism in dairy cattle is of considerable interest both to scientists and the dairy industry. The subject has received renewed interest for a number of reasons: First, we now recognize FAs can have specific and potent effects on ruminant digestion and metabolism.

Is your herd’s milk production being maximized? Is lactation performance being limited by a nutrient deficiency such as an amino acid deficiency? The potential for milk production is driven by energy.

From growing, storing and feeding, silage is a big investment of time and money for producers, year over year. Up to 60 percent of the average farm’s expenses are feed-related.

Selecting and planting high-quality alfalfa seed is a critical first step for establishing a healthy, productive stand that can last three to four years – or more. Choosing a variety that stems from high-performing genetics, is protected with a fungicide seed treatment and planted at the appropriate rate can lead to high yields and long stand life.