Selecting the right feed supplement is crucial for dairy farm productivity. This guide details various options, including potatoes, meal, molasses, and silage, highlighting their energy content, wastage rates, and key considerations for effective use.
Selecting the right feed supplement is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy cattle. In the U.S., farmers are increasingly turning to detailed guidelines to make informed decisions about supplementing their cows’ diets. The variety of available options, including potatoes, molasses, and silage, each comes with its own set of considerations regarding energy content, cost, storage, wastage, and feeding logistics.
Understanding Supplement Options
Here’s a brief overview of common supplements and their attributes:
- Potatoes: High in energy (13.0 MJ ME/kg DM) but prone to wastage (over 20%) and can cause health issues if fed in excess. Limit intake to 3kg per day.
- Molasses: Provides 12 MJ ME/kg DM energy. With a wastage rate of 10-15%, it should be limited to 1.0-1.5kg per day to prevent adverse effects.
- In-shed Feeding Mix (25% Tapioca, 75% PKE): Delivers 8.45 MJ ME/kg DM. Wastage ranges from 10-20% in bins and can exceed 30% in paddocks. Ensure proper mixing to avoid health issues.
- Palm Kernel: Contains 11.0 MJ ME/kg DM energy. Wastage is similar to other feeds but should not exceed 30% of the diet due to potential taste aversions and copper levels.
- Silage/Baleage: Varies in energy content (9.0-10.0 MJ ME/kg DM). High wastage and not ideal for milking cows unless high in energy.
- Maize Silage: Energy content is between 10.0-11.0 MJ ME/kg DM. It should constitute no more than 30% of the diet to avoid nutritional imbalances.
- Cereal Silage: Offers 8-11 MJ ME/kg DM. The quality and wastage can vary significantly.
- Hay: Suitable for dry cows, with energy content between 8-9 MJ ME/kg DM. Wastage exceeds 20%.
- Straw: Provides 6.3-6.7 MJ ME/kg DM. It’s best for dry cows and can help meet fiber requirements.
- Onions: High in energy (13 MJ ME/kg DM) but can cause anemia and milk taint. Wastage is over 20%.
- Kiwifruit: Contains 12-12.5 MJ ME/kg DM. It should be introduced gradually, with risks of acidosis and choking if fed improperly.
Key Considerations
Farmers must consider the energy content, wastage, and potential health effects of each supplement. Supplements should have an energy content of at least 10.5 MJ ME/kg DM to match pasture energy levels. Proper management and gradual introduction are essential to prevent health issues and ensure optimal performance.
This comprehensive approach helps U.S. dairy farmers select the best supplements for their cows, balancing cost, nutrition, and overall animal well-being.
