Dairy Updates Dairy Resources Department of Animal Science Dairy Update Issue 126, December 1997 Alternative Feeds For Dairy Cattle In Northwest Minnesota: An Update Harouna A. Maiga, Extension Educator, Becker County George D. Marx, Dairy Science Professor, University of Minnesota, Crookston Vince W. Crary, Extension Educator, East Polk County James G. Linn, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Feed is the major cost associated with dairy production. One way to reduce or control feed costs for dairy farms is to maximize the use of high quality forages in rations. High quality legumes and grasses provide dairy cows and heifers with a good source of protein, energy, fiber and minerals. Corn silage is a high energy feed that supplies fiber as well as grain. However, poor growing, harvesting and/or drying conditions often result in a low supply of high quality forages. If all low quality forages are fed to dairy cows, decreases in intake often result, and milk production decreases because of insufficient nutrients. When dairy producers are forced to feed low quality forages, one option is to look for low cost alternative or byproduct feeds to substitute for some of the low quality forages in the ration. In Northwest Minnesota, several energy feeds, protein supplements, and byproducts can be used as alternative feeds for dairy cows. They can be substituted in the dairy ration to compensate for energy and protein, and improve intake and milk production. The rate of substitution will depend on palatability, nutrient composition, wetness, metabolic problems associated with high intake, price and availability. | |
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