Limit-fed heifers generate less manure

Imagine 10 pounds less manure per heifer per day. That was one result of a study reported in the February Journal of Dairy Science. In the study, bred heifers limit-fed for 80 percent of intake generated 2 pounds less manure dry matter per heifer per day than ad-libitum-fed heifers. That’s 10 pounds less manure per heifer per day on a wet basis, says Pat Hoffman, dairy researcher at the University of Wisconsin’s Marshfield Agricultural Research Station. “We are exploring pushing the envelope on limit-feeding strategies for dairy replacement heifers,” Hoffman said last month at the Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, Nev. Things look promising, but proceed with caution if you decide to use this strategy. More research is planned.

1. Ag markets posted mixed showing on Tuesday
2. Plains storms cause minor harm to Oklahoma/Kansas wheat
3. Chocolate milk a top post-workout food
4. Another reason for adults to drink milk
5. Penn State Dairy Team schedules “Tools for Teams” webinars
6. Ag markets generally mixed again Tuesday morning

1. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
2. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
3. D.C. Watch: Farm bill progressing
4. April milk production up 0.3 percent
5. Class III futures close out quietly last week
6. What are the drivers of profit in your dairy herd?

1. Commentary: Slanting the statistics
2. World food supply depends on character, virtuous leadership
3. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
4. Cold spring stunts upper Midwest hay crop
5. N.M. rancher charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty
6. 2014 Farm Bill: Are we near an agreement?