A reminder to step up energy needs in cold weather
Failing to meet energy needs during consistently low environmental temperatures can cause dairy calves and older animals to deplete body fat stores, plunging them into negative-energy balance.
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Buying or selling feeds? Know their dry matter
It's importance to know the dry matter concentration when buying or selling feeds. Here are some steps to help you price wet feeds.
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Does feeding frequency make a difference for wet calves?
Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently completed a study comparing the outcomes of feeding young calves milk replacer (both conventional and accelerated diets) four times a day versus two. The results may surprise you.
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More on SARA in calves
In a previous issue, we shared Dr. Jim Quigley’s work concluding that many young calves suffer from subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). This month, Quigley details how the condition affects digestion, health and growth.
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A look at copper toxicity in heifers
Growing heifers may be more susceptible to chronic copper toxicity than previously thought. Toxicity in young animals also may occur at dietary levels lower than those that induce toxicity in mature Holsteins.
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Focus on good calf growth
Dairy calves need plenty of energy for growth and to build a strong immune system. Freezing conditions divert energy into maintenance, causing calves to fall short of the energy they need for good health and growth.
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What's new in vitamins for dairy cattle?
An eXtension paper takes a look at the latest research on vitamin nutrition of dairy cows and current recommendations.
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Rumen microbiology textbook now online
The textbook provides an overview of rumen microbiology and its role in ruminant nutrition. A PDF can be downloaded for free via the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center web site.
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Effects of 2012 drought on feeding dairy animals
Here are some answers on how to handle feeding challenges presented by the drought of 2012.
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Rumen development happens gradually
All cattle are ruminants, but newborn calves have non-functioning rumens that develop gradually over approximately the first 84 days of life. A description of this progression and a series of graphics illustrate the process.
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Milk replacer storage tips
The experts at Grober Nutrition Inc. provide advice on successfully storing milk replacer on the farm, to maintain its quality and nutritive value until it is fed to calves.
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- Ag markets diverge just before the long holiday weekend
- Study suggests dairy herd water quality linked to milk production
- Wis. lawmakers question challenges to large wells
- Traders evening up positions ahead of the weekend Friday
- Bio-Vet and Keller break ground on new facility
- NOAA: Get ready for a busy hurricane season
- Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
- White House urges Senate to cut crop insurance in farm bill
- Class III futures close out quietly last week
- 4 rules for growing a business or industry
- Drop in U.S. underground water levels has accelerated
- Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation
