Dairy Nutrition
The calendar has flipped to a new year and many producers are asking themselves what adjustments need to be made on their operation as they head into 2023. Here are a few small action items that can lead to big results.
As more companies break ground on new soybean processing plants, will soybean meal become cheaper for dairy farmers?
In our quest for healthy, growthy, efficiently raised calves, have we lost some of the more fundamental elements of what makes calves tick?
After some volatile stretches through the year, feed prices are posting a lower drama level as 2022 wraps up.
The 2022 corn crop is essentially all stashed away in the bin and the bunker. Are potentially damaging levels of mycotoxins in storage with it?
It has been well-documented that feeding preweaned calves on a higher plane of nutrition improves calf health and performance. However, providing calves more nutrients may also promote wound healing.
Sometimes called “sudden death syndrome” or “bloody gut,” Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome is characterized by dark, tarry, and sometimes bright red, bloody feces; dehydration; and decreased feed intake.
Inflammation creates additional stress at calving.
The transition period, 3 weeks before and after calving, is challenging for all cows. But for first-calf heifers, it’s likely the scariest and most stressful time in their young lives.
Focused management, proper nutrition and diligent monitoring can help reduce metabolic disorders.
Both NMPF and IDFA issued a joint statement in response to USDA’s proposed changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
When cows are forced to compete for feed, they consume fewer, larger meals with reduced feeding time.
Aggressively consuming dry feeds is the gateway to healthy weaning for young dairy calves.
Connecting dairy’s story and products with consumers is a key ingredient when partnering with retail stores. Midwest Dairy was recognized for its efforts in this area by a leading Midwest retailer earlier this fall.
Giving a second feeding of colostrum to dairy calves can help increase successful passive transfer.
National Dairy Checkoff announced that they will continue their partnership with MrBeast. The YouTube star has a huge following with one video view count surpassing the total number of Netflix subscribers.
National Dairy Checkoff marketing strategy took a 180 turn about 15 years ago, and partnering with companies like these have played a crucial role in building the demand for dairy products.
Achieving big milk production requires doing a lot of small things correctly and consistently in the feeding center.
What was once a humble placeholder crop to prevent soil erosion – and before that, a native prairie grass -- is emerging as an important TMR element and bedding option for dairies.
Creating a herd where all the individuals are healthy and normal increases your chances of economic success.
Tom Vilsack celebrated the fact that we now have hit a historical milestone by reaching the highest dairy consumption in the U.S. Vilsack spoke talked about the importance dairy plays in feeding a growing population.
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. But a common grain contaminant also may be lurking in straw.
While prioritizing growing quality forage is a must, proper feed ingredient storage is equally important, especially during the hot summer months.
As corn planters are finally starting to roll in the Midwest, planning for the finished product can never start too early.
Producers can make a significant impact on their milk checks by increasing milk fat and protein in milk. Changes in feed mixing, frequency and other feed-management strategies can make a notable difference.
During the rush of corn silage harvest, safety often takes a back seat. However, tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye.
Quickly access feed data to capitalize on efficiency.
Rainfall has been lackluster throughout parts of the country. With fields deprived of moisture, don’t be surprised if this year’s corn silage crop is drought stressed.
Feeding waste milk to calves captures high-quality nutrients and adds value to a product that otherwise would be discarded. But recent research sheds light on concerns about the practice.