Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

Compliments of:

Helping Producers Get the Mostfrom Their Dairy Feeds

Sexed Semen Delivers More thanHeifer Calves

Cooling Systems

Optimizing Forage Quality through Proper Harvesting, Ensiling, and Feedout Practices

Horn Flies Can Be a Significant Economic Burden on the Dairy Farm

™

As the cost of many feed ingredients continues to rise, pro-ducers can be particularly receptive to learning moreabout ways to get the most from their dairy feeds. And,

helping dairy producers shift from a mindset of increasing drymatter intake – regardless of the cost – to increasing productionefficiency is a great way to make a difference when advisingclients.

For years, the dairy industry has focused on maximizing milkyield and feed intake while minimizing disease as benchmarks forimproving herd profit. Now production efficiency is an emergingmetric of performance for dairy operations. “Beef, poultry andswine producers have long recognized efficiency as a key produc-tion measure,” Dr. Arden Nelson, diplomate ABVP – dairy spe-cialty, Windsor, Colorado.

“Since a dairy’s biggest input cost is feed, it makes sense tohelp them focus on ways to get more production from everypound of feed.” Simply put, production efficiency is a measure ofunit output as a function of unit input. For dairy producers,improving production efficiency is about getting more out of the

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.

Helping Producers Get theMost from Their Dairy Feeds

1 Dairy Performance Edge is a bi-annual publication of ADM AllianceNutrition, Inc. Performance Edge is intended to enable us at ADM AllianceNutrition to help you achieve your production goals and to better serve you.

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.1000 N 30th Street, PO Box C1, Quincy, Il 62305-31151-866-666-7626 • www.admani.com

During transition andearly lactation• Cows need extra energy to

recover from calving andachieve peak production.

• Cows that are in negativeenergy balance mobilize bodyfat for energy.

• The goal is to increase dietaryenergy from the ration whilemaintaining rumen health.

In mid- and late lactation• During this time cows’ energy

consumption and energy out-put come into balance.

• Diet sustains production andpregnancy, with excess energyused to recover body condi-tion in early lactation.

• Cows’ milk-production efficiencyresponse to Rumensin graduallyshifts, enabling them to maintainproduction with less feed.

During the dry period• Cows need energy to maintain

their pregnancy.• Rumensin enables more effi-

cient use of feed to maintainbody condition and for contin-ued fetal development.

Rumensin Provides Value Throughout the Lactation Cycle

Photo courtesy of Elanco Animal Health.

Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

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feed that goes in. Thus, milk-production efficiency*(MPE) can be described as pounds of milk yield perpound of dry matter intake.

Rumensin®** helps deliver more milkper pound of feed

Adding Rumensin to dairy lactation rations helpsproducers get more milk per pound of feed – the ulti-mate in production efficiency. Whether producers getmore milk from the same feed or the same milk yieldsby feeding less, Rumensin makes a difference in theherd’s lactation and dry matter intake curves to maxi-mize profits. And, Rumensin delivers more milk perpound of feed for just pennies per head per day.

Helping producers succeed with newfeed ingredients

When adopting a nutrition tool, like Rumensin,rumen management is the key to success, according toNelson. Unfortunately, producers too often can reactto a change in feeding without considering the role ofthe rumen, he says. “The rumen of a cow is very com-plex and sensitive to change,” Nelson says. “In myexperience it takes 7 to 10 days to allow the rumen to adjust to a new input, but ideally I like to see aclient wait the full 21 days necessary for full rumenstability.”

Rules-of-thumbAn extensive review of data from nine North

American trials conducted by Elanco Animal Healthshowed that both performance and profitability from

feeding Rumensin were best when diets had:

• Adequate effective fiber

• Comparatively lower amounts of highly fermentable carbohydrates

• Comparatively lower amounts of unsaturatedfats

The review also identified these rules-of-thumbfor rations contributing to higher performance:

Carbohydrate-related • Adequate physically effective neutral detergent

fiber (peNDF), with forages providing from 11.5 lb to 12.3 lb NDF

• NDF >28%, with 21% to 27% derived from forages

• Non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) < 40%

• < 25% high-moisture, finely ground grainsand/or finely chopped forages

• 26-28% dry, coarsely ground grains

Unsaturated-fat-related• Limit fats to <6% of the total ration

• Avoid excess levels of unsaturated fats

• Minimize rumen-available unsaturated fats byusing ingredients like rumen-inert fatty acids,tallow, whole cottonseed, or protected fats

• Avoid low rumen pH

The study also shows that feeding Rumensin gen-erates the same amount of energy as adding 1 to 2 lbof corn – for just pennies per head per day. The

Rumensin ImprovesRumen Fermentation toDeliver More Milk PerPound of Feed

Rumensin improves the efficiencyof rumen fermentation by changing themicrobial populations in the rumen.1

This microbial shift increases the pro-duction of propionic acid, the most effi-cient VFA, and decreases the propor-tion of less-efficient VFAs. In effect,cows fed Rumensin digest their feedmore efficiently so that from 2% to 4% more energy is made available from their diet.

Rumensin Increases the Proportion of Propionic Acid DuringRumen Fermentation4

1Russel, JB. A proposed mechanism of monensinaction in inhibiting ruminal bacterial growth:Effects on ion flux and protonmotive force.Journal of Animal Science. 64:1519-1525, 1987.2Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.3Hungate, RE. The rumen and its microbes.Academic Press, New York, 1966.4Mutsvangwa T, JP Walton, JC Plaizer and TFDuffield. Effects of a monensin controlled-releasecapsule or premix on attenuation of subacuteruminal acidosis in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci.85:3454-3461.

Usable energyfrom digestionof feed

VFA Control Rumensin (20 g/ton)

Acetic acid (millimoles) 109.5 107.7

Propionic acid (millimoles) 36.8 39.6

Acetate:propionate ratio 3.3:1 2.8:1a

aControl vs. Rumensin (P<.05)

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ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.

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additional energy provided is beneficial at all stagesof lactation and allows higher levels of forage to befed to ensure a healthier diet.

Rumensin generates as much energy as 1 to 2 lb of corn.

The bottom lineImproving milk-production efficiency provides

benefits, regardless of the price of milk or cost offeed. That’s why so many dairy producers are feed-ing Rumensin throughout lactation and the dry peri-od. “I encourage my clients to think of the long-termbenefits of its use, especially when market conditionschange, and milk prices drop and feed pricesincrease,” Nelson says. “I recommend that clients putRumensin in the ration and leave it in, because thecosts and advantages of Rumensin use are undeni-able.” �

For more information about optimizing a herd’s response toRumensin, call Elanco Customer Service toll-free, (800) 423-4441, and request publication AI9848.

*Production of marketable solids-corrected milk per unit of feedintake

**Rumensin is a trademark for Elanco’s brand of monensin sodium.

© 2007 Elanco Animal Health

For additional product information or toreport a suspected adverse event associatedwith the use of this product, call (800) 428-4441.

Rumensin for Dairy Cows

Rumensin is the only FDA-approvedfeed ingredient for lactating and dry cowsthat increases milk-production efficiency byeconomically delivering more milk per poundof feed while maintaining the natural whole-someness of milk.

• Rumensin (monensin sodium) deliversmore milk per pound of feed for just pen-nies per head per day.

• Rumensin increases milk-production effi-ciency throughout lactation and the dryperiod.

• Rumensin meets the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration’s (FDA’s) stringent stan-dards for effectiveness, and animal, envi-ronmental and human-food safety.

• On average, Rumensin provides a 5:1return on your investment.

• Producers should work with their nutri-tional advisors to determine the feedinglevel that is right for their herds.

Rumensin Dose Recommendations for Dairy Cows

Total Mixed Rations (“complete feed”): Feed continuously to dryand lactating dairy cows a total mixed ration (“complete feed”) containing11 to 22 g/ton monensin on a 100% dry matter basis.

Component Feeding Systems (including top dress): Feed continu-ously to dry and lactating dairy cows a Type C Medicated Feed containing11 to 400 g/ton monensin. The Type C Medicated Feed must be fed in aminimum of 1 pound of feed per cow per day to provide 185 to 660mg/head/day monensin to lactating cows or 115 to 410 mg/head/daymonensin to dry cows.

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Photo courtesy of Elanco Animal Health.

Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

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Sexed semen has been on the technological horizonfor several years. Advances in sex sorting tech-nique and set-up procedures have enabled this lat-

est reproductive management tool to become a commer-cial realization. Since many dairy herds use artificialinsemination (AI), the use of sexed semen (also referredto as ‘gender selected semen’) does not mandate achange in the reproductive management program.Sexed semen offers dairy producers more than anincrease in the number of heifers born. Generatingcalves with desirable traits is another huge advantage for sexed semen programs. The degree of accuracy withsexed semen won’t leave too many dairy producers wondering about the sex of calves, as the accuracy rate is 85-90%.

The price might have some producers wonderingabout the merits of a sexed semen program. The cost ofany technology should be weighed against the benefits.A sexed semen program has the capability to pro-vide multiple commercial applications including:

• Increase in number of heifers born – This is themost obvious advantage of the program.Producers can obtain the number of heifers need-ed without relying on purchasing herd replace-ments.

• Accelerate genetic progress – Selection intensitycan be increased by choosing genetically superiorfemales for insemination using sexed semen fromproven genetically superior bulls.

• Herd expansion – Obviously, more heifers will beneeded to increase herd size. Sexed semen programsoffer a reliable means to acquire more heifers on apredictable timetable.

• Lower biosecurity risk – Increasing the number ofheifers born could eliminate the need to purchasereplacement heifers, which decreases the likelihood of disease introduction to the herd.

• Better management of herd growth – Herd growthcan be controlled at a steady rate, which eases man-agement challenges associated with dramatic leap inherd size.

• Aggressive culling – A sexed semen program facili-tates aggressive culling because the producer can beassured of having replacements from within the herd.Producers can aggressively cull the chronic health-challenged cows and lower producing cows knowinga replacement is on the way. The result can be ahealthier, more productive herd.

• Calving ease advantage – Lessens occurrence of calv-ing problems when semen is chosen from higherrepeatability “calving ease” sires (bulls that sire a lowpercentage of calves with difficult birth). Heifercalves are generally smaller than bull calves, so

calving difficulties will be greatly decreased whenselecting females.

• Embryo contracts – Facilitates filling embryo con-tracts for in vitro fertilization, super ovulation, andembryo transfer programs.

• Produce superior bull calves – Produce geneticallysuperior bull calves for use as AI bulls.

• Crossbreeding – Offers advantages in crossbreedingprograms.

Reported lower conception rates using sexed semencompared to non-sexed semen have producers con-cerned about the impact on the reproductive program.One company involved in the production of sexedsemen states that with their product the “overall repro-ductive performance will be as effective as current AIprograms.” Undoubtedly, the experience and training ofAI technicians has a bearing on conception rates. Due to

observed lower conception rates, some dairy specialistssuggest using sexed semen with heifers as their concep-tion rates are typically twice that of mature cows, theembryonic death rate is lower for heifers, and smallercalves will lead to healthier, stronger heifers entering themilking herd.

Producers should carefully consider the geneticmerit of bulls used for sexed semen production. Tomake genetic progress (better herd performance), pro-ducers need to choose sexed semen from geneticallysuperior, progeny tested AI bulls.

The success of a sexed semen program is dependenton many factors, the two obvious being cost and concep-tion rates. Costs for sexed semen varies. As with any AIprogram, know the source and the AI company’s reputa-tion for delivering high-quality semen. Careful scrutinyof sexed semen application and benefits to individualdairies is a must.

More efficient production can be an economic reali-ty provided sexed semen cost is economical, accuracy ison target, fertility is normal, and calves born are normal.Sexed semen can also provide ecological advantages, asfewer cows would be needed due to better production.Fewer cows mean less feed required and less manureproduced. The incorporation of sexed semen into repro-ductive management programs is viewed by some dairyprofessionals as “very beneficial to the long-term healthof the dairy industry.” Sexed semen technology andapplication is capable of providing better products with-in a shorter timeframe at a lower cost. �

Sexed Semen Delivers Morethan Heifer Calves

Advances in sex sorting technique andset-up procedures have enabled this latestreproductive management tool tobecome a commercial realization.

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.

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Dairies throughout the U.S. have shown to besusceptible to significant heat stress issueswith the Pacific Northwest area being the only

exception. The benefits of providing supplementalcooling for dairy cattle have been well documented.Numerous technologies and systems for alleviatingheat stress have been used with varied degrees of suc-cess. When selecting cooling technologies, it is impor-tant to implement the most effective methods that fitthe operation’s specific needs. The ultimate goal is toobtain the most efficient cooling in terms of effect oncows (or gain in milk) versus cost. This article pro-vides an overview of technology options and somebasic applications.

Cooling TechnogiesCooling technologies are presented in order of

complexity and cost. The least costly and simplestcooling techniques are passive. These consist of sitingthe facilities to take maximum advantage of naturalbreezes, minimizing radiant heating from sun pene-tration and insulating to control heat flow. Onecaveat — frequently technologies can be at odds witheach other or specific site conditions may presentproblems. In an ideal situation, each barn can bepositioned to allow maximum air flow from predomi-nant breezes while not allowing excessive sun entrywhich adds to heat issues.

Usually the first item on the “fix” list is to maxi-mize the abilities of structures to collect cooling airflow. Natural ventilation, the cheapest and easiest touse, should be maximized. During siting, it is impor-tant to obtain maximum benefit from any naturalbreezes by exposing the most area of side walls directly to these air flows. Design features primarilyconsist of high, openable sides, and an open ridge(Figure 1). It is also important to allow 80' to 100'between buildings to enhance air circulation.

Next is sun penetration. This usually consists ofminimizing total interior exposure to sun from Maythrough August. Especially important is protectionfrom late afternoon sun penetrations. This can becontrolled through proper siting by comparing sunposition to orientation, providing larger overhangs,and even curtains in extreme conditions.

The last of the passive means is insulation. Thisvery effective heat gain barrier is one that has beenmisunderstood for sometime. Traditionally, insulationwas associated with warm barns, those with supple-mental heating, and thought of as a way to hold heatin or control condensation in winter. While it can per-form these functions, it can also stop radiant heatfrom entering these structures in summer. We recentlyconducted tests in Florida and found a 10° differencein temperature at cow height caused by radiant heatin freestall barns with and without insulation (othercooling systems were inactive during the test).

Once the need goes beyond passive, active

systems for ventilation and cooling are employed.Fans used to supplement natural ventilation are gen-erally the next most effective technology versus cost.Fans are generally of two types:

• Horizontal fans• Large HVLS overhead fansHVLS (Figure 2) is an acronym for High Volume

Low Speed. These units are similar to ceiling fans,but much larger. They are quite efficient at movinglarge volumes of air at low velocity, just as the namesays. However, these provide only general air move-ment within a structure with little impedance to freeair flow.

Horizontal fans (Figure 3) are generally most effi-cient when used to create high speed air flow at cowlevel. The most common way to mount these fans ison interior posts to move air within the barn, aidingthe natural flow. These fans can also be mounted inwalls as exhaust units to generate overall airflow.

Next in line in efficiency versus cost is the addi-tion of water for cooling accomplished by either evap-oration or contact cooling. A better way to categorize

Cooling Systemsby Ted Gribble, Professional EngineerFive-G Consulting, Reno, Texas

Figure 1 Naturally ventilated barn

Figure 2 Position of large HVLS overhead fan in adairy barn.

Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

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these methods is “cooling the air” or directly “coolingthe cow by contact.” “Cooling the air” employs evap-oration and works better in areas with lower humidi-ties. By misting water into the air, evaporation raisesthe relative humidity and lowers air temperature.Water can also be used to directly soak the cows caus-ing primary “cooling on contact.” With soaking thereis secondary cooling when this water evaporates offthe cows.

The above constitutes the primary technologiesused to ventilate and cool dairy cattle structures.Other technologies are available such as air condition-ing, heat pump systems, and heat exchangers; however,these technologies are more expensive and seldomused.

Cooling SystemsMost cooling systems are a conglomeration of the

aforementioned technologies. The simplest system isto combine natural ventilation with horizontal fans toprovide aid in severe heat conditions. This consists ofan optimally sited and designed open barn with 36" to48" diameter horizontal fans positioned to enhance airflow. These fans are usually from 24' to 36' apart atthe feed bunk first, then over the beds. The next addi-tion would be to add water soakers at the feed line toprovide additional contact cooling during feeding.These soakers work best when operated on a threeminute on, twelve minute off cycle. This system offans and soakers also works well when added toholding pens. In dry climates, misters can be used inlieu of soaking; however, the nozzles are more diffi-cult to maintain, making soaking more popular.

The HVLS fans can be helpful with overall air-flow when used in the absence of natural ventilation.Recent tests at the University of Georgia affirm thatHVLS units are much less effective than horizontalfans at lowering heat stress. The reason here is prima-rily velocity, while they move a large volume of air; itis at a very low velocity. Cows need a high velocityair flow to carry away the heat. The best use of HVLSfans is for areas that because of design or other issueshave poor natural ventilation.

The ultimate in mechanical systems is to com-pletely pass on natural air flows and move to “tunnelventilation.” In these systems, structures are com-pletely enclosed on three sides. A large number ofexhaust fans are mounted opposite the open end andall air is forced to travel thru the barn (the long direc-tion) to create a high speed air flow throughout(Figure 4). The desired design air velocity here is 8 mph minimum increasing to 12 mph along the GulfCoast. It is helpful to use a flat pitch roof and lowside walls to minimize the cross section area whichincreases air speed. Normally, barns also feature cur-tain sides, roof insulation, and misting or soaking. An advantage of the tunnel concept is that barns maybe located close together without compromising ventilation.

Cross ventilation systems, a type of tunnel barnwhere air is moved the short direction across insteadof the long distance through the structure, are alsoused. Generally, buildings are then made much widerwith more animals. Obtaining high air speeds is moredifficult, but total construction costs can be less.These structures ventilate very similar to most swineand poultry buildings.

SummaryThis narrative touches on the most common tech-

nologies and systems in use today for ventilatingdairy structures. It is important to understand howthe systems work and properly apply each.

Additional information is available from univer-sities or, if you desire specific help, contact Five-GConsulting for assistance in barn design. �

Photos courtesy of Five-G Consulting.For more information on design and construction of

dairy facilities, contact the dairy design professionals atFive-G Consulting by phone 903-783-9995 or emaileng@fiveg.com.

Figure 3 Position of horizontal fans to cool dairycattle.

Figure 4 A tunnel ventilated dairy barn.

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The winter hiatus between silage seasons allowstime to review some of the more important manage-ment factors that can make the difference betweenproducing top quality forage and just having some-thing that is “belly fill.” Getting the best quality fromforages is a “cradle to grave” or holistic approach – allof the small details need to be addressed. In an idealworld we would get everything right. Unfortunately,weather, equipment breakdowns, and other factorsconspire to challenge that ideal. Nonetheless, itshould be the goal of producers feeding silage tomanage silage production to control as many vari-ables as possible and maximize the quality of fermentedforage crops. Forages are the dominant part of dairyrations and large components of most beef rationsand so are one of the key determinants of overallprofitability.

Once the forage has been ensiled its qualityis fixed and other ration components need to beadjusted in the light of the quality of the result-ant silages to achieve set production targets. Insome cases, poor-quality ensiled forages maymean that production goals are not achievableand need to be reigned in, resulting in significantfinancial consequences. Hence, the importanceof making sure that one of the key goals of all pro-ducers is to work to hone their management skills toachieve the best possible forage quality and to maxi-mize the retention of that quality through to the con-sumption of the fermented forages by their cattle. Abrief discussion of key management points that influ-ence silage quality follows.

PreparationMake sure fields are well prepared – remove

stones and get the surface as flat as possible to reducethe risk of equipment damage and potential for pick-ing up soil when cutting. Soil introduced at forageharvesting increases the buffering capacity of the for-age, meaning that more acid is required to reduce pH.This can in turn increase the chances of a slow fer-mentation and possible clostridial fermentation,resulting in butyric silage and associated feeding,health, and fertility issues. This is compounded bythe fact that soil can contain very high levels ofclostridial bacteria. In some soils, levels of clostridiaas high as ten billion per gram have been recorded.At this level, 20 lb of soil picked up in a ton of foragewould mean the forage being inoculated with 100 mil-lion clostridia per gram! Picking up 20 lb of soil perton may seem like a lot; however, this is only a 1%increase in the level of ash in the silage. It is quitecommon to see ash levels of 3% or more over the levelexpected for the crop ensiled.

Prior to harvest, ensure forage equipment andsilos are in good repair: Downtime is costly and canseriously affect silage quality. Leaky silos can meanmore air ingress, leading to more problems with heat-ing and spoilage. Make sure silos are sized correctlyin order to maintain the necessary feed-out rates (fastenough to prevent heating from occurring).

Crop Selection, Growth, and HarvestIt is important to select crop(s) and varieties suited

to local conditions (e.g. soil type and climate) and tomeet the overall feeding objectives (i.e. yield, protein,and energy levels). Avoid over use of fertilizer and besure to time slurry applications correctly to ensure allthe nitrogen applied is taken up into the plant andconverted into plant proteins. High levels of non-pro-tein nitrogen in the plant increase the buffering capac-ity of the forage, increasing the ensiling (pH) chal-lenge and can cause some serious issues at feedout ifnot compensated for.

It is vital to cut the crop at the correct stage ofgrowth for each forage crop to achieve the balance ofquality and yield targeted. Chopping at optimumplant dry matter (DM) is also essential:

• Corn silage target range is 32-38% DM

• Haylage crops are best ensiled at 35-40% DM

• Cereal silages grown for energy are best cut andchopped at 38-42% DM

Optimizing Forage Quality throughProper Harvesting, Ensiling, andFeedout Practices by R. Charley, Ph. D.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition

One of the key goals of all producers is toachieve the best possible forage qualityand to maximize the retention of thatquality through to the consumption of thefermented forages by their cattle.

Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

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• Crops taken for pro-tein (e.g. ryelage pre-heading) should betreated like a haylageIf crops are ensiled too

dry they are more difficultto pack, which may lead tomore air ingress, slowingthe fermentation andallowing yeast and moldsto grow, causing heatingand spoilage. High levelsof yeasts can cause thesilage to heat as it comes tothe exposed surface at feed-out and when mixed into aTMR. Silage harvested toowet presents more of anensiling challenge and can beprone to clostridial spoilage,especially more highlybuffered haylage crops.

If there are reasons tosuspect high nitrates in a cornsilage crop, e.g. due todrought, setting the cuttingheight to 18" will significantlyreduce the amount of nitratesin the silage, since nitratespreferentially accumu-late in the lower partsof the plant. Whenharvesting forage,it is important tochop at the cor-rect length –long enough toprovide plenty ofgood, effectivefiber yet shortenough to give goodcompaction. Forunprocessed corn silage,the theoretical length ofcut (TLC) should be 1/4 to1/2". If corn silage isprocessed (increasingly costeffective as DM goes above 30%), the TLC should beset to 3/4". For all other crops, a TLC of 3/8" is recom-mended, though that should be stepped up to 3/4" ifthe silage is bagged, due to the additional mechanicalprocessing going through the bagger. All foragesshould be treated with an inoculant proven effectiveat delivering the results targeted (see next section).

InoculantsInoculants are used for two primary reasons:

• To stimulate or ensure a rapid fermentation (fermentation aids)

• To inhibit aerobic spoilage (spoilage inhibitors). Fermentation aids generally contain efficient

(homofermentative) lactic acid-producing bacteria(LAB) and are mainly used on low dry matter foragecrops that can have low concentrations of fermentable

carbohydrates and high buffering capacities (e.g.grass, alfalfa, clover). Inoculants designed to inhibitspoilage may contain specifc LAB, e.g. Lactobacillusbuchneri, or propionic acid-producing bacteria. Theseproducts are designed for use on materials moreprone to aerobic spoilage such as drier haylages (morethan 35% DM), corn and cereal silages, high-moisturecorn and cereal grains, and baleage. Some productscombine homofermentative LAB with aerobicspoilage inhibitors to cover both up-front fermenta-tion and feedout stability.

Things to consider when comparing silage inocu-lants include:

• Is there ample data for the specific product in thetarget crop from trials conducted at independentresearch facilities, such as universities, verifyingtheir claims?

• Is the product manufactured to quality controlstandards and does the manufacturer haveaccreditation to show that manufacturing procedures are independently reviewed?

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• Is the product packaged appropriately? The use ofhigh barrier foils is preferred to exclude air andmoisture, as is the use of specific preservationagents, e.g. moisture scavengers, in the product formulation.

Other factors to consider when using an inoculantinclude:

• Shelf life and storage conditions should be read,understood, and followed.

• Do not use expired inoculant – check for expirationdate!

• Does the type of product match your expectations?Do you need a fermentation aid and/or a spoilageinhibitor?

• Check application rates several times a day.

Silo Filling to FeedoutForage dry matter should be checked throughout

the filling process to ensure forage is being chopped atthe appropriate dry matter as discussed previously.Compositing the samples taken to check DM through-out filling and then submitting a sub-sample for labora-tory analysis will remove much of the mystery aboutthe quality of the contents of the silo. Fill the silo asquickly as possible and do not leave forage sitting inwagons overnight. Bunkers and piles should be filledin 6" layers using a progressive wedge, with an angle ofapproximately 30˚, consolidated thoroughly, with everyload packed properly. The optimum amount of packingvehicle weight needed can be calculated by multiplyingthe estimated tons of crop delivered to the silo in anhour by 800. Target a minimum packing density of 15 lb DM/cubic foot. The effect of various factors on

packing density achieved is well demonstrated by theinteractive spreadsheet available at the following website: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/storage.htm.

If making a pile, aim for run – rise ratio of no lessthan 4:1 along the sides to allow for continued effectiveand safe packing as the silo fills and pack in all direc-tions (not just front to back). For bunkers and piles, thepacking tractors should be running throughout filling,putting emphasis on the sides as much as the middle.The mantra is, pack, pack, and pack some more. Whenyou think you have packed enough, run for anotherhour.

As soon as filling is completed, the silo should besealed effectively to exclude air. In bunkers, this is bestachieved using side sheets that overlap at the top of thesilo, covered with a fresh top sheet. Recently, a cover-ing plastic with increased air barrier properties has beenmade available in the North American market andshould be considered for ensuring minimal top spoilagelosses. On bunkers and piles make sure that the topsheet is adequately weighted down using tires (touch-ing), bales, or mesh bags filled with pea gravel.

At feedout the silage needs to be fed at a rate suffi-cient to prevent heating. On bunkers and piles, using aface shaver or lateral shaving with a bucket will mini-mize disturbance of the face and so minimize airingress, reducing heating. Keep the exposed surfacesmooth and tidy and do not allow silage to sit in pilesfor extended periods (go straight from the face to thefeed truck or mixer wagon). Any spoiled silage shouldbe discarded, since it has been shown to negativelyaffect intakes and total ration digestibility even whenfed at low rates. Badly spoiled silage can also lead toserious health and fertility problems, along with pro-

duction losses.Finally, ensure a nutri-

tionist balances the rationproperly based on availablesilage(s). Remember, onceproduced the quality ofsilage is fixed; the rest of theration can and should beadjusted to ensure the bestperformance possible fromthe total ration. Remember,it is attention to small detailsthat can make a difference inthe quality of the silages andthe production achievedfrom them. �

Alliance® Animal Health Forage Treatment Products

• Spoilage InhibitorsSilo Guard®*Super Hay

• Up-Front Fermentation Aids (Inoculants)ECOHAYECOSYL®*Super Sile

• Up-Front and Feed-out Stability Fermentation Aids (Inoculants)Pro-Silage Builder®

Pro-Silage Stabilizer™ *Not trademarks of ADM.

Dairy Issue 11, Spring/Summer 2007

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• Horn flies can cause significant economic loss indairy cattle.

• Adverse effects of these biting flies include up to20% lower milk production, weight loss, andgrowth compromise in dairy replacement ani-mals.

• This is in addition to the stress endured by thecow being bitten 20-40 times per horn fly. For ahorn fly population of only 100 flies per animalthis translates to as much as 4,000 bites daily.

Considerations for Choosing an InsectGrowth Regulator(IGR)

For an insect growth regulator to be effective,three conditions must be met:

1. The product must contain a sufficient level ofactive ingredient. The manufacturing processmust be capable of incorporating the formulatedamount of insect growth regulator into the prod-uct without loss in the material handling anddust collection systems.

2. The active ingredient must maintain effectivenessin the product formulation. This requires anunderstanding of the active ingredient’s mode ofaction and its interactions with other componentsin the product.

3. The proper amount of the product must be con-sumed in proper amounts at regular intervalsover the range of grazing conditions that canoccur during the horn fly season.

Guidelines for Selecting Horn FlyControl Program

• Focus on control methods which do not pose riskof insecticide resistance or cross-resistance norhave documented evidence of insecticide resis-tancy.

• Use methods which are value-added, such asfeed-through insecticide mineral products. Thistype of product serves two functions – providesneeded minerals to grazing cattle and decreaseshorn fly numbers.

• The best horn fly control products, from an insec-ticide resistancy stand point, are those which prevent horn fly pupae from developing intoadults.

• If a feed-through insecticide program is chosen,ensure the product is palatable and will be con-sumed daily at recommended levels.

• Selecting a free-choice mineral formulation con-taining an effective, feed-through insecticide willeliminate the need to gather cattle for periodictreatment. This method will minimize time andlabor needed for effective horn fly control whichallows the producer to concentrate on other activities.

• Choose an insecticide which is safe for animals,humans, and the environment.

• Choose a program which leaves no harmfulresidue in meat or milk, when used as directed.

• Choose programs based on research results andproducers’ evaluations of the program.

ADM Alliance Nutrition has a full line of IGRproducts available to help dairy producers preventprofit-robbing horn fly problems and help maximizeprofits. �

Horn Flies Can Be a SignificantEconomic Burden on the Dairy Farm

ADM Alliance Nutrition’s Dairy Solutions Transition Program

Dry Cow Mineral Products• Dry Cow Mineral NL (non-legume forage program)• Dry Cow Mineral PL (part-legume forage program)

Dry Cow Tub• Dry Cow Tub

Dry Cow Concentrates• Dry Cow Dri-trate® Plus • Dry Cow Concentrate 35 • Dry Cow Balancer

Complete Supplements with Glucose Precursors for Transition Cows• Transition Cow MP • Transition Cow MP Plus

Glucose Precursors for Transition Cows• Transition Starter Pak III • Response PG

Dietary Anion Products for Transition Cows• Dry Cow Anion Complete LI • Dry Cow Anion Complete HI• Dry Cow Anion Concentrate • Pre Fresh Pak

Additional Transition Cow Products• Prosponse® Nutrium (provides yeast, microbials, and enzymes)• NutraTHIRST™ (drinkable drench)• Reashure (encapsulated choline chloride)

ADM Alliance Nutrition’s Dairy Solutions Dry & Transition CowSystem delivers the right nutrients in the right balance at theright time for the right results.

Dry and transition dairy cows have specific nutritional demands dependent oncloseness to freshening. The Dairy Solutions Dry & Transition Cow System ofproducts are formulated based upon extensive research. Dairy Solutions Dry &Transition Cow System products provide the needed nutrients to help ensurecows get a healthy start on their next lactation. Quality, dependability, and per-formance are the foundation of Dairy Solutions Dry & Transition Cow products.

FROM DRY TO PROFITABLE IN ONE SMOOTH TRANSITION.

1000 N 30th Street, PO Box C1, Quincy, IL 62305-3115www.admani.com • 866-666-7626