Variability of Bypass Protein in Forages by Patrick C. Hoffman and Nancy M. Brehm Department of Dairy Science University of Wisconsin-Madison Introduction Until recently there have been no commercially viable tests to evaluate bypass protein content of forages. As a result, nutrition consultants and producers have estimated the bypass protein content of forages to formulate rations. The principal […]
Read More...
Photosensitization of Sheep and Goats from Switchgrass Hay by Dan Undersander, Extension Forage Agronomist I have had a couple reports of photosensitization of sheep from feeding switchgrass hay. After feeding the hay a week or two, the sheep started exhibiting extreme sensitivity to light and muscle tremors/twitching. The sheep would seek out the darkest locations. Animals may […]
Read More...
Alfalfa Grass Mixtures in Dairy Rations by Dan Undersander Benefits of mixing grass with alfalfa: 30 to 40% grass mixed with alfalfa gives equal or higher yields than pure stands of alfalfa Improved yield in seeding year. Better yield in later years if alfalfa injured by winter, insects, disease. Alfalfa grass mixtures provide stand and yield […]
Read More...
Diurnal Variation in Forage Quality Affects Animal Preference and Production H.F. Mayland, USDA-ARS, 3793 N 3600 E, Kimberly, ID 83341 email: mayland@kimberly.ars.pn.usbr.gov phone: 208-423-6517 G.E. Shewmaker, Univ. Idaho, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1827 D.S. Fisher, USDA-ARS, Watkinsville, GA 30677-2373, and J.C. Burns, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620 Introduction In 1993, we began to evaluate animal grazing preferences among eight tall fescue […]
Read More...
Getting Low Potassium in Forages by Dan Undersander and Keith Kelling, University of Wisconsin Hypocalcemia results from a deficiency in plasma Calcium at the onset of lactation in dairy cows, and is the main cause of several severe metabolic disorders. Three weeks prior to calving, it is desirable to have a moderately anionic diet, to avoid milk fever and […]
Read More...
Forage Quality and Feeding Management for Eastern Gamagrass in Wisconsin by Wayne K. Coblentz1, Patrick C. Hoffman2, Nancy M. Esser3, and Michael G. Bertram4 1USDA-ARS, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Marshfield 2Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin 3Superintendent, University of Wisconsin Marshfield Agricultural Research Station 4Superintendent, University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station Introduction Throughout Wisconsin, chopped straw […]
Read More...
Milk2016 (ALFALFA-GRASS): Index Combining Yield and Quality by Dan Undersander2,3, D. Combs1,2, and J. R. Shaver1,3 Department of Dairy Science1 and Agronomy2 University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Extension3 Introduction Undersander et al. (1993) developed a method for estimating milk per ton of forage dry matter (DM) as an index of forage quality of alfalfa and grasses. […]
Read More...
Making a Feed Inventory by Brian Holmes What is a feed inventory? Doing a feed inventory establishes your current stock of various feed ingredients. Generally, the process involves determining the volume of each feed stored and then multiplying by the stored density to yield a weight of feed. For example, silage in a bunker silo has […]
Read More...
Bloat by Dan Undersander and Dave Combs What is bloat? Bloat is a digestive disorder characterized by an accumulation of gas in the first two compartments of a ruminant’s stomach (the rumen and reticulum). Production of gas (primarily carbon dioxide and methane) is a normal result of fermentation processes. The gas is usually discharged by belching (erutication) but, […]
Read More...
Improving Forage and TMR Bunk Life by Jim Leverich and Randy Shaver Introduction Forages and total mix rations (TMRs) that begin heating after they are fed can lower dry matter intake and animal performance. Proper management during ensiling and feeding can minimize heating in the feed bunk and improve palatability. What causes feed to heat in a bunk? […]
Read More...
