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Improve Dairy Cow Fiber Degradation to Save on Feed Costs, Improve Production

Posted June 6, 2023
in Top Ag News

Dairy Cattle EatingMilk margins are driving dairy producers to find the most affordable rations that don’t sacrifice production. Energy-corrected milk divided by intake is what determines feed efficiency. Reagan Bluel of the University of Missouri Extension says one area to look is at fiber degradation.

When branch-chained volatile fatty acids (BCVFA) and valerate are fed to lactating cows, feed efficiency is improved. Ruminant species require BCVFA because they cannot make their own. This important piece of nutrition unlocks nutrients to fuel lactation.

Read more on nutrition improvements that support production here.

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