Forage
Fiber: Priority for Analysis
Fiber is the top analytical priority, especially forage fiber,” says Ohio State’s Dr. Benjamin Wenner. Why? First, because of its high proportion in the diet. Also, its leading role as a substrate for rumen microbial protein and VFA production. And, it impacts how other dietary components — like minerals — affect rumen microbial activity and fiber digestibility. A closer look at the three main in-vitro digestibility analyses — fiber, starch, protein — can support more cost-efficient diet formulation decisions.
Milk Fat: Keep Up with Genetic Potential
Milk fat yield continues to rise year on year thanks first to better genetics, which results in ongoing diet design challenges.
Penn State’s Dr. Kevin Harvatine highlights nutrition factors to keep up with the current and future dairy cows.