Chromium for Dairy Cows Chromium propionate is now available for use in dairy cattle. Chromium has been shown to increase glucose utilization at the cell level. Increasing glucose utilization leads to a more efficient use of energy, which is important in early lactation.
Balancing for Amino Acids An article submitted by Dr. Glen Aines that discusses thoughts on how to balance ration protein precisely using rumen protected amino acids.
AminoShure L: Rumen-protected Lysine AminoShure L is a rumen-protected source of lysine that can be used to balance amino acid levels in your rations. Using a protected source of lysine in ruminant diets provides a consistent supply of lysine and can be an effective alternative to traditional sources of lysine.
CalMin: Algae for Cows CalMin is made from red algae harvested off the shores of Ireland and Iceland. CalMin provides a readily available source of calcium and magnesium and has been shown to buffer the rumen pH effectively.
Boost Peak Milk to Increase Total Milk Maximizing peak milk will result in more milk throughout the lactation. This means maximizing DMI and making sure the cow has enough nutrients to maximize peak milk. This summary shows how adding Energy Booster to diets can increase peak milk.
Using NitroShure to Reduce Ration Cost NitroShure is a slow-release urea product that can be used to replace a portion of protein sources at an economical price. The available summary provides an example ration and a table that can be used to determine when NitroShure can be used to economically replace some of the soybean meal in a ration. The general rule of thumb allows 1/3 lb of NitroShure to replace 2 lb of SBM.
Utilizing DCAD and Rumen Fermentation to Increase Milk Production and Maintain Milk Components Recently, a summary of a Washington State University trial comparing lactating rations balanced for +42 meq/100g DCAD and +25 meq/100g DCAD was put together by Church and Dwight. By increasing the DCAD in the ration, an increase of 3.0 pounds of milk and an additional 0.35% of Fat was realized. In addition, getting the rumen microflora the protein precursors and fermentable carbohydrates they need can help maximize milk protein output.
