What to do if there’s a deficit By Grace Thomas, M.Agr.Sc., P.A.S. As forage makes up over 50% of most dairy cow rations, once harvesting is finished it is a good idea to complete an inventory of all forage on the farm. This will not only determine the level of forage that is available and […]
By Dr. James C. Coomer, Ph.D., P.A.S. Feed bunk management represents a very important aspect of the productivity and profitability of all dairy operations. Proper feed bunk management is important for maximizing dry matter intake (DMI) and optimizing production. This process is vital for animal nutrition, in general. For each one pound increase in DMI, […]
By Dr. Gene P. Gengelbach, Ph.D., P.A.S. Days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and pastures are starting to green up. The joys of springtime! But spring also brings rain, mud, and wet bedding, all of which can be a challenge to livestock and livestock producers everywhere. This combination of warm and damp […]
FULTON, IL (July 26, 2017) — Agri-King is releasing its newest of our cattle nutritional products for the cattle industry, Agri-King Drench. This product is part of the improved Key Beef Program from Agri-King, Fulton, Ill. The product is an oral symbiotic product created to provide nutritional support to cattle during times of stress using […]
By Dr. Dave Jones, Ph.D., P.A.S. Nitrates and ammonia can be found in forages and either one or both can reduce animal productivity. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is decreased when nitrates bind to the hemoglobin, forming methemoglobin. Low blood oxygen inhibits cellular and energy metabolism by the cells. Ammonia increases blood pH, can […]
By David Jones, Ph.D., P.A.S. Preparing pre-fresh cows to properly transition from the dry period to lactation is instrumental to the success of the cows once they freshen and begin lactation. Some basic goals when preparing pre-fresh cows to transition to lactation are: Maximize DMI before and after calving Maintain immune function Minimize body fat […]
By Grace Thomas, M.Agr.Sc., P.A.S. Calves are born with 75-80% of their body consisting of water; as they mature water content drops to 50-60%. Animals with higher body fat have lower body water content. Water is not only essential to sustain life; it plays numerous vital roles in the body. Many of which influence not […]
What You Don’t See Can Hurt Cattle Performance By Dr. Aimee Hafla, Ph.D., PAS Abscesses occurring on the livers of cattle are the primary cause of liver condemnation at the packing plant and result in an estimated loss of up to $64 million annually for the beef industry in the United States (Herrick et al., 2017). […]
By Dr. James C. Coomer, Ph.D., PAS There appears to be significant winterkill on alfalfa stands throughout the upper Midwest this year due to the mild winter and lack of snow cover to protect the plants. If you are among those experiencing significant winterkill on your alfalfa crop then you are probably asking the question […]
By Dr. Gene P. Gengelbach, Ph.D., PAS There has been a great deal of concern lately about mycotoxins in the 2016 grain and forage crops. Many producers are surprised because, in many cases, yields were good and there is no visible mold in the corn or corn silage. This article will discuss what mycotoxins are, […]