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Last Updated: Aug 26, 2009 - 1:22:44 PM |
Posted in:
Feeds and Ingredients
Bentonite -
Feb 23, 2009 - 6:39:02 PM
Bentonite is a naturally-occurring clay consisting of tri-layered aluminum silicate, and may also contain calcium or sodium. It's main use in the feed industry is as a binding agent in feed pellets. Lately however, bentonite has been used successfully in rations with high mold or toxin levels, as an inhibitor of these substances.
Posted in:
Feeds and Ingredients
Water: The Most Important Ration Ingredient -
Feb 23, 2009 - 6:18:06 PM
Water is very often neglected or taken for granted on dairy farms. A cow producing 75 pounds of milk will intake 190 to 250 pounds of water (22 to 29 gallons) per day under normal conditions. Differences in ration moisture in typical diets (44 - 52% moisture) makes about a one gallon difference in overall water intake.
Posted in:
Feeds and Ingredients
Vitamin E and Transition Cow Performance -
Feb 23, 2009 - 6:16:09 PM
Feeding supplemental Vitamin E to late gestation dairy cows can improve herd health and productivity. More importantly, it can produce a positive return on investment. Studies have examined this high-stress period (late gestation) when cow vitamin status can plummet without additional supplementation. This can have important implications for udder health, calf performance, and various other health and reproductive issues.
Posted in:
Feeds and Ingredients
Soluble Protein...Pro's & Con's -
Feb 23, 2009 - 6:13:17 PM
Protein fractions are constantly being evaluated for use in ration balancing. Soluble protein is actually a relatively old measurement, and is defined as the portion of crude protein that goes into solution when mixed in a buffered solution in laboratory conditions. If 30% of the protein goes into solution, by definition, 30% of the crude protein is soluble.
Posted in:
Feeds and Ingredients
Selenium and Vitamin E -
Feb 23, 2009 - 6:11:14 PM
The role of selenium in animal nutrition has changed dramatically. Sixty years ago it was considered a toxic element, causing lameness and death in grazing animals in certain parts of the Great Plains. Since then, selenium has been determined to be an essential nutrient for nearly all classes of livestock.
