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Balance energy for extra winter milk.UFAC press release: December, 2008Dairy farmers could boost the output from their cows by as much as two litres per day by increasing the energy density of their diets, says Dr Donald Lawson of animal feed supplement specialists, Ufac (UK) Ltd. He points out that this year many types of forage are of poor quality and have lower energy density values this year and, with first-cut silages in short supply, second or even third cuts are now being fed to dairy cows, which has further reduced the average energy value of forage being fed. Target values, for freshly-calved cows, should be 12.0-12.5 MJ/kg DM to maintain milk yield, good body condition and fertility. "Adding more concentrates is generally seen as the simplest way to increase energy density when forage ME levels are low, but it's important not to reduce forage below a safe level of 45-50 per cent on a dry matter basis," said Dr Lawson. "As an example, if the dry matter intake is 22 kg, then forage should be at a minimum of 9.9 kg DM or 49.5 kg fresh weight if silage has a dry matter of 20 per cent. If we go below the safe level then rumen function will be compromised and acidosis may result," he warned. It is important, he says, to ensure that the concentrate portion
of the diet has a high enough energy level to meet the energy density
demands within the constraints of the safe forage level. This can
be achieved by using a concentrated energy supplement, such as Ufac's
Dynalac. Formulated from a special
blend of oils it has a slow release system to ensure that the oil
safely reaches the rumen and small intestine. "We have already seen responses of 1.5-2.0 litres per day from increasing energy density this winter. With milk quotas no longer restricting production this provides useful prospect of increasing boosting returns over the winter period," he said.
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Dr Lawson has calculated that, with milk sold at 25 p per litre, allowing for the cost of the product and the materials it replaces the extra 2 litres production of milk per day could increase returns by £34.50 per cow or £6,700 for a 200-cow herd over the remaining 100 days of winter. For further information contact UFAC-UK... Note to EditorsUfac-UK Ltd is the leading specialist UK manufacture of energy, protein and omega 3 supplements. The company has been supplying nutritional supplements to the animal feed industry for over 35 years.
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