The Rural Voice, 1988-06, Page 451
1
optimize digestion. A reasonable aim is
to feed 5 pounds of long fibre (more than
one inch long), along with coarse-tex-
tured grains (adequate long fibre can be
provided by 20 pounds of haylage, with
25 per cent over one inch in length).
8. Buffers: By supplementing 1/4
pound of sodium bicarbonate or the
equivalent for cows in the first 120 days
after calving, rumen acidosis and de-
creased feed intake can be minimized.
9. Wet rations: Wet rations lower
DM intake, so it is best to avoid rations
containing greater than 50 per cent
moisture.
10. Added fat: Although excessive
fat levels can be detrimental, the addi-
tion of one pound of supplemental fat to
the total ration can improve fat test and
milk yield. Sources of fat include heat-
treated soybeans, whole cottonseed,
sunflower seed, or commercial animal
fat products.
11. Niacin: In early lactation, milk
output may exceed feed intake, causing
borderline ketosis and fatty liver. By
supplementing six grams of niacin
daily, the incidence of these disorders
can be reduced.
12. Dry cow nutrition: Before
drying off, it is important to replace
body-weight lost in early lactation,
without allowing the cow to become too
fat. Dry cows should be separate from
the rest of the herd, and fed a ration
formulated to both maintain the cow and
meet pregancy needs.0
Bill Schilthuis and Associates
GUIDES FOR SOYS
IN DAIRY RATIONS
Dairymen thinking of feeding raw
soybeans should note these guidelines:
Feed no more than 2.5 kg (5 to 6 lbs.)
of raw beans per cow per day. If adding
to a grain mix, no more than 20 per cent
of the mix should be raw soybeans.
Higher levels could cause lower milk
yield and a lower fat test. A more suit-
able feed is made by rolling or cracking
rather than grinding. Grinding can
make soys less palatable, and during
warm weather rancidity may develop
because more unsaturated oil is exposed
to the air. Cracked or rolled soys fed in
moderate amounts will help to maintain
a normal butterfat test.0
[ ✓I V F7-1:
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P.O. Box 669
Walkerton, Ont. NOG 2V0
519-881-2440
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JUNE 1988 43