HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-03-21, Page 5120 - The Farm Edition, Week of March 21, 1984
Inaccurate feed rations are resulting in poor performance
By Michael Pembry
Farmers are not always getting the protein
they pay for. The increased use of feed
testing is uncovering reasons why some
supposedly well balani ed rations are result-
' ing in poor performaocc on the farm. and
may even be causing health problems.
The protein, and other nutrient content in
soybeans, barley, corn and other grains may
vary quite widely. A series of tests at Daco
Laboratories, a Stratford Ontario company,
has shown a wide variation in protein and
moisture levels of grains and purchased
protein meals.
"We give our customers a computerized
ration formulation for them to mix on their
farm," said Daco President, Ron Davis.
''But they mixed that ration on the farm, the
ration had different protein values than it
should have had according to the computer.
At first, we assumed that the farmer's mill
calibration was off, but when this was found
not to be the case, we had to look deeper."
Computer Rations Need Accurate Input
Daco tested .the ingredients going in to the
mill. The results showed wide variations in
the protein content of beans, corn and other
grains. Daco chemists double checked and
sent identical samples to the University of
Guelph for a second opinion.
'We were confident that our tests were
accurate," said Davis, "because we have
spent a considerable amount of time and
money selecting the best testing equipment
for our new plant and laboratory in Stratford.
We have built our reputation on custom
formulating- premixes to tlexact require-
ments of each individual farmer and
accurate testing is absolutely essential to do
this well.
Paying For Missing Protein
Some farmers had soybean meal purch-
ases as 44% but it was really only 36%
protein. Other samples ran as high as 48%,
but were being used in the ration as 44% - a
waste of money and a potential cause of
scours. Some of these farmers asked for
rebates from the companies from whome
they had bought the meal.
"We were not out to show anyone up
when we did these tests," stated Davis.
"Our concern was to formulate a ration that
would improve the performance of our
customers' livestock. We know we can do
this, but only when everything in that
feeding program is correct. If we formulate a
ration that is several points out on the
protein content, then the farmer loses."
Additional tests also showed that the
moisture content was sometimes above or
below the amount claimed by some feed
mills. Also barley showed protein variations
of almost 6% and what more than that. But it
was the huge 12% variation in the protein
level of soybeans which caused the most
concern.
"Canadians are apparently not alone on
this one," says Davis. "Some farmers down
there are puzzled why soybean in the south
is being sold at 47% protein when the
product from the same beans is being tested
in the north as only 42%.
Check Minerals Too
"Farmers are not the only ones who may
be short changed when they are buying
ration ingredients," noted chemist Bob
Hopper who is the quality control manager
at Daco.
"We found ourselves having the same
problem with some of our custom premix
formulations. We quality control all ship-
ments before they leave for the farm. When
we stopped some shipments because the
phosphorus level was below that specified
for that particular farmer, we started to
Turn to page 22
When It's spring planting time
you'll be glad you got an early
start on machinery tune-up.
WHEELS FOR AGRt
We can give you faster
service if you Trade
now
-Regular -Radials -Deep Treads
-Rice Tires -Farm Rears
First Line
Radial Tire
Specials
WE SPECIALIZE IN FARM TIRES
We Have Various Sizes of
Used and Most New Sizes
We do need trade-ins of used duals
and farm tires
• 184-R-34 8 PIy $700.
• 208-R-34 8 Ply '875.
• 184-R-38 8 Ply $800.
-208-R-38 8 Ply $950.
208-R-42 8 Ply $1200.
T -RAIL
Dual System
Also See Us for
We have the rig t car or you now.
-All Cars are Safety Checked
•Certified & Re -Conditioned
OPEN TO TRADES AND OFFERS
Open Evenings By Appointment
HAUGH
OPEN: 6 DAYS A WEEK 8:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY 8:30 A.M. TO 12 NOON
HIGHWAY 4 SOUTH OF CLINTON 1.
482-3752 OR 482-9796