As autumn approaches, dairy producers often struggle to meet their milk and component yield (MCY) targets. The abrupt transition from old corn silage to freshly fermented corn silage can lead to a decline in production. However, this seasonal slump can be mitigated with a few strategic feeding and management changes found in Lallemand’s CleanFeed approach. By following these five recommendations, dairy producers can ensure clean, hygienic feed that helps maintain and even exceed MCY targets this fall:

  1. Enhance Silage Quality and Stability

    Using a proven silage inoculant during harvest can significantly improve silage quality. MAGNIVA® forage inoculants contain enzymes that help break down plant fiber and enhance fiber digestibility. These research-proven silage inoculants help improve fermentation, reduce spoilage and enhance the digestibility of silage, which is crucial for maintaining high milk and component yields.

  2. Gradual Feeding Transition to Newly Fermented Silages

    When introducing new silage, make the transition gradual over a 10- to 14-day period. Start with 25% new silage in the ration for the first three days, then increase to 50% for the next three days, and so on. This gradual change helps balance the dry matter (DM) and nutrient content, preventing abrupt dietary changes that can disrupt rumen function.

  3. Evaluate Silage

    Routine testing of new forages for DM, kernel processing score, and nutrient content can help fine-tune rations based on the changing composition. Alongside your nutritionist, Lallemand’s team of experts can facilitate regular on-farm monitoring and employee training that can help identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices are being followed.

  4. Protect Rumen Function

    Often during the transition to new silage piles, herds are susceptible to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) due to high levels of residual fermentable sugars. Research shows that just one day after an acidosis challenge, rumination time is decreased by 1.5 hours even after returning to baseline, despite similar feeding activity and intake levels.1 Including a viable yeast probiotic and gut modifier in the diet, such as BIOPOWER® SC, can help maintain a healthy rumen pH, improve fiber digestibility and encourage proper feeding behaviour. Research shows that cows fed BIOPOWER SC have more stable rumen pH profiles, produce an increase of 2.1 pounds of 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) and are more efficient than controls.2,3

  5. Monitor the Herd

    The old adage holds true with any nutrition change: “Listen to the cows.” Monitoring the herd closely during a silage changeover for behavioural and digestive changes will alert you if a problem occurs. Consistent feed delivery timing and dispersion along the feedbunk, along with proper ration particle size, will foster greater meal frequency which is positively correlated with milkfat percentage. Encouraging cows to have more frequent, smaller meals provides a more consistent fermentation pattern within the rumen, which can result in less variation in volatile fatty acid production and improved digestion.

By understanding the reasons that can lead to a fall slump of production and implementing strategic changes with Lallemand’s CleanFeed approach, dairy producers can maintain steady milk and component yields. Focus on clean, high-quality feed, hygienic practices and optimizing rumen function to achieve greater efficiency of production, which translates to significant financial benefits.

References:

1. DeVries TJ, et al.  Repeated ruminal acidosis challenges in lactating dairy cows at high and low risk for developing acidosis: Feeding, ruminating, and lying behavior. J. Dairy Sci., 92 (2009), pp. 5067-5078 10.3168/jds.2009-210219762825.

2. de Ondarza MB, et al. The Professional Animal Scientist. 26(2010): 661-666.

Advertisement

3. DeVries TJ and Chevaux E. Modification of the feeding behavior of dairy cows through live yeast supplementation. J. Dairy Sci. 2014;97:6499-6510.