Andrew L. Skidmore

The golden rule of performance: Garbage in, garbage out

It’s an accepted fact that better feed equates to better animal performance. Here are some tips for keeping up the quality and palatability of your feed so your cattle can live up to their potential.

June 21, 2023

Andrew L. Skidmore

The palatability of feed has a lot more to do with cattle health than some might think. Much like humans, if food doesn’t smell or taste good, cattle simply won’t eat it. However, we can’t discuss palatability without first considering the hygiene and quality of the forage in the feed.

Stabilize milk production this fall

Understanding the reasons for a fall slump in milk production can help you keep milk production steady while maintaining cattle health and fertility.

September 9, 2022

Andrew L. Skidmore

It’s common for dairy producers to experience a “fall slump,” or a time when cows fail to reach their full production potential. Producers also might notice decreased feed intake or loose manure.

Raise your hay standards

March 31, 2022

Andrew L. Skidmore

Spontaneous combustion of hay bales is just about the worst-case scenario for any livestock producer putting up hay. That’s not the only bad outcome when it comes to hay storage.

Clean up your act: Feed hygienic silage to avoid health, productivity drops

June 30, 2021

Andrew L. Skidmore

Editor’s Note: This is the final article in a three-part series on forage hygiene.

Garbage in, garbage out: Impacts of silage mismanagement on the rumen

August 7, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore and Renato J. Schmidt

Forage quality is the Achilles’ heel for any ruminant nutritionist. The better the forage coming out of storage, the better the nutritionist.

Garbage in, garbage out: Impacts of silage mismanagement on the rumen

June 30, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore and Renato J. Schmidt

Forage quality is the Achilles’ heel for any ruminant nutritionist. The better the forage coming out of storage, the better the nutritionist.

Jump-start calf rumen development with viable microbial products

May 6, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore

From birth, calves’ naïve immune systems are assaulted by challenges: new environments, fast diet transitions, exposure to disease and sometimes transportation and commingling. That makes it no surprise the dairy industry continues to battle pre-weaning losses.

Jump-start calf rumen development with viable microbial products

March 1, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore

From birth, calves’ naïve immune systems are assaulted by challenges: new environments, fast diet transitions, exposure to disease and sometimes transportation and commingling. That makes it no surprise the dairy industry continues to battle pre-weaning losses.

Tips to successfully feed 2019 corn silage

February 7, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore

Across North America, the 2019 corn silage crop was seriously compromised at all stages of growth and production.

Tips to successfully feed 2019 corn silage

February 1, 2020

Andrew L. Skidmore

Across North America, the 2019 corn silage crop was seriously compromised at all stages of growth and production. The challenges ranged from delayed planting, excess rain or drought during growth, fungal disease challenges and, in some areas, exposure to multiple frosts.

Articles by Andrew L. Skidmore

The golden rule of performance: Garbage in, garbage out

Stabilize milk production this fall

Raise your hay standards

Clean up your act: Feed hygienic silage to avoid health, productivity drops

Garbage in, garbage out: Impacts of silage mismanagement on the rumen

Garbage in, garbage out: Impacts of silage mismanagement on the rumen

Jump-start calf rumen development with viable microbial products

Jump-start calf rumen development with viable microbial products

Tips to successfully feed 2019 corn silage

Tips to successfully feed 2019 corn silage

West: The value of records

South Central: Heifer development from weaning to breeding

Southeast: BCS – one of the best tools you have

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