While genetics and management components can also factor into improving feed efficiency, there are numerous nutrition and diet strategies that can be readily incorporated into your feed program to make dramatic changes in feed efficiency.

Through the beginning of the fall, we continue to see this variation between milk protein and butterfat prices. Make a plan with your nutritionist and consultants to develop strategies that can and should be put in place to increase profits.

Dr. Andrew Bohnhoff is the Director of Forage and Nutrition for Prairie Estates Genetics. During his lifetime of involvement with the dairy industry, he has researched an array of topics that affect the bottom line of the farmer. While the importance of starch digestibility is widely known, he speaks with us today to show what specific factors can and should be considered, including growing conditions, corn hybrid genetics, moisture content, lab work and more. We discuss how all of these aspects translate directly to income over feed cost.

As many parts of the US continue to face drought, farms and their nutritionists must make difficult decisions to help optimize performance under less-than-ideal circumstances.