While conventional feedlot operators have benefited from the use of ionophores in the diet, producers feeding all-natural cattle are generally handcuffed from utilizing ionophores and other antibiotics.

In most areas of the country, corn silage makes up a large percentage of a dairy cow’s diet. Producing high-quality corn silage is a process that involves several important steps. It starts with planting the right varieties that combine yield potential with ideal traits related to nutrient concentrations and digestibility.

Accurate quantification of digestible amino acid supply from high-protein feedstuffs is important for characterization of feeds.

“Many variables require many plans but only a few basic principles,” said Alltech representative John Winchell at an Ontario Forage Council 2020 webinar.

Two things commonly known about fats are: 1) we can add them to dairy rations to improve the energy in the diet, and 2) too much fat from grains, oilseeds and byproducts, such as dried distillers grains (DDGs), can reduce milkfat production.