Nutrition is always of paramount importance to dairy producers. But during the transition period, one particular nutrient becomes a central focus: calcium.

From the moment you plant your carefully selected seed for silage, every step you take to manage the crop impacts its potential nutritional value. Steps taken during harvest and processing significantly affect overall silage quality and feed value. Below are some factors that can help you maximize the nutritional value of your silage.

The cost of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia is high – as numerous research studies and producer experiences prove. Thus, as with any disease that has no single cause, it is essential to focus on the risk factors associated with the disease and then reduce those risks to reduce disease incidence and expense.

Energy supply is an important reason why fatty acids or fats are fed, says Dr. Adam Lock, associate professor, Michigan State University.