Until recently, there was no great way to put a numeric value to the amino acid profile of feed. With the release of the 2021 dairy NASEM, we now have a method to determine the relative value of the amino acid profile of a given feedstuff.

“Normal” may not seem very exciting, but when it comes to managing dairy cattle, it can be a very good thing. Effective bacillus-based probiotics can help us do just that.

The dry period is a time of rest and relaxation for the dairy cow. While her body continues to finish growing a calf, other organs are recovering from the lactation that has just been completed and preparing for another year of milk production.

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.

Some dairies across the country are using larger inclusion mixes due to lack of feed storage options. Still in other cases, some feed companies are proposing larger inclusion grain mixes to their customers.

Ultimately, return on investment determines the value of any probiotic during a particular segment of an animal’s life or through life cycle feeding. What did we gain by spending the money to feed the effective probiotic or what did we "not lose" by feeding it?

Some of the most crucial aspects of calf health and performance begin well before birth. One of these is the unique role of the essential nutrient choline and methyl-group donors during both pregnancy and lactation.

During the transition period, a lot goes on “under the hood” so to speak that can be a drag on a cow’s efficiency, such as inflammation and decreased feed intake.