When I was a young animal scientist growing up on the dairy farm, we would routinely use a silage inoculant when ensiling alfalfa haylage – but not very often for corn silage.

Most dairy producers focus on their cows’ ability to produce milk and milk components, and become pregnant, because profitability of a dairy operation occurs here.

Protein and amino acids are the most expensive nutrients for raising young calves and heifers. For the growing calf and heifer, protein can be supplied in several different ways. The animal’s stage of life, relative to ruminal development for it becoming a functional ruminant, dictates the types and amounts of protein and amino acids that are of benefit for growth, health and ruminal maturation.

The 2016 crop-growing season has resulted in some unique challenges when feeding lactating and growing dairy cattle.