Higher grain prices in recent years have encouraged dairy producers to consider increasing the amount of forage and byproduct ingredients in rations for lactating dairy cows. Because this differs from past traditional diets, a feeding study led by Dr. Kenneth Kalscheur at South Dakota State University was conducted to evaluate milk production with diets with elevated levels of forage and byproducts.

Dairy producers and nutritionists understand the importance of providing adequate levels of nutrients in dairy cow rations. However, it is possible to provide too much of a good thing, which can lead to some undesirable consequences.

Higher grain prices in recent years have encouraged dairy producers to consider increasing the amount of forage and byproduct ingredients in rations for lactating dairy cows. Because this differs from past traditional diets, a feeding study led by Dr. Kenneth Kalscheur at South Dakota State University was conducted to evaluate milk production with diets with elevated levels of forage and byproducts.

Distillers grains (DDGS), byproducts of the ethanol industry, are readily available in most parts of Canada and the U.S. Wheat distillers grains are available in cooler regions, while in warmer locations corn distillers grains are dominant.

During the 2012 World Dairy Expo, a staircase wrap urged passersby to “Do the Math” and re-evaluate how they choose protein sources for their dairy cows. Typically, we buy protein supplements on the basis of the protein they provide.