Dairy farming thrives on balanced nutrition, and integrating by-products and processed feeds into rations can significantly improve milk yields and overall herd health. These feed options provide essential nutrients and reduce reliance on traditional fodder, offering a cost-effective way to optimise production. Here is a detailed look at commonly used feeds, their advantages, and best practices for their use.
Lucerne Products
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Lucerne Meal: Made by grinding lucerne hay, this meal can be pelleted for convenience. While it provides essential nutrients, it is less digestible than whole hay and does not support milkfat production effectively.
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Lucerne Leaf Meal: Derived from lucerne leaves, this meal has a higher protein content than standard lucerne meal, making it a superior choice for boosting protein levels in dairy rations.
High-Energy By-Products
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Beet Pulp: Available plain or molasses-mixed, beet pulp is palatable and slightly laxative. It is low in protein but high in energy and can make up to 30% of the total dry matter in the diet. It helps add bulk to the ration, improving digestion.
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Citrus Pulp: With feeding value similar to beet pulp, citrus pulp is an energy-dense feed used when pricing is competitive. Its lower protein content requires supplementation with other protein sources.
Grain and Milling By-Products
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Brewer’s Grain: A brewing industry by-product, brewer’s grain is high in protein. Wet brewer’s grain contains about 80% water, requiring careful storage and feeding adjustments. Gradual ration adaptation is essential when incorporating brewer’s grain.
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Maize Gluten Feed: A by-product of maize milling, it supplies medium energy and protein but must be limited to 25% of total dry matter to prevent nutritional imbalances.
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Hominy Feed: Comprising the starch, bran, and germ of maize, hominy feed is a palatable, high-energy alternative to ground maize.
Oilseed By-Products
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Whole Cottonseed: Rich in fat, fibre, and energy, whole cottonseed is ideal for high-producing dairy cows. However, intake should not exceed 7 kg per cow daily to avoid digestive problems.
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Soybean Hulls: These by-products from soybean processing are highly digestible and can replace starch in the diet. However, they should not exceed 45% of the grain ration.
Wheat By-Products
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Wheat Bran: Known for its bulk and fibre, wheat bran adds palatability and a laxative effect to rations. However, it should be capped at 25% of the concentrate mix.
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Wheat Middlings: Composed of fine particles from wheat milling, wheat middlings provide moderate protein and energy. To avoid milk production declines, their inclusion should be limited to 20% of the grain mix.
Specialised Feeds
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Molasses: Cane and beet molasses enhance ration palatability and provide energy. Use should remain within 5–7% of the grain mix to avoid over-sweetening and imbalances.
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Potatoes: Cull potatoes, potato meal, and potato pulp are economical energy sources. Comparable to maize silage, potatoes should be chopped before feeding and limited to 13.5 kg per cow daily.
Protein Supplements
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Whey: Derived from cheese production, whey is available in liquid or dried forms. Liquid whey feeding requires careful introduction, limiting water availability for four weeks to encourage consumption. Dried whey can be added to silage or grain mixes for additional protein.
Best Practices for Feeding By-Products
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Introduce Gradually: Abrupt changes can disrupt digestion and reduce milk production.
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Balance Nutrients: Combine by-products with traditional forages and concentrates to ensure a complete diet.
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Monitor Intake: Regularly assess feed consumption and cow health to adjust rations as needed.
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Storage and Handling: Wet feeds like brewer’s grain and liquid whey require special storage to prevent spoilage.
Conclusion
By-products and processed feeds offer an effective way to enhance dairy cattle nutrition. When used correctly, these feeds can improve milk yield, support cattle health, and reduce costs. Consult with livestock nutrition experts to develop tailored feeding strategies that meet the unique needs of your herd.