FORAGE QUALITY CONTROL
Forage quality control is the foundation for profitable dairy farming. Quality control involves variety selection and harvest management, as well as storing and feeding methods. Regular forage analysis provides the benchmark for measuring the success of forage quality control. Goals for forage nutrient ranges are in the table below.
|
|
% Moisture |
|
|
|
|
|
Hay |
Silage |
% CP |
% ADF |
Nel, Mcal |
|
Corn Silage |
|
65-70 |
7.5-9.0 |
20.0-30.0 |
.68-.72 |
|
Legume |
10-15 |
55-65 |
17.5-21.5 |
28.0-38.0 |
.62-.66 |
|
MML |
10-15 |
55-65 |
15.5-19.0 |
30.0-40.0 |
.62-.66 |
|
MMG |
10-15 |
55-65 |
14.0-17.5 |
32.0-42.0 |
.6-.64 |
|
Grass |
10-15 |
55-65 |
13.0-16.0 |
35.0-45.0 |
.6-.64 |
|
Sm. Gr. Silage |
|
55-65 |
12.5-16.5 |
35.0-45.0 |
.6-.64 |
*Dry matter should be higher in upright silos and lower in trench silos.
Obviously, forage quality can be too low for desired cow production. Low quality forages are high in fiber (ADF and NDF) and low in protein. High ADF lowers the energy in the forages, requiring higher grain feeding, higher cost and lower fat percentage. High NDF lowers the amount that will be eaten by the animal and reduces overall production. Lower protein causes higher protein supplement costs.
Can quality be too high? If the forage program is roughly equal amounts of corn silage and hay crop forage, it is hard to make forages that are too high in quality. This combination of forages usually results in consistent production throughout the year and should be Goal #1.
If haylage is the predominant forage, excess protein (particularly in soluble protein form) can reduce reproduction. Lower fiber makes it difficult to maintain butterfat. Not enough fermentable carbohydrate is present, and rumen microbe growth may be depressed. Not enough bypass protein is present.
If corn silage is the predominant forage, low fiber, high grain levels will reduce butterfat and may cause some off-feed problems.
A common rule of thumb is 20-30-40 as a goal for alfalfa forages. Crude protein at 20%, ADF at 30% and NDF at 40%.
Relative Feed Value (RFV) is a newer method for evaluating forage quality and is reported on Pennfield forage reports for hay crop forages. Forages with RFV of 130 and above, Quality Standard 1 and Prime, are needed for high-producing herds and early lactation cows. RFVs of 100 to 125, Quality Standards 2 and 3, work well in rations for late lactation cows, heifers and dry cows. Both types of forages should be produced, stored separately and fed to the proper animals for best profitability.
SUMMARY
1. Select varieties with high nutrient values and multiple-disease resistance.
2. Plan for a combination of corn silage and hay crop forage year round in roughly equal amounts.
3. Harvest at the right time. Store protected from the environment at proper dry matters to reduce losses.
4. Forage test regularly. Strive for optimum quality.
5. Feed correct quality forages to the right groups of animals. Feed frequently from protected troughs to reduce spoilage and increase intake.
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