MILK PRODUCERS URGED TO MAKE RUMEN EFFICIENCY A TOP PRIORITY

7 July 2015

With continuing pressure on margins, dairy producers are being urged to maximise the milk produced from every kg of feed by making rumen fermentation efficiency a top priority.

“Optimising the function of the rumen should be a key focus for any dairy farmer looking to boost margins this year,” states Dr Derek McIlmoyle, AB Vista’s Technical Director for GB and Ireland.

According to Dr McIlmoyle, the first step is to fine tune the overall diet – whether based on grazed grass or preserved forages – to better support fibre digestion and microbial protein production. Minimise the time rumen content spends below pH 5.8 – when microbial activity and fibre digestion are compromised – and aim to balance both the amount and rate of fermentable energy and protein release in the rumen.

“Tackle fundamental issues such as inadequate fibre or a poor balance between energy and protein release straightaway,” Dr McIlmoyle advises. “Limit in-parlour feeding to 2 kg/cow/milking, and consider switching to a digestible fibre-based concentrate whilst grazing.

“Any buffer feed or mixed ration must contain sufficient digestible and structural fibre to balance the rapidly fermentable starch and sugars in the diet. Cows housed on high starch rations may also need additional nitrogen to optimise microbial growth.

“It’s also worth remembering that although yeasts and rumen conditioners will often produce the greatest response when conditions in the rumen are poor, they’ll also improve a well-functioning rumen and take feed efficiency to an even greater level, especially if used together.”

For more information, contact AB Vista on +44(0)1672 517 650 or info@abvista.com.

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Notes to editor:

AB Vista is a global supplier of micro-ingredients for the animal feed industry.

For further press information please contact Nic Daley or Mike Keeler on +44 (0)20 8647 4467.

ABV/125/15

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