DB—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, September 1,1984 Partitioning of nutrients is key to dairy BY DR. NATE SMITH A dairy cow has a tremendously she can normally consume. The maximum milk production, poorer Director of Dairy Research high requirement for nutrients in result is a period of high stress, breeding efficiency, and more Ralston Purina Company early lactation, much higher than stress that can result in less than metabolic disorders, such as Purina introduces dairy feed products stress with higher concentrations of nutrients in feeds and feeding tivities at Checkerboard Square, programs. Such feeding programs, where the livestock nutrition W e know, will result in a higher » laboratory was opened more than peak and total lactation milk yield, ■p / ' SO years ago, and at Purina’s Dairy This is because the cow will Research Center in Gray Summit, respond most efficiently to in- B \ B Mo. creased nutrients during early At 1116 Research Center, about lactation. We also know that 325 cows, heifers and calves are minimizing weight loss during *WJ fed experimental feed in extensive early lactation is critical to 1 ' research studies, and are con- maximum breeding efficiency ’ ' r Bv tinuously monitored for milk (earlier reproductive cycling and production, milk composition, higher conception rates), growth, palatability inclinations However, just increasing and other criteria. energy, protein and other nutrients W “Our staff and scientific ap- in the ration is not the answer. In proach to practical feeding trials fact, this often will result in more keeps us at the forefront of dairy problems, including, for example, research,” Smith comments, decreased fat test, cows fattening “When this research bring us to a instead of producing more milk better understanding of specific and cows going off-feed. The real nutritional needs, and our answer is better “partitioning of technology research allows us to nutrients.” This requires a better put that to use, then we are able to environment in the rumen, formulate a feed to better meet abomasum and small intestine in those needs,” he explains. order to produce a better balance Researchers can and often do of nutrients from digestion. These toil for years before a truly can then be directed (partitioned) significant breakthrough is within the cow for more milk, milk achieved, Smith points out. components (fat, protein, lactose), “For example, one long-time and for body tissues, goal has been to identify the Scientists and dairymen have balance of nutrients, such as long known and said “fiber is energy, protein and NPN, which not fiber is not fiber is n0t...” What will achieve the proper par- does this mean? It means that titioning of nutrients inside a cow’s fiber from one source or feedstuff body,” Smith says. “Finally, a will not result in the same major step in reaching that goal digestion and performance as has been attained in the form of another. Fiber is a general term Maxi-Tech 40. It was a long time in that includes many different coming, but like all of our dairy chemical or nutrient components, research, in terms of what it can do Similarly, energy and crude for the dairy farmer, it was time protein are general terms, with well spent.” many chemical compounds or ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Ralston Purina Company has introduced four new dairy feed products which it says are the result of major breakthroughs in dairy research. These breakthroughs, says Dr. Nate Smith, Purina’s director of dairy research, include the for mulation of a Purina feed con centrate that helps deliver nutrients to the body parts of a cow where they are most needed, as well as a top-feeding concentrate containing high nutrient density and favorable palatability. Con venient, weather-proof blocks for la eta ting cows and a dry cow, heifer supplement will also be introduced by Purina, all developed to improve milk production and lifetime per sistency, Smith says. The technology which went into these new products Maxi-Tech 40, Hi Octane Top Feed B 37, Hi Octane Milking Block and Easy Care Block is the result of years of research, feeding trials and practical application, Smith reports. Maxi-Tech 40, says Smith, is a highly effective concentrate that succeeds in partitioning nutrients to a cow’s body parts where they are most needed. Smith describes the new top-feeding concentrate Hi Octane Top Feed B 37 as a highly palatable product that can reduce weight loss during early lactation. Purina’s newest block products, Smith says, are convenient as well as efficient. A completely balanced FRANK A. FILLIPPO, INC. DISABLED & CRIPPLED COWS f BULLS & STEERS Competitive Prices Slaughtered under government inspection Call: Frank Fillippo - Residence - 215-666-0725 Elam Cinder - 717-367-3824 C.L. King - 717-786-7229 milking ration for lactating cows, the Hi Octane Milking Block delivers energy, protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for top milk production. The Easy Care Block meets the nutritional needs of dry cows and heifers. “The average dairy farmer could not afford the vast amounts of time and money necessary for the kind of thorough, scientific research that goes into finding the right combination and levels of ingredients for a top-performing feed,” Smith notes. “At Purina we have the largest staff of research nutritionists in the commercial feed industry.” This staff directs research ac- WANTED Paid 5: . > Nate Smith * Formerly Qrazar Blend Brand Trlticala r