Partitioning of nutrients (Continued from Page D 8) require some 70 to 80 percent of their nitrogen source in the form of ammonia (NH 3 ) for maximal growth. They can get this am monia either by breaking down feed proteins or from NPN sour ces. Some NPN, in the form of urea, comes into the rumen via the blood and saliva, since the cow does produce urea in the liver. However, this internally produced urea will supply only a small amount of the microbial requirement in the lactating cow. The major portion of NPN must be delivered through the feed. All feeds, including roughages, con tain some NPN, but it may not be enough or readily available to supply microbial needs. The added NPN in Maxi-Tech 40 maintains a source of NPN (ammonia) and the right pH (alkaline/acidity balance) in the rumen for maximal microbial growth and fermentation and thus, a better balance of nutrients from digestion for use by the cow. As chart 1 clearly shows, urea has a strong positive effect on both rumen function and fiber digestibility in these super-energy rations. A higher pH and greater amounts of volatile fatty acids mean better fiber digestion. Chartl Rumen Function Super Energy Ration •0” Urea Urea 6 01 6 22 116 129 pH VFA—MMOL' MMOL=millimols This is certainly the case as seen in chart 2. The balance including '^'■‘C-5 CALL. For Ni 1-800- MD.N 1-800 Ask Your Neighbor About Krause. . . Modal 4*oo MtDIUM-DUTV DISC HARROWS with HEAVY-DUTY FEATURES... 1 Vi" Rugged Alloy Tie-Rods... Massive Spring-Cushioned Hitch jk Sizes 18’, 21', 22'6", 25' ( gjfr t Up to 170 lb. per Blade^ KRAUSE HAS A TILLAGE TOOL FOR YOU! the addition of urea resulted in much greater digestion of both crude fiber and acid detergent fiber from all feeds being fed. This means maximum energy and a better nutrient balance available from the feeds. Chart 2 % Digestibility of Fiber Super Energy Ration Crude Tiber ADF Better Nutrient Balance A total balance of all sources and types of nutrients is needed for maximum performance and production by the lactating cow. This is very much like a chain, which is only as good as its weakest link. Similarly, the right amount of each kind of nutrient (total nutrient balance) is required for optimum performance and production by the dairy cow. We’ve already noted the need for and benefits of maximum fiber digestion maximum energy available to the cow and the right mix of volatile fatty acids (high acetate primarily) to promote maximum milk fat production. The lactating cow also requires large quantities and the right types of protein in order to partition energy and protein to the right purposes milk production and the maintenance of body tissues. Part of this protein is supplied from feed protein which has escaped degradation in the rumen (by-pass protein), and is digested and absorbed into the blood from the lower gut. Part of the protein comes from the microbes which have grown in the rumen and are digested in the lower gul so mat this protein is available and can be used by the cow. Proteij? froi n both , sources (by-pass feed protein and microbial protein) is required if we are going to have maximum digestion and optimum par titioning of nutrients and per formance by the cow. Some proteins in all feeds grains, concentrates, complete milking rations and forages will escape rumen degradation. The key is to get the right balance of proteins along with the NPN or ammonia which is used by the microbes to make protein. This is what Purina’s Maxi-Tech 40, for example, accomplishes sup plying the right balance of by-pass proteins and NPN. It is this balance of energy, protein or nitrogen sources which results in better digestion, nutrient par titioning and performance by the high producing cow, and this means higher milk production, maintenance of fat test and reduced weight loss. Based on feeding trials and milk production studies conducted at the Purina Dairy Research Center in Gray Summit, Mo., when compared with another high energy feed in an 18 percent grind and mix ration, cows eating Maxi- Tech 40 increased their milk production from 67.6 pounds to 68.5 pounds, but did not vary their daily intake. That extra pound of milk each day during peak production equals about 220 pounds over the entire lactation period. Butterfat content showed a slight increase as well, while the bodyweight loss during early lactation was reduced from 1.25 pounds per day on the control versus .33 pound per day on the Maxi-Tech ration (almost one pound per day less weight loss). “O" Urea With Urea 27 0 34 9 29 7 37 7 C.B. HOOBER & SON INC. the tillage innovators He Probabl \ Owns One Sells KRAUSE Lancaster Farming, Saturday, September 1,1984—P9 Urea received a bad name in the dairy industry several years ago, and many dairymen are still hesitant about using it in their feeding program. Primarily, at that time, urea was used only for economy purposes too much urea was being fed, and most rations containing urea were lower in energy. The result was un palatable rations and lower milk production. If urea was being used the same way today, it would cause the same problems. However, research over the past 8 to 10 years has shown conclusively that controlled amounts of urea will not cause palatability proW° r ''» j Tirep in Sire Power open house TUNKHANNOCK This year’s Sire Power Open House will be held next Saturday, Sept. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sire Power Headquarters in Tunkhannock. Outstanding sire proofs, new personnel, and Sire Power staff speakers will be among the ac tivities scheduled for Open House. Highlighting the afternoon program will be the presentation of the “Distinguished Service to A.l. Award”. William “Bill” Schaefer will be honored as the recipient of this award, and his picture will be placed in the Sire Power Board Room. Bill is no stranger to the A.l. industry and was instrumental in fact, will result in unproved digestion of high energy diets, providing a decided performance benefit. Milk production potential of dairy cows continues to increase through improved breeding programs. A key to profitability in the dairy industry is the ability to take advantage of that genetic potential through improved feeding programs. How can we do this? By developing and using feeds and feeding programs that will give maximum digestion and the right balance of the right type of nutrients for most efficient milk production. slated the organization and development to the present Sire Power as we know it today. Bill retired in 1974 following a career that spanned more than 30 years in the A.I. industry. His association with the industry dates back to 1943 when it was named Manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Ar tificial Breeding Cooperative. In 1944, he was appointed Manager of NEPA where he made numerous innovations, therefore establishing the organization as an early leader in the A.I. industry. Bill also held other managerial positions, and retired from the position of NEBA Sales and Service Superintendent. Tickets are available from technicians or direct herd salesmen at $l.OO per person and pre-school children are free. An ox roast will be served this year. Bus tours will be going to Valley View Complex from headquarters every few minutes, beginning 10 a.m. until noon. Sire Power urges cooperation on riding the buses to tour the facilities and discourages individual cars going to the Valley View Complex. Fast, Efficient, Dependable.