QUESTION: What can we do to prevent separation of grain and forage in our TMR7 If we do nothing will our cows perform as they should? ANSWER: Certain feeding situations malcr- this a very good question. A TMR made up of dry hay and grain is the extreme example of two ingredients that ate so different in physical nature that maintain ing a homogeneous Mend of feed is almost impossible without using some sort of bind ing agent like molasses, liquid fat, wet bypro ducts such as brewers, or even water. Ittiuit ■’" THB^h me ’’ j f’.~ggg niK Ik ' **_• •w » I made a visit to this Cum because only experience can determine whether separation of feeds as seen by the dairyman is a legiti mate concern. I had requested in advance that a sample of feed be kept as it was discharged from the mixer. I arrived at the tail end of the feeding period with feed left over from the morning feeding. The amount looked to be adequate and the feeder reported that total leftovers for the day were a fait less than what I saw at the end of the daytime feed period. I advised them that feeding for an 8 percent refusal was importanf and that this should be checked periodically with the scales on the wagon so that the eyeball method can be a bit more accurate. When comparing the mixed feed with the refusal, it was apparent that the cows were sorting The most accurate way to measure the severity of separation is to lab analyze both of the samples. 1985 Badger Lagoon Pump 8N184,540 RPM, $1,250 1985(?) Butler Lagoon pump, 540 RPM $1,250 FIRST $2,000 TAKES BOTH Spreaders Trailer 1996 Houle 42' Lagoon Pump $7,000 1988 Houle 32’ Lagoon Pump Badger 8' Pump Another way to tell if some feed manage ment changes are needed is to review the per formance of the cows since starting this parti cular diet Milk pounds have risen steadily since the TMR ration was fed (54 to 58.5). Butterfat percent has remained identical (3.8 percent), which tells me that rumen health has not been compromised. Percent protein has gone up slightly, but still looks normal for Holsteins (3.2 to 3.3 percent). MUN has gone down to 10 from 13 indi cates that the balance of carbohydrates to pro tein has increased. My recommendation in this case is to monitor the above measurements and if no major change occurs, do not change anything. The cows have told us through DHIA infor mation that although they are sorting and thereby not eating the diet prepared for them; they are able to perform well. When asked by the dairyman about the addition of water to help keep the feed together, I replied that inexpensive ideas ate often the most underestimated. I gnggwgfr*! that the addition of liquid would be best in my opinion, but he should work with his nutritionists to look at all his options before making a decision. If molasses were to be added, the other carbohy drate sources should also be adjusted due to the previous changes in MUN. The real concept here is to not just be satis fied with good rations on paper, but more importantly, make sure that you know what your cows are really eating. Let PA DHIA records tell you about your cows and if you cannot hear what they arc say ing, maybe I can help. $4,000 $2,000 080 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 5, 1998-A37 *•»*»•»*•**• > Mak f THose ROOEMT TRACKS fMOf \ *Zp Tracking Powder for mice (Indoor use only) 500 gm Jar *Ditrac Tracking Powder for Rats & Mice (Indoor or outdoor use) 6 lb. bucKet „ It „ • -k It +9 * * *«-®.p ♦ « •*’ ** 9*9 * ♦ ■** ■* 9 9■" 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 * * f£ Agricultural Washdowns 717-949-3212 SPECIALIZING IN Poultry Houses: Layers, Breeders. Broilers Hog, Veal and Dairy Barns High Pressure, Low Volume Washing RD #1 Box 147, Newmanstown, PA 17073 1 ***» NOW OPEN JV * Hardware * Animal Health p T * UIB^# J * f enc ' n 9 £ : • ./ I# • Ladders • Farm Sullies .iLjjk I**% & J FARM STORE®®® sg® 117666 <™> J Aj«OßgrateJm CALL • Reliable Service • Low Hourly Rate •• Insured • Free Estimates On • In Business Since All Work 1982 • Largest Equipment In • References The Field We will be happy to give you a free quote on all your pressure washing needs. Average Farm Feed Costs For Handy Reference To help farmers across the state to have handy reference of com modity input costs in their feeding operations for DHIA record sheets or to develop livestock feed cost data, here’s last week’s average costs of various ingredients as compiled from regional reports across the state of Pennsylvania. Remember, these ate averages, so you will need to adjust your fig ures up or down according to your location and the quality of your crop. Con, No.2y 2.31 bu., 4.13 cwL Wheat, No. 2 2.72 bu., 4.54 cwt Barley, No. 3 1.47 bu., 3.15 cwt Oats, No. 2 1.37 bu., 4.27 cwt Soybeans, No. 1 5.30 bu., 8.85 cwt Ear Com —58.50 ton, 2.93 cwt. Alfalfa Hay 128.25 ton, 6.41 cwt Mixed Hay 114.37 ton, 5.71 cwt Timothy Hay 116.00 ton, 5.80 cwt Blaln Supply Blain, PA 717/536-3861 *„ G&G Pressure Washing Sanitizing Disinfecting 717 367-3649
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