Precision feed management is dependent on the quality of a farm’s homegrown forages, since they determine the composition of the diet. A dairy may use a high-forage diet to improve cow health and income over feed cost (IOFC). Maximizing IOFC is critical for correctly feeding cows, since grain cannot entirely compensate for the nutritional gap caused by inadequate forage quality. To establish a solid fodder foundation, farmers should harvest at the appropriate stage and store them properly.
According to a Penn State Extension research, the capacity to manage fodder quality and inventory was the most important predictor of profitability among dairy farms evaluated. Crops should be harvested at the peak of their ripeness. Farms should aim for high-quality feed from every acre rather than entering a cropping season with the expectation of knowing which areas would produce poorly or provide low-quality feed.
Hunch maturity is one of the most important factors influencing corn silage quality, therefore it is critical to regularly monitor total plant dry matter and kernel maturity. To produce high-quality feed, consider cut length, cutting height, and kernel processing score during harvest. Maturity is also important for hay crops, especially at the initial cutting, since it influences fiber digestibility.
Start with heaps that are adequately sized for daily clearance and keep various feeds or quality levels in separate storage areas. Consider storage density and ensure that piles are adequately covered to exclude oxygen. A research-backed inoculant could be an excellent option.
Feedout is a vital stage because it entails reintroducing oxygen into fermented, stable feed. Samples should be obtained upon ensiling to determine what you’re beginning with, and then again while feeding. Forage quality is determined by providing the appropriate quality to the appropriate animals, which is accomplished by precision feeding.
