Learning Resources
Formulating for Better AA Efficiency
March 29, 2024 Research Updates
How to optimize milk protein yield, improve cost efficiency, and reduce nitrogen excretion? The answer: Balance dairy rations for essential amino acids (EAA) rather than their aggregate, metabolizable protein (MP). Canada's Dr. Hélène Lapierre and U.S. researchers updated the NASEM 2021 guide to MP and EAA, which now recognizes requirements and "efficiency of utilization" of individual EAA.
Fiber: Priority for Analysis
February 29, 2024 Research Updates
Fiber is the top analytical priority, especially forage fiber," says Ohio State's Dr. Benjamin Wenner. Why? First, because of its high proportion in the diet. Also, its leading role as a substrate for rumen microbial protein and VFA production. And, it impacts how other dietary components -- like minerals -- affect rumen microbial activity and fiber digestibility. A closer look at the three main in-vitro digestibility analyses -- fiber, starch, protein -- can support more cost-efficient diet formulation decisions.
Market Intel: How Ingredient Trends Early in 2024 Could Impact Feed Prices
January 16, 2024 Blog
January market intel for feed ingredients
Protein for Transition
December 29, 2023 Research Updates
Protein for Transition
In high-producing dairy cows, a top priority is accurately meeting -- but not exceeding -- energy needs. However, toward the end of gestation, cows also mobilize amino acids (AA) from available protein sources, including skeletal muscle. Purdue University's Dr. Jackie Boerman suggests AA dietary support for muscle in dry cows and during early lactation may be economical insurance for a strong transition.
Rethink Transition Ketosis
October 27, 2023 Research Updates
Why? Because changes in circulating NEFA, ketones, and calcium actually support high milk yield in healthy, high-producing cows. "Don't mess with high production," says Dr. Lance Baumgard of Iowa State University.
Feeding the Future: CBL's Warren Facility Brings Innovation to Midwest Farms
October 13, 2023 Blog
Commodity Blenders LLC has opened a state-of-the-art feed manufacturing facility in Warren, Indiana. Learn more about its differentiators and technological features that benefit area farmers.
Changes for Calf Diets
June 30, 2023 Research Updates
Take a closer look at dietary energy for young calves, says Dr. Jim Drackley of the University of Illinois. New dairy nutrition modeling (NASEM 2021) enables more accurate prediction of growth in calves fed milk and milk replacer across a wider range of management systems. Think "energy-allowable growth."
Summer DCAD: The K Source Option
May 19, 2023 Research Updates
Potassium (K) plays a key role maintaining the dairy cow's blood acid-base balance while supporting many other vital functions. We especially want to avoid negative K balance during lactation. Dr. Tom Jenkins, Emeritus Professor at Clemson, zeroes in on K in DCAD to support summer milk fat.
Fly Control: Prepping Now Pays Back
April 11, 2023 Blog
Higher seasonal temps... variable weather... greater parasitic and nuisance fly pressure on cows and calves.
Fly losses can be significant. But today's "precision dairy technologies" monitor cow behavior to provide new insights.
New Mexico State's Dr. Ulises Sanchez says a dairy's fly control program must be dynamic, including feed-through strategies.
Milk Fat: Keep Up with Genetic Potential
February 23, 2023 Research Updates
Milk fat yield continues to rise year on year thanks first to better genetics, which results in ongoing diet design challenges.
Penn State's Dr. Kevin Harvatine highlights nutrition factors to keep up with the current and future dairy cows.
Targeted Fatty Acid Supplementation
January 30, 2023 Research Updates
Get Results with Targeted Fatty Acids
"A bag of fat is not just a bag of fat," says Michigan State's Dr. Adam Lock.
"You cannot know what to expect from feeding it without -- at minimum -- knowing its fatty acid profile."
Recent research shows positive results in the transition period and carry-over into peak lactation with targeted feeding of palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) acid blends.
Careful with Copper: More for Maintenance, Avoid Too Much in Lactation
December 15, 2022 Research Updates
Careful with Copper: More for Maintenance, Avoid Too Much in Lactation. Dr. Weiss says that copper (Cu) supplementation warrants special attention. The main concern is the risk of liver toxicity resulting from over-supplementation in lactation diets.