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Dairy Grist

A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER PRODUCED BY GRAND VALLEY FORTIFIERS VOLUME 22, ISSUE 3 | FALL 2020

Dear Friends, In Ontario, we have enjoyed some beautiful warm weather this summer, but many areas have been short on rain and unfortunately crop yields are now in question. In contrast, Thunder Bay has received incredible warm weather and rain, producing extremely tall corn that promises incredible yields. Wherever you are located we pray you’re able to harvest the crops you need to successfully feed your herd in the coming year. If you find yourself short on feed ingredients be sure to connect with Steve or Penny at Direct Source Commodities for alternatives 1-877-743-4412. Typically, we look forward to visiting with many of you at Canada’s Outdoor Farm show during the second week of September but unfortunately this year’s show has been canceled due to COVID-19 precautions. I believe the lack of opportunities to gather and talk with fellow producers and industry experts makes publications like our Grand Valley Dairy Grist all the more important as we aim to share important updates and production ideas with producers like you. We hope this issue does not disappoint and if you have questions about any of the topics discussed, make sure to reach out to the article author or your GVF Dairy Specialist for more information. We pray you’re all staying healthy and look forward to visiting with you sometime soon! Sincerely, Jim Ross, Founder & Chairman

CHROMIUM AND GLUCOSE ABSORPTION

by: JEFF KEUNEN Ruminant Nutritionist, Grand Valley Fortifiers, Nutrition Direct

ll dairy nutritionists understand the importance of dry matter intake (DMI) and how large of an impact it can have on cow health and production. The key is to maximize DMI for dairy cows through the dry period, parturition (calving), and into early lactation while still providing the correct levels of fibre, minerals, protein, and energy. Maintaining DMI through the transition period is positively linked with cow health, transition success, and a better start into early lactation. We also know that cows that eat more dry matter in early lactation will produce more milk throughout their lactation and should also return to a positive energy balance sooner in their lactation. One of the limiting factors of our modern higher producing dairy cows is the ability to efficiently absorb all the energy provided by the ration. Rations are formulated to provide carbohydrates as an energy source for cattle. These carbohydrates are broken down in the rumen fermentation to volatile fatty acids (VFAs), including propionate, which are absorbed across the rumen wall and transported to the liver and mammary gland. In the liver propionate is converted to glucose and accounts for most of the cows’ glucose supply. Glucose is critical for milk lactose synthesis and thus milk production, an energy source for the immune system and for normal body activity, and is key for ovarian function. When the body detects higher levels of glucose, insulin is released into the bloodstream. Insulin binds to receptors on the body’s cells similar to a lock and key. When insulin binds to the receptors and “unlocks the door”, more glucose can enter the cell and be used. If insulin receptors are not functioning properly and when insulin concentrations are GRAND VALLEY FORTIFIERS PO Box 726 Cambridge ON N1R 5W6 1-800-567-4400 grandvalley.com

low, a condition known as insulin resistance can occur. Historically, transition cows (-21 to +21 days in milk) have been viewed as having insulin resistance, which leads to excessive mobilization of body fat and ketosis. However, new research data reports that insulin resistance can be a problem outside of the transition period and can also occur in early-mid lactation cows. One way to alleviate insulin resistance and thus help to decrease the timeframe a cow experiences negative-energy balance (NEB) is to develop feeding and management strategies that can improve DMI and/or reduce excessive mobilization of body fat, which when uncontrolled leads to elevated levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Strategies like improving cow comfort, increasing feed bunk space, feeding top quality fresh feeds and ensuring access to adequate levels of good clean water will all help improve DMI and reduce the risk of elevated NEFAs and decrease the time a cow is in NEB. When good management is not doing the job, one can look to additional feed solutions that are proven to aid in transition and milk cow success.

“What can a cow do with more energy?” KemTRACE® Chromium: Essential for Your Dairy, Kemin Industries, Inc., 2019.

Chromium is a little known but important trace mineral that was recently approved for use in dairy cow diets. Chromium is one of nine trace minerals deemed necessary for dairy cattle production, as it plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium has been shown to stabilize insulin receptors that allow more glucose to enter the cow’s cells. Dr. Jerry Spears, professor emeritus from North Carolina State University, explains that, “Chromium functions by making the animal more responsive to insulin and can reverse some of the insulin resistance experienced by close up dry cows and early lactation cows, resulting in increased feed intake and increased milk production in early lactation.” Chromium helps increase the availability of glucose to the animal so that it has more energy for milk production, growth, reproduction, immunity and general maintenance. Animal performance and production trials have shown positive results that substantiate the science behind chromium. An analysis of 16 peer reviewed studies comprised of Holstein cows ranging from the close-up dry period out to peak mid-lactation shows that cows being fed chromium will eat 0.97 kg DM more per day. This extra DMI resulted in an extra 1.55 kg/day of milk production and a significant positive body weight increase of 2.23% , meaning cows not only gave more milk, but were also able to improve body condition score through the transition period. This increased body condition change and improved DMI is evident in the lower NEFA levels produced by cows fed chromium, allowing cows to return to a positive-energy balance sooner in lactation. With cows in a more positive state of energy balance studies are also showing an improvement in reproductive measures such as reduced days to first service, improved conception rates, increase in the number of viable oocytes, and lowered rates of subclinical metritis. Trials are continuing with chromium, with positive results being shown on cows dealing with heat stress or under an immune challenge. Given the nature of heat stress or immune challenges, where intakes may drop dramatically in the barn, giving the cow an ability to use more of the glucose she produces makes logical sense to help her deal with the demands of lactation, maintenance and reproduction along with these added stressors. Incredible progress has been made on improving transition cow programs on many of our dairies, with better rations, increased cow comfort and improved management. While we continue to improve on these fronts, we still do see challenges with our modern dairy cows being able to increase DMI quickly enough to meet the demands of early lactation milk production. Finding ways to improve the NEB status of our transition cows and allowing them to reach their full potential in lactation while minimizing transition disease challenges and ensuring timely pregnancy is the ongoing goal for producers. Using technologies available to us, like feeding supplemental chromium, are useful tools that can help producers improve their overall cow performance and increase their long-term profitability. ■

CHOOSING A DRY COW RATION: CALCIUM BINDING (X-ZELIT), DCAD, OR LOW POTASSIUM?

by: BRIAN NELSON Dairy Specialist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

hoosing a dry cow program is a bit like picking a truck. There are lots of choices on the market to fit everyone’s budget. Every dry cow program will get you from Point A to Point B, but there are significant differences between programs in base price, options, performance, and maintenance costs. This article will focus on three main types of dry cow rations as they relate to preventing milk fever: Calcium binding (X-Zelit); negative DCAD; and low Potassium (Goldilocks) rations.

X-Zelit Granules

Calcium Binders (Eg. X-Zelit) Low Calcium diets using X-Zelit have quickly become the gold standard for dry cow rations. X-Zelit has higher upfront costs but lower maintenance costs long term. X-Zelit works by binding dietary calcium (Ca) making it unavailable for the cow to absorb. The average feeding rate is 500 g/hd/day for 14 days pre-calving. This activates the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) responsible for mobilizing calcium from bones and so the cow can boost her blood calcium levels naturally. X-Zelit maintains higher blood calcium levels post calving thus lowering the incidence of milk fever and subclinical milk fever in fresh cows. Compared to other programs, there are less costs associated with administering calcium therapies (Bolus, IV Calcium) after calving. Because X-Zelit is a calcium binder, there is no need to source low potassium forages for the dry cows, so it fits well in dry cow rations that rely on haylage and/or hay. While there are benefits to an X-Zelit program; it is cost prohibitive to feed in a one group TMR system unless close-up cows can be separated. X-Zelit should be mixed into a TMR or top-dressed with some grain to avoid separation. Any feed delivery factors (moisture, particle length, mix order) that allow sorting will produce sub-optimal results. X-Zelit is approved for feed mills to mix/pellet allowing for more options to feed effectively. GVF has recently released a pelleted dry cow product with X-Zelit (Bionic® Dry Cow XZ Pellet) to top-dress to close-up cows in dry cow systems where groupings or feed separation allows.

Negative DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) DCAD diets have been around for more than 20 years. The ionic charge of the close-up dry cow ration is balanced to be negative creating a slightly acidic condition in the cow. This is done by reducing the positively charged cations sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in the diet and increasing the negatively charged anions sulphur (S) and chloride (Cl). This can be done through feeding a DCAD premix (BioForce® 2X DCAD premix) DCAD supplements (Challenger Dry Cow), anionic mineral supplements (eg. Soychlor/Animate/BioChlor), or straight anionic salts (various chloride and sulfate sources). Depending on how acidic we want the blood, and the forages available on farm, we can do either full or partial DCAD rations. When the blood is acidified, the cow attempts to buffer the pH by releasing calcium. This stimulates PTH to release calcium from bone reserves. In a full DCAD ration we are targeting a DCAD of -10 milliequivalents per 100 g of dry matter. DCAD is research proven to reduce the incidence of clinical and subclinical milk fever and improve milk yield in the fresh period. Full DCAD rations have been shown to increase calcium status for the first 3 days post calving. Both full and partial DCAD rations have lower upfront costs than X-Zelit. It is important to note that straight anionic feed sources are not very palatable. Full DCAD rations require a close-up TMR to maintain intakes (hiding the flavour). They require excellent feeding management to ensure success, and periodic (monthly) urine pH monitoring. Overfeeding

Dairy Grist anionic salts/ supplements does not have any additional benefit and may suppress feed intakes and potentially metabolic acidosis. This diet requires the use of low potassium forages for it to truly work well. Partial DCAD rations are a nice option as well – the lower inclusion rate of anionic salts/anionic supplements means they are more palatable. For partial DCAD, BioForce® DCAD dry cow premix is a good product for producers wishing to gain some of the benefits of DCAD rations, without the intense management required for full DCAD programs.

Low Potassium Controlled Energy (Goldilocks) The role potassium (K+) plays in preventing milk fever has been acknowledged for almost 30 years. Low K+, controlled energy rations are high forage dry cow rations balanced with low energy, low potassium forages. The Goldilocks dry cow diet (corn silage + wheat straw) is the gold standard when it comes to these types of rations. In situations where wheat straw is not an option, mature grassy dry cow hay or other low potassium forages can be fed in its place. This is a reliable ration with the least up-front cost but requires some management of the cows and environment to make sure it stays reliable. Potassium (K+) is a cation. To put it simply, where S and Cl make the blood acidic, K+ makes the blood more alkaline. This inhibits PTH from releasing Ca from the bone reserves. By restricting K+ in the 3 weeks before calving, we are removing the barrier to Ca mobilization and reducing the risk of hypocalcaemia. Controlling dietary energy is also important in preventing metabolic issues at calving, most notably ketosis. Not managing K will lead to transition cow problems. Although straw based rations (Goldilocks) are preferred nutritionally, these rations can be flexible depending on forages available. They generally require some additional protein to meet nutritional needs. These rations reduce clinical milk fevers and work well in one and two group dry cow programs. Balancing rations for low K depends on forage availability on farm. High amounts of alfalfa haylage and cereal silages do not work well in these rations. If suitable homegrown forage is not available, producers must weigh the costs of purchasing straw or sourcing suitable dry cow forage vs. feeding some level of anionic salt. This method alone is not as effective as DCAD or X-Zelit programs and will require more frequent use of calcium therapies toward prevention and eventually treatment of milk fever cases. Straw must be well processed and TMR moisture must be controlled to limit sorting. In herds where a dry cow TMR is not possible, it is more difficult to control individual cow intakes.

Final Thoughts Each of these dry cow rations have their place. Choosing the right ration based on what provides ideal nutrition for dry cows and what is practical for your operation is critical for success. On-going maintenance is always required as dry cows require TLC to perform well. Nutrition is just one tool in the “TLC toolbox”. ■ Low K Controlled Partial DCAD Energy TMR Required?

Full DCAD

X-Zelit

Require 2 groups?

Low K forages required?

Labour?

Low

Med.

Low

Calcium Therapies?

Most

Med.

Least

Additional Cost /cow/day?

$0.5-1

$1-2

$3-5

Research proven benefits?

with MARK BOUSFIELD Dairy Specialist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

What are your key factors when making excellent quality corn silage?

Over the years as I have worked with producers to make great corn silage, I find that the first step should be spending time in the shop and not the field. You need to make sure the harvester is ready to go, with the processor adjusted to allow just enough space to slide a dime through. The knives should be sharpened and adjusted to ¾ inch theoretical chop length. Chop length is very important, as is proper packing to quickly eliminate oxygen and begin the fermentation process. Processing score should be done at the beginning of harvest by taking a double handful of fresh silage and spreading it out on the ground or clean surface. You should not find any whole kernels if the processor is set right (I would check this more than once throughout the harvest). Every kernel should be split or processed in some way, that way the cows will utilize the starch and sugars better. There are no short cuts here, the manure will always tell you! When checking the cobs in the field, you are looking for ½-¾ milk line. If you have the means, take 6 to 10 plants from the various locations in the field to chop and determine total plant moisture. Expect a dry down of 0.5% per day and in hot, dry weather 1% per day. Depending on storage facility, you want to aim for 33-38% dry matter for bunks and upright silos, for bags, aim for 35% -40% dry matter, and for Harvestore sealed silos, I find them to go drier at 45% dry matter. Start chopping when the total plant moisture reaches your target dry matter. Using a silage inoculant that contains L. buchneri and has been research proven to help speed up the fermentation process. A dual strain for lactic acid production and one with L. buchneri can help to improve silage stability and quality while reducing dry matter loss and increasing bunk life. Using inoculant is not the answer to making great silage, it is how you finish the process that is important. If you have bunks, the recommendation is a layer of oxygen barrier film followed by a thicker 6mm sidewall plastic to cover the walls and top of the silage. Packing is very important! The goal is to achieve a minimum packing density of 15 lbs per cubic foot. Having enough weight from your tractor is key and packing no more than 4 inches at a time. The more you try to push, the greater chance of density loss. This can result in a greater chance for mold, yeast, and heating. I always say that when you think the silage is packed, pack some more! Packing helps reduce the oxygen pockets for quicker fermentation, which results in the cow making more milk. Immediately after filling and covering with plastic, apply weighted tires and make sure that they are touching.

Corn Silage

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For upright silos that you are not feeding out of right away, level and cap the silage to seal it. Ag bags need to be airtight and sealed properly to speed fermentation. These are just a few tips I have used over the years. Make sure your equipment is adjusted for proper processing, double check that you do not have any whole kernels, and pack until you cannot pack any more in! You only get one chance to harvest your corn silage right, and you will have to feed it for the rest of the year. Take the time to do it right. ■

with MARGARET CURRIE Dairy Specialist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

hen was the last time you walked your heifer pens? Let me re-phase. When was the last time you spent longer than 20 minutes in your heifer facility observing and critiquing your animals rather than bedding up or cleaning out? The general assumption would be “We don’t do that very often”, followed by “time is limited, and the milk cows are the ones making the money.” However, heifers deserve some dedicated time in your schedule. After all, great heifers are what makes great cows. Very little can be done to fix what happens in a heifer’s first two years of life once she enters the milking herd. If anything, her struggles at a young age become more prominent when she is surrounded by others. Time spent watching your animals and recording what they are doing is just as important as the well formulated diet you put in front of them. Simple observations tell you if your program is working or if it needs modifications. Here are three simple items to observe and record, which will help you stay on track throughout the year.

Step 1: Manure Checking manure consistency in the heifer barn is the quickest method to pick up on changes in your heifers. Manure should not vary as much as milk cow manure does, but if manure texture goes from one extreme to the other, you should start trouble shooting. Heifer manure should not be stiff and pile up, nor should it be watery and have a sharp foul smell - it should be somewhere in between. Manure colour is impacted by the feeds in the diet. A hay-based diet will be brown in colour where a higher grain-based diet will have a grey tinge. Manure colour and consistency also indicates rate of passage through the animal. A quick peak at manure will tell you what has been going in her the diet for the last 1 to 3 days.

Step 2: Hair Coat Everyone thinks fluffy calves are cute, but once she reaches the heifer barn that baby fuzz better be on the way out by 4 months! We all appreciate how fitted animals look walking into a show ring and there is no

reason for heifers not to have sleek shiny hair coats standing in your barn at home. Hair coats are often overlooked - dull hair is considered dirty and long hair is considered not yet shedded (depending on the season). This is a poor assumption. Hair can lose its shiny smooth texture and shift to dull, wiry/brittle when something is off in the barn. A short shiny hair coat indicates an animal that is fed a well-balanced ration and kept in a clean and dry home. Keep a close eye on the transition period from three to six months as this is when you can see the most stress and heifers begin to show fuzzy, curly hair coats. Cattle typically shed from front to back, so poor hair coats are easiest to see around the rump. The growth of additional hair even in summer months is the heifer’s defense mechanism towards whatever stress is going on in her life such as weaning, multiple group changes or from feeding too much fermented feed too soon. Hair coat is a great visual tool as to what has transpired in a heifer’s life in the last 2 to 3 months.

Step 3: Body Condition Score Body Condition Score can indicate how a heifer has utilized her diet for the last 3 to 6 months. A shift in body condition score is something that needs to be tracked and recorded over time. A feed change today will not result in a visible change in body condition score next week. It is not necessary to score entire pens, but a subset of at least 20% will give you a good idea where the group lies on the scale. Body condition in heifers needs to be monitored a few times a year. We use the similar 1 to 5 scale as the milk cows (1 thin 5 severely over weight). The simplest way to do it is have heifers eating at the headlocks or even in a tight group on pasture and stand behind them and observe the fat covering over their rump. Even though they are growing the rump structure and tail head should always remain visible. Keep in mind that younger heifers (under 12 months) do not always deposit fat in areas similar to cows. Heifers also need to be evaluated from the front to see condition over the shoulder and down into the brisket. Once we start to lose sight of the tail head, short ribs or have large briskets we have fat heifers that can lead to repro issues and transition issues at calving. No matter the age of the heifer overall body condition should remain similar with just a slight increase in weight closer to calving. The intent of walking heifer pens is to observe and catch any changes that need to be addressed. Heifers are meant to be playful and alert, so tracking the three items above and having playful curious heifers helps you know things are on track. A few minutes a week recording observations and evaluating two or three times a year in a heifer barn can make the difference from raising good heifers to raising great heifers. Great heifers means great milk cows, so investing time now is investing time in the future of your dairy herd. ■

Thought for the Day “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness but one of power, love and sound judgement.” - 2 Tim 1:7 “…There is no reason to live in fear when you have the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit within you. Fear will enslave you, but Christ has come to set you free. Ask God to free you from any fear you are experiencing and to open your eyes…” - An exerpt from Experiencing God Day by Day devotional by Henry T. Blackaby & Richard Blackaby