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Master WINTER 2006 DairyProducer Hargrieve Rd., London, Ontario N6E 1P5 www.masterfeeds.com Feeding Distiller Grains By Michael Steele, M.Sc. Dairy Nutritionist, Masterfeeds Five new ethanol plants currently under construction in Ontario and Michigan will soon double the amount of locally available distiller grains. The explosion of the ethanol business will undoubtedly reduce the price of distiller grains and make it one of the most economical ingredients to include in dairy feeding programs. production standards. In fact, defining distiller grains as a commodity is questionable due to the differing nutrient profiles unlike soy, canola, and grains. INSIDE PAGE 2 Employee Spotlight PAGE 3 Producer Feature PAGE 4 Keep Calves Growing in the cold Innovation with When purchasing distiller grains, be sure to buy from one source, a procedure that should improve nutritional c o n s i s t e n c y. S e v e r a l marketing Distiller grains are a companies have palatable ingredient emerged which that bring protein collect distiller and energy into your grains from cow’s feed bunk. ethanol plants However, there are with similar several nutritional production considerations that protocols and producers need to be hopefully aware of to make sure similar nutrient the distiller grains in profiles. your dairy ration are Constantly not impeding your total changing your herd performance. distiller grains Green labels indicate a city with an ethanol plant under source will construction and red labels indcate a city with an existing ethanol plant. The five cause dramatic nutritional considerations for distiller grains inconsistencies in your dairy ration throughout the include 1) Consistency 2) Quality of Protein, 3) year. Overfeeding Phosphorous, 4) Overfeeding Fat and 5) Mycotoxins. 2) Quality of Protein Distiller grains (25-30% crude protein on a dry 1) Consistency matter basis) are expected to be one of the best value Many dairy producers are unaware of the ingredients per unit of protein in the future. However, dramatic nutritional differences between distiller it is important to note that cheap protein does not grains from different plants. Ethanol production always mean efficient milk production. techniques are constantly evolving, therefore the distiller grain by-product is constantly changing. Distiller Grains tend to be high in rumen undegraded Variation of distiller grains from plant to plant protein (50-55%) which can be very valuable in is dramatic because there are no industry-wide increasing total bypass protein in a dairy ration. continued on pg 2 continued from page 1 Unfortunately, distiller grain protein does not consist of the ideal proportion of amino acids to support high milk production. Lysine, an essential amino acid is typically limiting in rations containing high levels of distiller grains. To this end, including additional rumen degraded and undegraded soy based proteins such as soy meal or aminoplus that are high in lysine is advisable to meet the proper amino acid balance in your dairy ration. 3) Overfeeding Phosphorous The new generation of distiller grains commonly referred to as Dried Distiller Grains with Solubles (DDGS) have a high level of phosphorous (0.7-1%). When maximal amounts of DDGS are added to dairy rations, the phosphorous can exceed the total diet requirements of 0.35-.4% (DM). Increased phosphorous content in the manure must be accommodated when developing nutrient plans that dictate how much phosphorous can be applied to the soil. 4) Overfeeding Fat Distiller grains contain a significant proportion of its energy in the form of fat (8-10%) and can increase the total fat content of the diet to an undesirable level if overfed. Too much fat decreases fibre digestion in the rumen and will significantly incidence of moulds in our 2006 corn crop. Interestingly, dairy farmers often overlook the fact that toxins in grains used for ethanol production are not destroyed and become concentrated in distiller grains. Mycotoxins are almost three times as concentrated in distiller grains compared to the original corn used for ethanol production. Adding to this potential risk is the fact that not all ethanol plants evaluate the level of mycotoxins in corn used for ethanol production and often do not test their distiller grains for mycotoxins before selling to the livestock industry. Make sure to purchase from a supplier that regularly monitors the mycotoxin levels in their distiller grains. In conclusion, it is essential to make sure the five key challenges of feeding distiller grains are not impeding your total farm performance and profit. By surpassing these challenges, distiller grains can become a healthy and economical ingredient to include in your dairy rations. If you have questions about feeding distiller grains to your dairy cows, please contact your Masterfeeds Dairy Specialist. Distiller grains can be included in purchased dairy feed or on farm manufactured feeds. On farm storage is normally a commodity shed as shown above. reduce milk volume and milk fat synthesis. The fat in Distiller Grains also contain a significant proportion of unsaturated fats, which have recently been suggested to contribute to reduced milk fat synthesis if fed in excess. 5) Mycotoxins Mycotoxins has become the nutritional “buzz word” this fall due to the pressure of high NOTE: • The United States currently uses 20% of their total corn crop for ethanol production and produces eight million tonne of distiller grains. • 89% of the distiller grains in United States are exported to Europe, Mexico and Canada. WEBSITE: http://ethanolrfa.org/industry/locations/ Employee Spotlight We are very pleased to introduce Gerardo Bustamante to our National Nutrition Team. Originally from Mexico, Gerardo has far reaching experiencing in dairy nutrition and veterinarian research throughout Canada and Mexico. Gerardo will predominately use his skills to benefit our Western Canadian dairy team. Our dairy nutritionist from Eastern Canada, Mike Steele, will also work closely with Gerardo and comments, “I conducted research with Gerardo at the University of Guelph and look forward to reuniting with him to develop an innovative and strong national dairy program.” Please join us as we welcome Gerardo Bustamante to our Dairy Team. - Written by Rod Charles, M.Sc., Manager of Nutrition & Technical Services, Western Canada 2 Master Dairy Producer Winter 2006 Master Producer - Hazelholme Holsteins Ian and Shannon McFadden, and Family By Michael Steele, M.Sc. Dairy Nutritionist, Masterfeeds Since taking over their farm six months ago, the McFadden’s have started to make many changes to improve their farm efficiency. “We felt there was a lot of room for improvement in the way we managed our nutrition” comments Ian. “Our first decision was to purchase our grains and focus on producing high quality forages”. Another major development in the Hazelhome nutrition program was made in September, when the McFadden’s purchased a TMR mixer. “We like our TMR because we think delivering a consistent diet is very healthy for our cows” explains Ian. Only months after feeding a TMR, the McFadden’s have already noticed dramatic savings in labour and significant improvements to herd production and health. The most significant increase in production was noted to be in early lactation cattle. The McFadden’s routinely analyze forages and follow a strict feeding program designed by Bill and Shawn Ransberry of Sunderland Feed Supply. Their simple TMR mix is composed of baylage, corn silage, dry corn and a Masterfeeds pelleted supplement containing yeast. Reproduction is another management area that the McFadden’s want to improve on their farm. They are continually striving to improve herd heat detection and have recently implemented a strict herd health program. The highlight of a visit to Hazelholme Holsteins is viewing their beautiful herd of deep-pedigreed cattle. Over 70% of the Hazelholme herd is classified Very Good or Excellent and their barn currently houses eight Excellent cows! Even with these incredible stats, the McFadden family is determined to further improve the great confirmation of their herd. Selecting bulls is a task taken very seriously and Ian recognizes Cousteau, Outside and Dundee as bulls that have recently been successful in his breeding program. The dedication and determination of the McFadden’s ensures a bright future for Hazelholme Holsteins. The McFaddens strongly believe there is a positive long-term future in dairy farming and look forward to becoming more active members of the dairy community for decades to come. Masterfeeds and Masterfeeds Dealer, Sunderland Feed Supply, would like to congratulate the McFaddens for their strong beginning to their dairy farming dream and wish them continued success in the future. The McFaddens Back Row L-R Ian, Brendan, Shannon Front Row L-R Caitlan and Joe Ian and Shannon McFadden are the enthusiastic owner/operators of Hazelholme Holsteins located near Blackwater Ontario. Hazelhome Holsteins has been a long term customer of Sunderland Feed Supply (Masterfeeds’ Dealer located near Sunderland, Ontario). In June 2006, Ian and Shannon McFadden decided to pursue their dream of dairy farming by investing in Ian’s family dairy farm. They are now the proud owners of Hazelholme Holsteins located east of Blackwater, Ontario. Ian and Shannon’s children, Caitlan (8 years), Joe (6 years) and Brendan (3 years) enjoy spending as much time as they can in the barn and are very excited about their parent’s decision to dairy farm. Ian and Shannon McFadden are solely responsible for the day to day responsibilities on their 55-cow tie stall dairy operation. They are also responsible for harvesting their 300 acres of corn silage and hay. Sunderland Feed Supply is owned and operated by Bill, Shelley, Shawn and Paul Ransberry Doug Armstrong (705) 875-4783 Gary Grubb (519) 881-7929 John Hoskin (519) 801-5188 Roger LaFlèche (613) 227-2358 Jamie Smith (613) 633-8786 3 Master Dairy Producer Winter 2006 Keep Calves Growing in the Cold As temperatures drop, calves require more energy for maintenance, growth and health By Jenny Kelsey Mills and Michael Van Amburg Cold weather affects the nutritional needs and management of milk-fed calves. It’s difficult for calves less than three weeks of age to produce enough heat to maintain body temperature and organ function when temperatures drop below 590F. For calves older than three weeks, cold stress occurs below 420F . How much milk or milk replacer should you feed calves during cold weather to maintain their normal body temperature without mobilizing body tissue? The answer is important to calf survival and growth. Mortality rates of calves fed a 20% crude protein (CP), 20% fat milk replacer were higher in the winter compared to those fed the same rate of pasteurized whole milk – 21% vs. 2.8%. (Godden et al.,2005) That’s due to the higher amount of fat and protein in whole milk – about 18% more energy – than in conventional milk replacer. It takes more than 1 pound of 20% protein, 20% milk fat milk replacer to maintain a 100 –pound calf when the temperature is 50 degrees. (Table 1) As the temperature drops to 320F, the amount of milk replacer needed to meet the maintenance requirements for the 100-pound calf increases to 1.5 pounds, or nearly 40%. As temperatures fall to 50F, the milk replacer requirement jumps to 1.63 pounds, or 53% more compared to thermoneutral conditions. If you offer 1 pound of milk replacer powder per day, calves will lose weight under cold conditions and their immune system response will be compromised. Most of us want to do more than simply maintain calves. We expect growth. To meet target growth rates requires additional milk replacer powder, determined by its nutrient composition and calves’ body weight. The total amount of milk replacer powder required for maintenance and growth increases dramatically with decreasing temperatures. (Table 2) As average daily gain approaches 1 pound per day, the standard 20% CP, 20% fat milk replacer doesn’t meet the protein requirements for that gain. Appropriate feeding demands a replacer containing 24% CP or higher. Calves can perform well on milk replacer in the coldest temperatures. We completed a study in cold stress conditions to compare the source of fat in milk replacer. We fed calves a 28.5% CP, 23.5% fat milk replacer diet. We offered no starter since we were measuring effects of fat source on body composition. Calves doubled their birth weight during the liquid feeding period and none died while on treatment. (Table 3) Table 1. Pounds of 20% protein, 20% fat milk replacer required per day to meet maintenance requirements of calves at varying temperatures. Temperature 0F 68 Bodyweight, lb 60 80 100 120 140 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.4 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.0 1.3 1.6 1.7 2.0 1.1 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.3 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.1 2.4 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.5 60 50 32 15 5 -5 -15 -20 *Whole milk is approximately 12.5% solids and contains approximately 18% more energy than the average milk replacer. Adjust the table values for whole milk. *Based on the 2001 Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle Table 2. Pounds of 20% protein, 20% fat milk replacer to meet maintenance requirements and achieve 1 pound per day growth at varying temperatures. Temperature 0F 1 pound gain/day 68 Bodyweight, lb 60 80 100 120 140 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.8 1.7 2.0 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.1 2.3 1.5 1.7 2.0 2.2 2.5 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.7 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 2.9 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.0 1.8 2.2 2.5 2.8 3.0 60 50 32 15 5 -5 -15 -20 Table 3. Days on treatment, feeding characteristics and growth rates of calves fed during cold stress conditions. Parameter Mean daily temperature, 0F Days on treatment Milk replacer powder fed, lbs/day Total liquid fed, lbs/day Average daily gain, lbs/day 14 43 2.8 18.5 2.1 Article re-printed with permission from Northeast Dairy Business Magazine.