THIS ARTICLE IS SPONSORED BY THE MINNESOTA DAIRY HEALTH CONFERENCE.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

UNITED STATES OF MINNESOTA

Troubleshooting Forage Feeding Problems ...

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., P.A.S., Dipl. ACAN Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

60

BIII Mahanna, Ph.D., P.A.S., Dip!. ACAN General Manager - NulrlUonal Sciences Pktneer HI·Bred Internatktnal, Inc. 7100 NW 62nd Avenue Johnslon.IA 50131 Voice: 800-247-8803 exl6673 Fax: 515-334-6665 cen: 515-229·3409 Internel: mahannaw@phlbrad.com

Research Proves Nutritional Variation Does Exist

I But just how big is that nutritional variation? I Michigan 2-year Study (1988/89)

(Wisconsin Forage Council Meeting Proceedings, 1/28·9/92, pg 111·115)

CP 1-2% units (7.9-9.2%) Slover Digeslibililies 5% units (41-46%(11 0-120CRM V46-51 %(1 00-11 OCRM) W.P.Digestibilities 4% units (77-81%)

This means that yield and grain content are still !!!g drivers of total value ..... .

2001 MllWlaota Dairy Heatth Conter.nul St. P8UI, MN May 22..24. 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS. Dlp'- ACAN PIoneer HI-8AId InWn'lational, Inc.

61

Il Major Challenges Facing Forage Producers.... I • Selection of the Best Genetics

• Conservation of Dry Matter - to preserve valuable sugars/starch

• Maintenance of Intake Potential - palatability

- consistency

• Evaluation of Nutritional Value and Proper Ration Complementation - understanding kinetics of forage digestion, not just chemical

entities (NDF, starch)

2001 Minnesota Dairy Hoalth Conferonc;;o 51. Paul. MN May 22·24, 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS, Dipl. ACAN Pioneer HI~red lnt8mational, Inc;;

A way of thinking about the corn plant that may help explain some of the laboratory and feeding problems associated with corn silage •. , ..

• Grain is much more energyodense than stover making the Grain to Stover (G:S) ratio the biggest driver of corn silage energy.

• While stover (cell wall) digestibility can "handcuff" a nutritionist, the fact is that there is little genetic difference between hybrids for dNDF. The huge range in dNDF is more of a result of the influence of environmental factors such as growing conditions and harvest timing.

Gen~lic and Environment Contribute to Corn Silage Performance

Corn Silage Performance Ranges

~ ,------------------------------, 40 r-------------I 30 +----______ • Yield, tons AF 70%

20 +----------------1~ t=JlII;;~:s;;~=:==

Don'l confuse (G) l)ilT~r~Il<~s with (G+E) Rang .. that can be caused by variation in weather, soil types, harvest, ensiling or laboratory lechniques,

IliI Starch, o/nM

Cl Fiber Digestibility, %NDF

• Total Digestibility, 'YnM

215 side-by-sjde samples from five distind silage genotypes. pre-ensiled from 1999 plots in the Northeast U.S. as data set for Dr. Greg Roth (Penn State) sabbatical at Miner Institute

Not Everybody Has the Same Needs ..... Try not to fall into the trap of: "one silage hybrid;s good fo, il11 silage growers"

To best serve silage customers needs, we must understand:

• their unique agronomic challenges. • their ration constituents (sources and cost of both starch and fiber ingredients).

• expected ration Inclusion rates • harvest window (use of custom cutter) • the nutritional demands of the group of

animals that will be fed the silage

And then recommend hybrids accordingly .....

2001 Minnesota Dairy Health Conferonco St. Paul, MN Mev 22-24, 2001

The main reason immature forages are more digestible is due to a higher ratio of cell contents to cell wall

Pith

Bill Matlanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-Bred Intematlonal, Inc.

Units Increase Sida-by.side ~ locations Needed

~.~ .•

l;J

62

r Silage Hybrid Selection Priorities 1

. -.

• Agronomics

- Disease Resistance

- Early Growth

• Yield - 2/3 of selection value

-7-10-ton variation. measurable

- 2 ton yield drag means -10% more acres to fill same pit

• Digestibility- 1/3 of selection value

- 2/3 of Digestibility - FAST (RAE) pool (Starch and Sugar)

-1/3 of Digestibility - Fiber Digestibility -low variability. difficult to measure accurately

r Findings of the Wisconsin Corn Silage Consortium I

rsu;;;maz) I U of WI Recommendations fO~

Corn Silage Seiection Targets

Narrow range in quality · #1 Grain Yield Quality values are repeatable

#2 Whole Plant OM Yield Lint.: relationship between agronomics · and quality · #3 Slandability - stalk and root lodging not related to quality

» for grain yield options Stover compoSition strongly influenced by

#4 Relative Maturity both maturity and grain fill · - For each 10% Inere .. ,"grain yield expeela1% 6ecrease in NOF and .5% increase in total whole plant· #5 Quality dJgestlbihty.

Source: JG Coors· 9119/95 ReVIew of the 4-year - As gram fiU reduced, slover cell wall (NDF) digestibility UW-Corn SIlage Consortium (199h94). Madison, reduced but oyera" stover IVTO (cell wei and cell WI. Reference: h:t!l!:/lcom.CI9!:2no!!!X:.wise.cdul eon.nb:) increased due to non-transloc:aled NSC's

Nole" comments made even before the onset of Genetic potential for quality improvement SIlage processing

2001 MlnnlllOlaDahy He.th ConNorence 8m Man.ma, Ph.D., PAS. Dlpt ACAN St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001 PionOOl' Hi~rod Intttm.ional. Inc.

I Silage Performance - Single Plots Cooperator: McMillen; Edward Pioneer Sales Rep: Bowerj Alan M. State. County: PA.peny

Planted:OSl1211999 Harvested: 0911011999

Brand Product nJl OM ~ ~~ ~.

Pioneer 33Y18 30.0 32 23 47 70 Mycog_n 7250 20.6 33 28 45 72 PiOnHr 33J56 24.7 32 25 47 71 NK MAl(496 21.8 32 27 47 72

!!£l, MilklA

0.69 119.1 0.75 15053 0.76 11101 0.74 15572

l Minimum average difference (d) in traits which can be detected with a given number of locations or samples (n)

~ 3.'

a> 32

" c: I'! 30

£ 28 '5 a> 2.6

'" i! 2.4 G> > 2.2 .. E :0

2.0

E 1.8 '" C :! 1.6

1.'

1.2

1 2 3 • 5 6 7 8 • 11 13 15 17 1. 21 23 25 Number of locations (or samples) (n)

Source: DA Sapienza, Ph.D. August 2000

Alfalfa Harvest Management. ..

2001 "lnn_OIa Dairy H •• Un cont.rence 5t. PaoI, MN May 22-24, 200"!

Bill ...... anna, Ph.D., PAS, DIp!. ACAN Plonoor Hi-Bred Intematlonal, Inc.

Field-Based Methods To Predict Alfalfa Maturity ...

- Plant Growth Stages

- PEAQ

-GDD

- Scissor's Cut

2001 Mln"aota Dairy H •• ,h eon .... ne. St. Paw, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Matlanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pio~ HI~nKllntemational, Inc.

3.

3.2

3.0

28

2.6

2'

22

2.0

18

16

1.4

1.2

63

I Now on to the Queen of Forages .... I

2001 Minne&Ota Dairy Holllth Cont.fooc:o St. Paul, MN MIiI)' 22-24, 2001

Bill M".-ma, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Plonaw HI-Bred 1nt8m4lti0l'181, Inc

Alfalfa Harvest Management. ..

Over time, RFV falls into the optimal range.

It does not rise into it.

RFV = % DDM x % o..Ml. 1.29

100 RFV = Full Bloom Allalla

%DDM = 88.9· (0.779 x %ADF)

%Dr",11 = 120/%NDF

2001 Mlnn.ota Dairy Health eont.IWnC8 Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN 5t. Paul, MN Mil)' 22-24, 2001 Plonoer HI-BrtId tntwn.ional, Inc:.

Predicting Alfalfa Maturity ........ . Utilizing Results - Set Harvest Goals Not unconvnom to

» 150 RFV for milk cows loose 20 RFV during entire cutting and

» 12~130 RFV for other catUe curing process.

- Adjust for Field Loss » expect 1 0% loss

Remember that field-based » cut at 165-170 RFV quality methods are on fresh )I harvested forage will be 150 RFV alfalfa ... flber 1e",,1s will be

- Adjust for Harvest Time higher in fel1Tented Iilage .•• sugars will be towered and

» 1 day = 3-4 RFV units fiber concentrued by 5-35%

- Adjust for Field Conditions depending upon the quality of the fennentatton.

It soil type

II :i18i&g'~iI

2001 Mln/MSot.Oalry Heath Conferenctt Bill Matlanna. Ph.D •• PAS, Dip!. ACAN 51. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001 Pioneer HI~ Intam.uon.al. Inc.

-Alfalfa Quality Summary ...

• Weather, cutting schedule and post harvest handling are more critical to alfalfa quality than variety selection.

• Variety differences exist in alfalfa for forage quality, but all varieties can produce optimal quality. Differences are consistent across cuttings and locations.

• Varieties decline in quality at approximately the same rate.

• The differences among existing varieties are generally small (8-12 RFV points). This represents a 1-4 day time spread.

• Varietal differences (early cut vs late cut) to optimum RFV(i.e. 140-160) may be used on the farm to extend the harvest window.

• Focus on yield and disease/pest package .... be aware of limitations of data used to make decisions

2001 M inn.ota Dairy Health Conferonco St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mllhanna, Ph.D .• PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-Bred Intemational, Inc.

I Typical Silage Service Calls ..... I Side dishes and desert

• Hot Silage won't cure the problem if

• Moldy silage the main course is bad!

• Excessive surface spoilage Depending Upon Silage

• Seepage (excess effluent) Quality .. .You Can Feed 40-60% Forage on a DM

• Unloading difficulties basis. In times of high

• Poor bunklife energy costs or low milk prices, this may be the best

• Poor intakes/production way to "cheapen rations'

2001 Mlnn_ota Dairy Health Confenlnce Bill MatHinna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001 Pionoar HI-Bred InlGmational, Inc.

I Changes in Corn Forage Quality and DM Losses I

_____ ___ ... _._______________ ____ s: __ ~_r_n. __ ~()_r_~.¥. .. :~ ..... . Fresh Ensiled

OM, % 1::.:::::,;":;'!~H~4:8(S.7)33,1.,,(6.8j CP,% OM 7.9 (1.1) 8.1 (1.1) SP, % CP 27.2 (6.4) 47.1 (11.8)

AOF,% OMIF'bO,IoGonce_lr22:9.(4.2) 24.9 {4.3) 1 NOF,%OM -42.5('6.5) 46.0 (6;3¥ NSC,% OM IWSC/starchlslostIL41.6(6.9) 37.4 (6.5) I NEe, Mcaillb 0.76 (0.03) 0.73 (0.03) D M loss, % per month 2.2 (2.3)2 ForageVa!ueperton,$l 30.2n ,?Q

IDM (shrink) los ... "Mel to b. valued I

r:11'C/ NC',:::DH:::'A"""", ''''99''-' --:-":::H,"-,,,,-,-:-'9::-""--""'/ M""~-"'--:-A-:-Idri:-'-:-h,-"9::-.. ""1 :':~~~::'".:t o~~~ ':!:.ClSta-Ch.

2001 Minnaota O.ry H •• th COnfw9nce 51. Paul, MN May U",z4, 2001

Bill MahaMa, Ph.D., PAS. Dip!. ACAN PlOrM18r HI-Br«Ilnterrulllooal, Int

64

Six Goals for Quality, Stable Sila e

- Achieve a low pH 2 - Ensure proper spectrum of fermentation acids 3 - Conserve water soluble carbohydrates 4 - Minimize protein degradation 5 - Control front-end fermentation temperatures 6 - Minimize aerobic activity upon feed-out

2001 Minn .. ota Dairy Hoalth Conferenco SI. Paul, MN May 22...24, 2001

Bill Mahann .. Ph.D., PAS. Dlpl. ACAN Pioneer HI-Brud .,.ternat_onal, Int.

I What is usually the problem .... 95% ofthe time I • Improper harvest moisture

- Don't rely on kernel milkline for determining CS moistures - Err on the dry side with alfalfa and wet side with CS

• Improper compaction - Determine Ibs/cu ft and develop benchmarks

• Improper face management What is !!!!! the problem - Monitor temperatures & compaction 95% ofthe time:

and reward excellence Small deviations in • Improper feed mixing and delivery recommended VFA profiles!!

- Sorting and acidosis - Screen rations at delivery and several hours later

• Poor quality due to maturity at harvest - Don't rely on calendar, understand plant physiology

• Extremely high quality and not adjusting for energy in ration - Monitor starch, degree of kernel damage and dNDF

S·/ II~ dL' 11 I age rOO Ine ..... . Silage

Microfiora Rumen

Microfiora

Fresh ..... ~I ..... ~ __ • Forage CJ cj

t DIP

.J.. UIP (Lys,Try)

.J.. SolCHO t Starch Avail t FA (.J..NFC)

2001 Minnesota Dairy H •• th Confer.nce St. Paul. MN May 22-24, 200t

8111 ,..hanna, Pfl,D., PAS, DIp!. ACAN Plor.w HI-Bred IntwnatWnai. Inc.

Summary of Silage Laws .. ... . • The better the fermentation the more difficult is aerobic

stability (bunklife)

• Wetter silages need a lower pH for stability than wilted silages

• The faster the fermentation the less proteolysis

• Stressed crops/high manure application/poor management predisposed silage problems

• t buffering capacity/,j, WSC crops (alfalfa) ferment more difficulty than :,j. BC/ t wsc crop (earn)

• Grassllegumes generally more aerobically stable than corn or cereal silages

2001 Minnesota Dairy Hoalth Conferonco St. Paul, MN M.y 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.O., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pion .... HI-Brad Inlemational,lnc

Laboratory Tests for Problem Silages ..•.. Nutritional Analysis - wet chemistry preferred for "-atypical" samples ($50) OK to freeze samples.

MOisture

Crude Protell"t

» ADI N - bound protein

Starch

» ADF, NDF

NE-L TON. RFV

Dgestion Kinetics (-$21) Dairy One Forage Lab (formerly the NYDHIA lab), Ithaca, NY (607-2S7-1272) or Dalryland Labs. Neacha, WI (608-323-2123)

» 30 hr IVTO, 30 hr dNOF. OSU NE-L

Water Soluble Carbohydrates. Pepsin Digestible Protein (bound protem in HMC). OK to freeze. Midwest laboratories Omaha. NE (402-334-7770)

Microbial Analysis. JKM Mycologist (James MaryanskJ) Mount Prospect, IL (847-390-0810)

Yeasl counts and 10 » Mold counts and 10

Bacteria (BaCIllus)

Do not freeze samples. chilled only

Mycotoxin Screen ($60,GClHPLC). NDSU Vet Diagnostic Lab (701-231-8307)

Elisa (like Neogen, Blo-Phatm) only for grain

)I GC & HPLC fOl' forages

)I Samples may be frozen

Volatile Fatty Acids, Ethanol, Ammoni • Sampling Procedures: Nitrogen, pH ($15) Cumberland Valley - Observe distribution, compaction and structural Lab, Hagerstown, MO (800-282-7522), problems DairY One. Ithaca or D8lryland Labs, WI _ Su~sample from 6 locations: surface & 1-2'

~~;~ =~~' t~~:::;~' ~::c~ro~~1 ~:iPPle~g~n~r ~~~~m areas. "Scoop" samples should be frozen to reduce - ,f microbial analysis use insulated cooler, blue volatilization Ice and express mail service early in the week

Stable Silaae Goals: Proper Fermentation Acids End Products

C,HuO, ..... 2 C)H,O) (1IIu&fru) (lacUe ""id)

C H 0 .... C)H.O) + C2H.02

(xyi,~~) (I.crtc: .cid) (lICetic acid)

C,H t20, ...... C)H,Ol +C2H~OH + CO2 (glu.fru) (lactic acid) (ethanol)

3 C H .. 0 ~ CJH,;Ol + C~H .. O! (g/~>tu).. (lactic acid) (acetic acid)

+ ~~~~l~Q + CO2

Blu.· homofermentattve PIIrthw.-y •. Red '" heterofermentatlvo pathways. lacUc acid Is 10x alronger acid than acetic acid. Ethanol doean't drop pH. CO,c ..... DMto ••.

Acetate can be high In high yeast silage because convert lactate to acetate + elhanol. Acetate does not have Ihe mold inhibition of laclate. Smell like nail pobsh remover can be methyl, ethyl or propyl acetale and ethanol from yeast activity

Potential NegatiVes: the better the fermentation, the more potential for aerobic stability (bunklife) problems due to more retained sugars.

Id .. 1 Average

Volatile Fatty Fermentation Fermentation

Acid J!lUJolll JIl!I.RIIJIl

Lactic Add >:" 0% ~1f8jf~ ~·3"11.

:'4 O~,. com l>IlilflfJ

.. oIIe .... ,,;.. O~'O .::!·3"h

Ideally like. 3-6:1 ratto betw .. n lactic and acetic I acid. If too high lactic and too Uttle IlCetlc acid, .... obk: atablUty may be. problem. Total VFA can appro.:h as high .. 12% in very wet, grua silag'"

65

ti --~~ j ~~ ~ __ J ,l

- , ~~

,&/

Stable Silage Goals: Low pH

• pH = 4.0 - 4.5 for legume silages But remem ........ termlnaJ pH ..... you 11tt .. about how

• pH = 3.8 - 4.2 for corn, cereals and grass silages =':.!,,;~"::~~clency)

• pH range lower for wetter silages

» require longer fennentation

" require more sugars

Cro Bufferin Ca ci • Com Forage 200 MEa

• Orchardgrass 300 MEa ;) require lower pH for stability • Perennial Ryegrass 350 MEa

480 MEa

560 MEa • Alfalfa

• Red Clover

*MEQ = milliequivalents of NaOH required to increase the pH of 1 gm. OM forage from 4~6

2001 MIM.ata Dairy He~ eonfto ..... c. st. Paul. MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS. Olp!. ACAN Plono.- HI-Bred Inlem .. onal. Inc:

Next Generation Potential Negatives: the better the fermentation,

Aerobic Stability the more potential for aerobic stability (bunklife) problems due to more retained sugars.

Products .... leNal Average

2 Lactic Acid ~ Volatile Fotty Fermentation Fermentation

Acid ~ W.IIIllIl

~A~'Mid L ........ ,.:; G%alfl'lf<.l 2·3%

... ~ O"'i: ;;:'~rn E;!!age

.... ,Add <2070 2·3%

.. !i!r;, ; ButyrtcAckt O.C% <0.1%

,. 'i" Propkln£cAc:k:I <10% <1.0"h

V.ericAcid () 0% <O.1~

Id.ally like a 3-6:1 ratio

Pion .. ,®brlInd 11A4<4 n I Degrading the preformed behtMen l.cUe and acetic

Inoculant for Improved lactic acid Is why it I ... acid. If too h~h IKllc and

bunk life in Com, GI'IISS 3~ weeka for maximum too little acetic acid, ..-oblc

Cereal Silage and HM corn MrOIHc atablHty benefits atabllity may be. problem. 10 be acht.ved wDh L. Total VFA can .proach .. buchn«l.

I :~:. -:=~~ very weI,

VFA's as a Diagnostic Tool: Our stated goal with inoculation has been about a 3: 1 lactic to acetic ratio - perhaps a better goal (close to the same) is having 75% of all VFA's as lactIC acid. Proper sampling Is Ctihcai. Best

method is to have the farm work

Tllble 1. Com silage rcmartal~n ~Ia"es. sanpk m:ans and standard deVllllIOrtS. :~=~u:~~a:e~ O:;:!~~~i:hen pH LadkAdd AeettcAcId Ladk-to-Acctic feeding the silage normalJy. Take

........ .£~~!!w.:._ .. __ .... _~~ __ .. ___ 01!?M ............. ~.~ __ . ___ ~.I!i..:Ba~ ... _ samples of the total mixed SIlage PiofWcNreated(n-14) 3.8±03 7.3±24 2.7± 1.3 2.7 fromaTMRmlxer In lower Silos.

Non-Ploneer(n-31) 39 ot- 0 ~ 6.7 ± 2.6 3.0 -= 1.6 2.2 have the unloader run over as much of the face as poSSible and lake

Tllblc 2. HII C fCTlJElltationm::asures: lem:ansandstandard deviations. samples at the beginning, middle pH Ladlt Acid Acetic Add Laot-tit-tG-Acetit and end of unloading, If mixing IS not

.... _._~_ ... _. ____ .JI~!~ ... _ ... %DM %DM ....... ~~.!W!! .. _. ~:~:~·IS~~d::;!'::::le~::,=on Pioneer-treated (n-l6) 4.3 ± 0.3 6.4±2;; .-- "i"4-~-IT' 2.7 face into thirds. and lake samples

__ ~on-Plonecr(n-25) 4.6±05 H±3.0 2.3± I.'!. ___ ,-_, ___ from naat the lop. middle and near

Source: Kurt Ruppel - Eastern Dairy Specialist the bottom from each section. MIX

all nine samptes together and sub­sample. Use comparative sampling to make dtsbnctions between good and bad spots In the bunker. DO NOT TAKE SAMPLES FROM JUST OPENED SILOS, OR FROM THE TOP OR END OF UN-OPENED SILOS!!

Alfalfa Fermentation Analysis: 18monthsummary Copyright 1999 by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services (.00-282-7522)

OM Blnge/# Ammonia Il.!! Lactic Acetic Propionic Butyric LacticNFA

<24/48 5.25 5.39 3.04 4.18 0.64 2.10 30 24-28/116 4.57 5.17 4.46 4.26 0.61 1.64 40 28-32/212 3.33 4.91 4.87 3.80 0.33 0.90 49 32-36/191 2.41 4.84 5.26 2.96 0.15 0.34 60 36-40/228 1.90 4.70 4.95 2.15 0.09 0.20 67 40-44/172 1.63 4.76 4.83 1.62 0.06 0.09 73 44-48199 1.68 4.77 4.42 1.45 0.04 0.05 74 48-52/75 1.35 4.90 3.39 1.04 0.03 0.05 75 >52/86 1.11 5.50 2.06 0.68 0.04 0.02 73

Notc that a large percentage of samples in this database are from "problem" silages. Table should be used to note trends. not necessarily for benchmarking.

2001 Minnesota Dairy Hellllih Confetance St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mllhanna. Ph.D .• PAS, Dip!. ACAN PionOOT" Hl-Bred InlGmetionai. Inc

HMC Fermentation Analysis: 1'montllsummary Copyright 1999 by Cumberland Va/ley AnalytJca/ Services (800-2'2-7522)

OM Range 1 /I Ammonia el:l Lactic Acetic PrODionic Butvric LaclicNFA

<64/11 0.53 3.66 2.35 0.97 0.05 0.02 69 64-66/28 0.53 4.04 1.24 0.48 0.02 0.02 70 66-72/66 0.48 4.38 0.96 0.33 0.04 0.02 70 72-76/83 0.30 4.26 0.84 0.24 0.01 0.00 77 76-80123 0.20 5.07 0.43 0.22 0.01 0.00 65

Note that a large percentage of samples in this database are from "problem" silages. Table should be used to note trends, not necessarily for benchmarking.

2001 Minneaota Cairy H.llllth Conter.nca st Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS. DIp!. ACAN Plon_ HI-Bred Intem.nonal. inc.

66

Corn Silage Fermentation Analysis: 1Bmonthsummary Copyright 1999 by Cumberland Valley Analytical S.",; ... ('00-282-7522)

OM Rangl/# Ammonia Il.!! Lactic Acetic PropioniC Butyric LacticIVFA

<25/156 0.77 3.99 5.05 4.89 0.40 0.12 47 26-28/205 0.72 3.86 5.42 4.21 0.44 0.07 52 28-30/351 0.73 3.86 5.17 3.79 0.40 0.03 54 30-321355 0.63 3.89 5.15 3.19 0.30 0.03 58 32-34/313 0.63 3.90 4.73 2.59 0.20 0.02 62 34-36/231 0.80 3.86 4.77 2.36 0.17 0.04 64 36-38/154 0.71 4.00 4.21 2.02 0.14 0.03 65 38-40/112 0.66 4.09 3.56 1.69 0.08 0.02 66 >40/198 0.65 4.17 3.20 1.30 0.05 0.03 69

Note that a large percentage of samples in this database are from "problem" silages. Table should be used to note trends, not necessarily for benchmarking.

2001 Minnosola Dairy Hoalth Conferenco 8U1 M .... anna. Ph.D .• PAS. Dlpl. ACAN St. Paul. MN May 22-24, 2001 Pionew Hi-Bred Intarnational, Inc.

Grass Silage Fermentation Analysis: 18monthsummary Copyright 1999 by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services (800-212-7522)

PM Range 1# Am!!!2!!!! Il.!! ~ ~ ~ ~ LacticIYFA

<24/45 4.05 5.03 3.34 4.02 0.72 1.60 34 24-28166 2.44 4.73 4.49 3.15 0.37 0.80 50 28-321100 1.51 4.51 4.57 2.49 0.25 0.40 59 32-36173 1.34 4.57 4.72 2.05 0.13 0.34 64 36-40/44 1.37 4.59 4.59 1.59 0.14 0.16 70 40-44/34 0.93 4.60 4.09 1.10 0.03 0.05 77 >44/33 1.03 4.85 2.90 1.10 0.03 0.02 70

Note that a large percentage of samples in this database are from "problem" silages. Table should be used to note trends. not necessarily for benclunarking.

2001 MlnMaOta Dairy Hellllth Conference St. Paul. MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mah.-ma, Ph.D., PAS, Olpf. ACAN PionowHI-Bredlntarnatlonal,lnc.

Environmental Conditions That Contribute To Clostridial Activity

• Low dry matter silages

• Low water soluble carbohydrate content

• High silage temperatures

• High buffering capacity of the crop

• Elevated ash content (>5% in CS, >8-10% in alf/grass silage)

• Often high pH pockets result within bagged silage - result of aerobic Bacillus and yeast activity

- Clostridial environment created

2001 MUlneaota Dairy Hoalth Conferonco St. Paul, UN May 22.2<l. 2001

1"""'BOIl,1991 Bill Mahanna, Ph.D •• PAS, DIp!. ACAN Plo~ HI-Bred Intem.rtona, Inc.

Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome

Mark Kirkpatrick DVM

Formerly Iowa State University Field Services AABP District 6 Director

As of Late August, 2000 with Pharmacia in Idaho

208-922-1942 kirkpatrick@am.pnu.com

2001 Minne50ta Dairy Health Cont.nJnce St. Paul, UN May 22-2.4, 2001

9111 Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, 011''- ACAN Pionoor HI-Brecllnlemational,lnc.

I Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS)

• An emerging syndrome?

• Sporadic in morbidity

• A typical 80 cow dairy may only see 1-2 cases/year

• Some farms will experience an "outbreak form"

• Mortality may approach 85-100% of cases due to peracute nature

2001 Minne.ota Dalf}' Health Confenlnce st. Pad, UN May 22-2.4, 2001

Bill Mahann .. f"tJ.D., PAS. Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-Bred Inwmatlonal, Inc.

67

I Butyric Acid I

Dose Calculator

Butyric acid concentrations and pounds of silage DM intake to reach butyric acid doses of: • 56 gms - reduced DM intake and

risk of ketosis to early lactation cows

• 156 gms - high risk ofketosis in early lactation cows

·256 gms - high risk of ketosis in all lactating cows

I Source: Dairyland Laboratories. Inc. 1212000 and I GaryOetzc:l, DVM - Univ ofWiscoRsm.

.. ,

%7 ••

I Occurrence of Clostridial Fermentation and Finding a - Perfringens Toxin In 1999 Pioneer Technical Service Samples ..•..•.

• 9 alfalfa samples

- 3 Clostridial

- 3 a - Perfringens

- 2 positive perfringens negative for Clostridium

• 22 corn silage samples

- 7 Clostridial

- 3 a - Perfringens

- 3 positive perfringens negative for Clostridium

I Alpha toxin screening at U. AZ by Dr. Glenn Songer I

2001 MlnlMll&Ota Dairy "'lIIth Conference 51. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

I Clinical Signs of "HBS"

Bill Matt."..a, Ph.D., PAS, DIp(. ACAN Plonoot" HI-8n1d Intemattonal, Inc.

• Short Incubation Period - producer will see nothing wrong and subsequently find a "Down Cow·

• Severe Sweats indicative of Pain

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

• Sternal recumbancy

• Extreme depression

• Sunken Eyes

2001 MlnlMSOla Oalry Helllth Conference St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

8U1 Matt."..., Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pt~ HI-8red Intem.ttonal, Inc:.

I Clinical Signs of "HBS" I • Slight Bloating may be evident

• Pale Mucous Membranes

• Fluid Slosh in lower right abdomen

• Distended Gut Loops per Rectal Palpation

• SUDDEN DEATH

2001 Mlnne&ota DaIry Ho.tth ConflMVnco St. Paul, MN May 22-24. 2001

I Risk Factors I

Bdl Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-8red International. Inc.

- C. perfringens type A has to be present in the ration to cause disease

- Readily fermentable carbohydrate is needed to support growth (e.g. Iamb, Type D. over-eating disease).

- Partial slowdown or stoppage of ingesta flow (acidosis induced?) allowing proliferation of C. perfTingens. Generation time = B.B min.

- Over-representation of Brown Swiss?

2001 Minn-cta Dairy Hoalth Conference St. Paul, MN May 22-2-4, 2001

[Diagnosis

BUI Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, DIp!. ACAN Pioneer HI-8AId InlG/TIational,lnc.

• Appearance of Characteristic Lesions and Clinical Signs

• Isolation of Clostridium perfringens type A (produces alpha toxin only, type C & D also produce alpha toxin) from the lesion site in high numbers. Colonization occurs fast!

• Gram stain of Impression Smear yields high numbers of Gram (+) rods

• Isolation from fecal samples is not considered diagnostic

2001 Minn.ot.O_"Y Health Conference St. Paul, UN May 22-24, 2001

em M .... .,.,3, Ph.D., PAS. Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI~red InternMional, IfI!;.

68

I What "HBS" is !J.J2!.

• Salmonella - the most common rule-out. Cattle can look bad in a hurry with this type of infection. Blood can be present in the stools (cows dead with HBS before you notice bloody stools).

• Sudden death - Peritonitis, Pericarditis, Torsion of the abomasum, Intestinal mesenteric torsion.

2001 Mlrm860ta Dairy Health Conhlrenco 5t. PIlUI, UN May 22..24, 2001

Field Observationsmml

• Model of Infection

Lamb Enterotoxemia:

Carbohydrate engorgement or

presence in small intestine in high

amounts.

8m Mahanna, Ph.D .. PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-BNlId Intltmmional, Inc.

I Disease Breaks I

69

I Disease Breaks

Breakouts: 21 June - 5 affected, 2 dead, 2 referred to

ISU - DOA

Could ration inconsistencies or high-energy induced acidosis constitute a risk factor?

4_---0rlgtnal Message-_4_-From: Arden nelson [mailto:Synappsrd@AOL.COM] Sent: Wednesday. October 25, 2000 3:34 PM To: AABP-L@UMC>D.UMD.Ec>U Subject: Rc: [AASP-L) Sudden deaths

Steve,

My pcrsonzl theory for acute deaths, due I bcllevc due to intestinal ClostridlQl bacterial infections IS that a period o.f acidosIs predisposes these animals to. "ovcreating disease "

In three herds, adjusting the rations for more: health, same milk, and implementIng a well tilMd clostridlCll vaccination program "s1'opf»cd" the deaths

Example herd: 400 cows, drylo.t dairy in central Texa.s, lost 20+ fresn (7-14 DIM) cows in summer o.f 1998. We adjusted the dose-14' diet and started vaccmating twicc prior to eclving for 8-way ClostrldlQJ. Suml"Mr ef 1999, he_lest 2 cows In the intense neat to 'the apparent same syndrome: freshen fine, ketesls, down, dead.

Best regards and king time, no sec Arden Arden J. Nelson, DVM C>iplemate, AB'IIP-Dairy Syn-apps rei 5410 Augusta Trail Fert Collins, CO 80528-9185 v-970-266-&459 f-970-266-8513

3) We exa'~lIned tne ratIOn via recalculatlOrl to doLbIc chKk the nutritionists flgu"es. ~DF and NOF levels wkere Within acceptoble I.."its and NFC was a~ 35%. Wet ckemlstry oncrsls of the rat .. on showed n: ~::!~;d:~lht:Ol.3~~:dn lz%~-:~~ °t:;::7d~7:t=b~tto': ~~ n!: =;I~~ ;:r.;~n t:'#:os rotion, which wo.uld agree With Arden's cemment concerning ration safety. 4) Recerd evaluatlo.n showed InCidences at all stoges ef loc:totlOfl and all levels of produc:tion greoter than 50 Ibs. No deaths _re noted In heifers. Death rates to. seem to clo.sely fellow mo.nG9CmI!:nt level milk. When the producer did t~lIngs to. make this herd produce. hiS Incidence rate o.lso fellowed. Bettem line is ·Who.t ~uc.s Milk'" Carbehydro.te In the form o.f stlrch, Dry Motter fb";~~~n~~'::~:n c~~~. :=~~;fb~: haylage m'Id refo.",,"ulatio.n o.f tke ratlen dropped the herd 5

:1f:~~eo;':d ho~~ntn: ~:~:;;I;~S=::t:d' w7te:'~~ ~,!!;n:~ ;::::;~:::s.:s~ne day, 2 cows were

~k:~~~:;~~!~~r!:~!t~;~==:'o:e J:::roC~~=:':tth~~·n,t;u~o~elo'i=~ c:~:~e les~ns demo.lUtrated pure C perfr'"9l!:"' type a in high numbers. Could it be that Individual dry matter Intakes,

~~ f~es;~~z:ac:o.::s:~~:t~ief:~~ a:~~I:crs;'C:';h~ =~:t' ~;o;;:;!:~~ Dr. Alan determiMet that xvet'Cll of the cotfle WeN hypocolcalftc. Could this be a foetor u weH?

:~,::::n~ ~tM:J_:;~=I~"~=:!?:'~f: ~~~h~"t'k!wi~:' ~Oft of art autogenous C perml'l9Ct's type A offered no protection Protect1Gf1 coUd be Hpcndcrrt on tnc prCSCllC& ef the CIPPf"OPI'iate toxoid Type. A's arc a notoMously wide. designation. so findi", tM CGl"f"Ut type A. may be hit ar" miss at best. Knowing when the toxin is claboroted in c ... nre. ~ the. next h&rdle. and compounds #Ie diffic"'ty in weci ... pradl.6Ction

~;D~O= ~~n =~,~: ~:i!:ed':aJ,': :i~hl~~;r~ -~: ~:,~~~th~m::~~~':":I;!o.:rt~~urn iic ~!.t,.~~~e;~I:~ :;!f~~(rro!n~~I~~b~i~de;:r~~t:~~7~~~ ~~~":r;i!Ia~Cd that perfringens type A thot deliwNd Beto.-2 teXln. Beta-2 has 0. trock record In Europe causing hemo.rrhaglc enterlfls m etner species as weU as bov1r'ICS

3rd Goal for Stable Silage: Conservation of Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC)

Crop

Corn S ilag e

Legumes/Grasses

High Moisture Corn (upper limit with cob)

- Can limit t.rm.ntatlon • Probl ..... In mature, wet crop. • No problem at typical alfalfa m"urlU .. • fW"e1y a problem In corn at. - HMEC > WSC than HMC - Organic Ktd ..... In forag •• real.t pH drop

Before Ensiling post Ensiling

6-8%

4-6% 0-1%

1-4% 0-1%

G ..... have maul 50%C-5 penlOS85 (xyto .. , .. ablnose).:' 1 IKIie + 1 ,:,M.1c (no! _ good at dropping pH) ~ higher 'n ce'. in the f.lI. Legumes high In Cfi hellO .. (glucose, fructOilejln -.pring _2lactlc (rapkity drop pH). MofIt CS'. In f.n tII_ hlrder to drop pH In fall cut alfllff. due to more acetk: Kid productien from homohnnentatlva ferment.lon.

I t buffering capl ~ WSC c:n>po (alfalfa) ferment> dilllcult lllan ~ SCI t WSc crop (corn)

2001 Minneaota Oliry Health Conferenca Sl Paul, MN May 22~", 2001

Bill Mananna, Ph..O., PAS, DIp!. ACAN PlonRr HI-Br.d InternMlon4ll, Inc:.

70

-----Origino.l Message-·_·· Frem: Mark.A.Kjr~trick@am.pnu.cem [rw:lilto.:Mork.A.Kir~trick@am.pnu.com] Sent: Wednesday. October 25, 2000 9:29 PM

This jejunal hemorrhage syndrome: IS really interesting, and as one practitioner put it: -It will probab~ be like a DA where we find a nurwbcr of different thmgs that predispose ecttfc to this syndrolM."

Arden brings up a goad point with respect to. ration safety, but the sl'JlOking gW'l of acidasis has been very taugh to. track and decu,.m. In our Iowa State invcrtigation o.f a herd that was having rcpcat&cl bo.uts ef this .syndrome: __ were unable ta doculMftt any fat depressions to. speak af on monthly C>HIA tests, or thraugh eXCI",ino.tion af the daily bulktank records. Admittedly 'the bulk tank has a I'III1$king effect en indivtdual or small group fat test levels. But 1'hcre was no disc:ernabie pattern other than a lightening strike effect as to which indivtduals were affected. Could it be that individuaJ dry matter irttakcs and individual acidCll$IS may be at play? In thIS herd -= were able to decul1lCnt deaths ...dar two conditIons.

1) The presence ef haylage in the ration. We faund it fairly easy to. rccovcr Clostridium perlringens tys:.c A in laf"9C numbers and pure culture. When removed, 'the death rate abated. When added we had deaths again in 1.5 weeks from inclusion. Producing hoyt. in on Ag-Bag (relatively sterile stI"'Uc1'urc) provided 8 months of rdicf. 2) We also cxpertcnc:ccl dea#is during the feedin9 af CONI silage that had bccfI remaved fro", the bunker silo. less than one week after clesure. The atnoUnt af soh.ble sugars and Sfo,.ehcs available to allow Qostridial ferrnentatiOf! must be high.. Addjtionol~ sevcral herds using the same type of Wlfermented product in NE Iewa experienced the some rash af breaks.

Where to go. on this problem? If it IS a Clostridium pcrfrlf'l9C"S cnt&Mtis then thcJ.c havc to be 3 events. The first is the pr&Serlce of the argotnism. The second is 'the pre .. ce af fcrmen1ab. starches needed to c:a.ua ".awth, sporuJafion and taxin elaboratlen. The thifod IS a slDWd~ er stoppage of i.sta in the gut lumen. Once grewth .-tarts 'the generatian time for ClosfMdiu", pcrfrlngcns is 8.8 ",inuta (Dr. 61enn Songer). 1) Examine the ratian fDl' energy le:vels in terms of calculattons and possibly nutrierrt ano.lysis. Arden's ce",,,.,.t concerning ration SQfety is right on track. 2) Examma the physical for'" ef 'the diet. Is there sign,fic:antaI1lOWits of sorting going on? Rod Mortin's peper in the 4-States Dairy conference was on eye-opener looking at shaking the ration every 6 heurs. The cows were ccr1ain~ creating their own rations. We asked the producer ta CNGte a l~day rolling bonk ef TMR samples that he head pkleed in the freezer fer any future ana~sis. This was useful and cheap. 3) Consider testing 10 individuals in the affected pen fer serum calCium levels. This is rcasono.bfy cheap

~ ta~t ': P;:;/~:': le:,,:iGhf~~ the averall herd, Iru:tanon l's cn:I the earty lae1ation individuals. Are there any su,gcstions that the fat .vcls arc drapping? Rumenoccntesis would alsa be c:a.11cd far. !5) Have a laak at the individual cartlponcnts 'th:It arc going into the diet. Pay special attention to items 'th:It high in soluble or readi'" fUrMntablc starches. Throttliag bock it&lns such as high grain COI"ft

silG9&. high moistun corn or readily fermentable small grains could be advisable. 6) Constder retrieving a sample: of gut from affected animals. TIC ef the ends af the gut leop, get it caoie:d down fast and into a diagnostic lab for culture. Clostrtdtum pcrfrin9CftS type: A can be too easy to. culture, but it would be interesting ta get tn& isolate typed to sec ef the c:a.pobilitics far Bcta-2 toxin exist.

~g~::=::~~~";ditho~~S:;~;~u:ta~:::t~~t~~th!~f! t.:;:;."ifi:~:ry is an easy e ..... t, maybe inordinate amounts of Clo.strtdium pcrlringcns may be awilable ta the anilW2l. 8) &ood Luck! I'm serry for the length. ef this fMSSQge, but I hope it helps. Mark Kirkpatrick Pher_cia bairr Technical Services

4th Goal for Stable Silage:Protein Conservation

,- Heat damage (bound or unavailable protein)

" ADIN % of 101a1 prolein

Fj ii~ ... >12% indicates excessive heat (>1300F.)

~.,.' •• - use for all forage silages

_ .. adjust CP in ration

I~' _ Increasingly carmelized -+-» Pepsin insoluble % of total protein

f~ ~" ... >20% indicates excessive heat

. alfaKa ... use with high moisture ear or shelled com

I :Ifalfa silage studies show lysine, threonine, histidine, arginine, J tryptophan are substantially degraded during fermentation. Isoleucine,leucine and valine tend to resist degradation,

2001 Mlnnesot. Oalry "'lItti ConMrenca Bill MIIMri ... Ph.D., PAS. DIp!. ACAN St. Pall, MN M.y 22~4. 2001 PIoneer HI~r.d lnt8mlltlonal, Inc.

5th Goal for Stable Silage: Temperature

No greater than 15-20°F above ambient temperature at ensiling

Grassllegumes .generally more aerobically stable than com or cereal silages due to presence protein degradation byproducts.

2001 Minnesota Dairy Hoalth Conferonco Sl Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

• Result of air penetration into silage mass supplying air to aerobic organisms

• Mold activity is precluded by yeast

- mold needs pH > 4.5 to sporulate

- yeast sporulaUon occurs at low pH

- utilizes lactic acid as substrate causing pH to rise

• Yeast silage can be hot silage but does

8111 Mahanna, Ph.O., PAS. Olpt ACAN Pioneer HI-Bred In..",ational,lnc.

not necessarily decrease dry matter intakes

2001 Minn_otll Dairy Health COnference st. Paul, MN May 22-24, z001

McDolWlld, 1981 Woo\ford,1984

Bill M8hanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dtpl. ACAN Plonectl' HI-Bred In'O"Ulllonal, Inc.

I MoldlMycotoxins: Most are Field Produced I • Fusarium (in the field) can produces vomitoxin (DON, grains

10ppm), zearalonone (50ppm) and Fumonisin (highly carcinogenic). - Unlikely to grow in well managed silos

- Fusarium can grow/produce toxin at filling - most mycotoxin produced in field

lone kernel in 1 million = 1 ppm one kernel in 1 bi11ion = 1 ppb • Molds found in silage

- Penicillium - Aspergillus - aflatoxin (20ppm com •. 5ppm milk)

- Monillia

- Mucor

2001 Minnesota Dairy Helllllih eon .... nce 5t. P8U!, UN M~ 22-24, 2001

lin gener •• addlttve value of DON, a. • ...,.,MI Md T 0.2 not > ... ,0 ppm. Fumont.ln <100 ppm. FDA IIftatoxhl < 20ppb hi total r"~n.

8111 M_8M" Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAH Pio"..- Hl08ntd Inlam.t\onal, Inc.

71

Goal for Stable Silage: MicrobiaUFungal Activity

Microbial Analysis: Colony-forming units/gram of silage (as fedl » Total aerobes: <100,000 (1OS) cfu/gram

Example: Bacillus species

» Molds: <100,000 (105) cfu/gram of silage (as fed) Example: Mucor. Monilia. Aspergillus, Fusarium(field)

and Penicillium (very lactate tolerant)

)) Yeast: <100,000 (1OS) cfu/gram of silage (as fed) Acid utilizers: Candida and Hansenula

I Molds Found in Silage I • Primary Molds

- Mucor (white/gray fluffy) - Penicillium (green/blue) - Aspirgillus (yellow/green) - Monilia (white/yellow)

• Others isolated infrequently - Geotrichum - Absidia - Monascus - Chrysonilia

45% 45%

7% 3%

2001 Mlnn.oIa Dairy Helllllth eont.rence Pioneer Tech 5eMce BUI Mahann .. Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN 51. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001 1996 PlonGQl' Hi~red intemCional, Inc:.

I St Corn and Mold Activity ....

• Second-generation com borer control should reduce Fusarium ear rot

- Bt protein must be expressed in kemels late in the season

- IA State data shows ear rot scores lower in some of the Bt hybrids

• No effect on Gibberella ear rot because it infects ears without insect damage

• Mixed results on reduced stalk rot with Bt com

- spores enter via roots as well as com borer vector

• Initial Pioneer mycotoxin screens show same levels as non-Bt hybrids. ISU studies show significant reduction.

2001 Mlnnesola Dairy Helllllth Cont.Nrtce St. Pall, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bm M_.-v'I" Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN PI~ HI-6ntd Int.mauonal.lnc.

Mycotoxins In Alfalfa And Grass Forages?

Mycotoxins do exist in grass pastures

Detection problems

- plant material (chlorophyll) debris

- HPLC vs ELISA diagnostic confusion

- Dr. Alan Gottlieb Univ of Vt plant pathologist is the leader in this area of mycotoxin research

Crop residue and soil incorporated into fresh forage by harvest equipment is likely the mode of mycotoxin entry

Generally. not considered as big a concem as are mycotoxin contamination in com grain and silage

2001 Minnesota Oairy Health Conferonco St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

8il1 Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip'. ACAN Pioneer Hi-Bred Inlem;diooal,lnc:.

Mycotoxin Analysis Comparisons

ELISA Gas Chromatography

VomHO,:\ln Ztaralollont: VOolito\,in Ze2J'alonone (nom) luumi tuum

Corn Sil!l\'\c 2.4

HM ('orn 3.1

·\If::t1r:l Sihagt

2001 Mlnn_ota Dairy Hellth eon""nce St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

2.78

286

1.4

l.l

0.6

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS. 0Ip!. ACAN Plonoor HI-Bred Inlam.ional, Inc.

72

I Mycotoxin Tests Available I • ELISA (enzyme-linked immune stimulant assay)

- Fast. in house test

- Economical ($10-15) Alnounls I!l !iQlIllIOt·

- General screen deSigned for grains only La1xc grains - s J>OUIld& CenoaJ grains .. 3 pounds

• Chromatography ~=1.2pound1 Forages" 2 J>OUIld&

- Slower lab test

- Less economical ($120-150 for entire screen)

- Types

» HPLC (high pressure liqutd chromatography)

» GC (gas chromatography)

») TLC (thin layer chromatography)

2001 MlrmGGOta Oalry Hoalth Conferenco Bill ManaMa, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN st. Pilul, MN May 22-24, 2001 PIoneer HI-Bf'ad Intemational,lne.

Mold/Mycotoxin: Solutions . Short Term . LongTenn

- Dilute feedatuff «.5ppm) - Modify Crop MaMlCllement

- Don't teed to transition cows )I Mawramgmt

- Avoid zewatonon.ln pngnant • MoJdbon plowing

cows or heifer rations t PI~ • .ty

- Adsorbants )I crop~on

• a.ntonlte - Msnage silo filling

11 Novo.H - m. ............... hybrids ........ - Avoid silage blends with dtffwlng - Modify nutrltlon maturtt_

,. Inc. Energy 5-10% - Ellmln .. fHdstuff )I Inc. ProWn 5-''''' It avoid cobs by feedlng HMSC )I T.M.: (Se.Zn.CU,Mn)

It avoid screenings 11 V1t.nlns: (A. E. 8--1)

- OispoM of fMd.tuff l> clean equipment r.gulirly

2001 Mlrmeaota Dairy Health Conference Bitt Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN 51. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001 Plonoor HI.arod International, toe

Harvest At Correct Maturity & Moisture

2001 Minnesota Dairy HctaIth Conference 51. Pall. MN May 22..2:4, 2001

In other words ....

Bill Mehanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Plo~ HI.a1Wi Int.matlonal, Inc.

Harvest At Correct Maturity & Moisture I This is 60010 of the battle I

Proper wilt assures concentration of water soluble carbohydrates.

Primary goal .. eliminate oxygen by ensUing between 60-70% moisture.

Avoid >70% with legumes, gra ... s, and cereals.

Err on the wet side with com silage and on the dry side with legume silage

Prevent runoff .. lOX 8.0.0. of raw sewage.

Silage atways comes out wetter than they went in ... .aerobic

activity dictates this fact.

How Reliable is Kernel Milk Line to Determine When to Chop Corn Silage ...

1/3 milk line .. Upright silos (approx. 67 -12'4moisture)

213 milk line .. Upright ,ilos (approx. 63-68%moisture)

Blacklayer- Sealed structures (approx. 50-60%moisture)

Whole plant com Silage should be harvested between 60-70% whole plant mOisture (depending upon storage structure) for maximum}'l8ld and optimum fermentabon. If a sUage mOIsture lester is unavailable, the "milk line~ on the grllin kernel c., be II helpful Indicator to pull the l\arvest "trigger", but shoukt not be relied upon as a credible method Ie determme whole plant mOisture (especially the further East of Nebraska that you farm).

2001 Mlno.ot. Dairy Health Confwenc:e St. Paul, MN May 22~4, 2001

- Kemel Milk Line not reliable

Silage Processing - not an excuse or reason to

harvest!QQ dry Sample Fields - 10 plants from several

locations - chop in chipperlshreader - cook out sub-sample in .-:-----::---:--:---:--

Koster ... 2Q-30 minutes • Develop harvest strategy

» maturity ~ planting dates

Bm Mati_a. Ph.D .• PA.S, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer Hio8nld IntemMional,lne.

73

Stay Within Harvest Moisture Guidelines

2001 Minnwola Dairy Hoalth Conferenco SI. Paul, MN May 22~4, 2001

Bill MahIlnna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pfonew HI-Bra:! Inlematlonlll, Inc.

Wisconsin Research - Recommendations (a." JirDvec. SIghr, Shinners, and Coors in Hoard'. D~tymM "1DM)

We recommend a 314 inch theoretical length of cut setting on the harvester when processing corn silage at this time for several reasons,

- Feed intake and milk production were excellent for this coarsely chopped and processed silage.

- Observed trends in particle length and rumen fiber mat formation may prove beneficial in certain feeding situations.

- Power requirements will be lower and machine capacity greater when TLC is set longer, with or without the crop processor present.

» May cause excessive wear on processor and depending upon chopper, reduce roller throughput

- We cannot support chopping at lengths greater than 3/4 inch TLC at this time. We have no evidence that coarser chopping with processing greatly improves how cows respond. We also are concerned about adequate packing of coarsely chopped silage in the silo and the quality of the resulting fennentation. Also, there have been reports from the field about excessive crop processor wear when chopping and processing silages at 1 inch TLC or greater.

... 0 « ." .. .. .. ~ .E

i' 0 ~

Economic Benefits of Finer-Chopped Alfalfa Silage

10

• , 4

2

0

·2

-4

Particle Size Score and r-_._-,A",-",DCLF-,I.!1cre-,..$_~ __

•

The poorer the fermentation, the greater the ADF differential between fresh and fermented ..... i

• ••• ~ :!r! ___ -·~~~~;=;=~g=:~=:=,~=.,=)~I------~ ~ .... I y"S.6967x.9.17S:

1.2 1.4 1.' 18 2.' . . L---·~p~.~rti~CI~.~Si·z-.~s~co~r.~--·

(1 to 3, fine to coarse)

Source: Ruppel. KA. COm.ll Unlv US Th ••• 1993

R2 '" 0.2085

Poorer packing can result in ADF Increases of up to 6~ 8% in fresh vs fermented silage.

2001 Minnesot. Dairy H •• lh eon'-renee St. P .... I. UN May 22-2 ... 2001

Bill M_anna. Ph.D •• PA.S. DIp!. ACAN Plo/'lMf HI-Br«llntematlonal, Inc.

74

Managing Processed Corn Silage: Chop Length • Processed CS allows for lengthening the chop on CS

(3/4") and shortening the chop on alfalfa(1/4-3/8"}.

• This allows for more effective fiber from corn silage while improving the fermentation potential of haycrop silages.

Feed removal will also be easier with finer chop allowing for better bunker face management ••••.

Wisconsin Research - Recommendations (S.', JirDv.c, Sha.,.,-, Shinnera, .nd Coon ;n How'. DWy"m.n 1/1D1N)

• Rolls should be set and maintained at less than 1 mm spacing so that kernel and cob breakage is complete.

• UW research: - 3mm setting = 3% J.!!!damaged kemels - 5mm setting = 5% J.!!!damaged kemels - 1 mm setting = virtually all kemels damaged

• However, "damage" is subjective .... knicked, halved, comes apart when squeezed, completely crushed??

Experienced users ...commend not >314" TLC with roller mill, set at 2·3mm for immature com silage (1/lML. >61% moisture) and at 1mm for silage >314 milk line«61% moisture) maturity.

2001 Mlnn.ota Dairy Health Conferarn;. St. Paul. MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS. Dlpl. A.CAN Plonear HI-8* .... uwnltional.lnc:.

Reductions When Processing ...

Processing Equipment for Smaller Producers • Gehl introduced several pull type choppers with processors in the Fall

97. Chopper costs $48,000, $12,000 more than the 1265 model w/o the processor. About a 2 hour job to put the processor in place for silage, or remove for haylage, Price includes the 3 row com head.

• Other sources of roller/blowers and .add-on kits for pull type choppers

- Paul Smucker, Lancaster Silo Company (717·29!>-3721)

- Glen Horst, near Guelph, Ontario (511)-66!>-5439)

- Roger Shantz, U of Guelph Fann Manager (51!>-824-4120)

- Georgetown Manufacturing Co. Christiana, PA (610.593-2753) (Gehl, New Holland Choppers)

Field Observations of Kooima Cracker Plate Mounted on John Deere Pull-Type Chopper

2001 MIIVI.ma O.ry Hulth eont.Nnc:. St Paul, UN May 22~", 2001

On site observations at harvest with 2 handfuls of forage showed:

- 12·15 cob-pieces

- 6~% kemeh; left intact (some nicked or scratched)

Customer noted more kemef damage at higher moistures.

No observed "'crease in implement power demands. Took several hours to install plate­manufacturer claims 1 hour.

Hand sorting of silage in the lab Showed lots of cob pieces and upwards of 80% of the kemets undamaged.

Bin MIh.nna. Ph.D •• PAS. DIp!. ACAN PIoneer HI~ Inlltm«lonal, Inc.

75

Rollers exist to process silage between field and silo or mixer wagon. (Le. Automatic EqUIp Mfg. Co., Pender, NE 402-385-3051)

ATS3600 mill shown above Will process 1.5-2.0 Ions/minute. Cost is $26,500

Prototypes eXist Without blower for bunker Silos or for between bunker and mixer wagon ApprOXimate cost (w/o blower) is $24,000

CS processed post fermenlahon WIll have 10 be chopped finer 10 limit ensiling losses (i.e. can'l chop longer 10 provide more effecllve fiber)

I Cracker Plates .... Kernel Cracker Plate Kooima Part#, K51112HP Replaces OEM# ,

This type of rub bar or plate processor has been offered for years in Europe.

Research indicates that they are effective with immature CS, but effectiveness tends to decline with advancing crop maturity.

TLC still needs to be shan.

Positioned for smalter producers not wanting to spend $$ for rolter mills and for harvesters wanting to regain lost ground speed.

Kooima - Rock Valley,lowa. www.Kooima.comDean Foster

- Voice: 800-522·8874. Fax: 712-476-5403 or Oean.Foster@kooima.com

-Fits All 6000 Harvestors, JD 3960 and 3970 Pull-types and SelfPropeUed New Holland Choppers

-Cracks 85 to 90% ofkemels with minimal Power Requirements

-Bolt in installation

-Solid one-piece construction eHeat treated & Single milled teeth to retain sharp edge

$800.00 .. <11

I Research'Review"bYDr.iarry"Saiier ~iJSDA'·DFRC ,at MN Forage Conference 2110-11199

It is recommended that processed silage be cut at 314" theoretical length of cut, and that the roller mill spacing or gap be at 1·2 nvtl.

The optimum gap setting may vary with com hybrid and com maturity, but in any case should result in all kernels being broken.

Processing has been shown to improve starch digestibility, and possibly increase packing density in the silo.

Milk production is increased slightly with processing, with the average increase from 15 trials equaling 1 Ib of milk per cow daity.

The added cost of a roller mill for a forage chopper is approximately $9,000 to $15,000. USing a milk production response of .6 Ib per cow per day (includes only 11 trials where the cows produced> 60 Ibs. milk per day) and a projected machine cost (roller mill) of $2,440 per year of operation, a minimum of 130 lactations per year will be needed to breakeven with the added machine cost. Only moderate to large dairy operations or custom com silage harvesters have sufficient volume to pay for the cost of rom silage processing.

2001 Minn.ot.O.ry ..... th Confenlnee St. P .... I. MN M..y 22..24, 2001

Bill Mehan,.., PI'I.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN PkInMr HI~ Int.m.tlonal, Inc.

Comments on "Table 8" in Review by Dr. Larry Satter­USDA DFRC at MN f=, ra e Conference 2110-11199

To be sure. these are very modest responses. and it could be argued that they fall within the range of experimental variation. On the other hand. upon considering all the information, including starch digestion and steer growth rate data, it appears that processing of com silage is having some beneficial effect, albeit small

The trials comparing processed with control com silages had the benefit, generally speaking, of good quality com silage. Overly mature or dry com silages were generally absent from this group of studies. One might expect more benefit from processing when applied to corn silage having more mature or harder kernels. The responses in Table 8 should therefore be considered as minimal responses.

• Most of the studies with processed corn silage have been short term switch­back studies where changes in body weight or body condition could not be reliably measured. If starch digestion is increased with processing, then either an increase in feed efficiency or in body condition should be observed. These potential benefits have not been given much opportunity to be measured in the trials conducted thus far.

I

2001 Mlnneilota Dairy Ho.th ConflHonc:o St Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna. Ph.D •• PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pton_ Hl-Bred Int.mMtonal, Inc.

Recent Studies with Kernel Processing Suggest a Negative Associative Effect Between Improved Starch Digestibility and Digestibility of NDF (cel walls) (Hunt etal.· abstract presented at 1999 ASAS meetings)

Effect of hybrid and processing on Effect of hybrid and processing on ISDMD ~r corD silage. ISNDFD of corn silage.

i~llnIUII~ I ... " 'I " . " c· 25 , ~ 20

; 15 =~ 10 • Pro,;

5 ii ~ • Ii i ~ 5 ,

• • • ;; ; 'ilqnpa I " i My.rlel I

M)'.rid I ! Hybrid x Processing Interaction (P < .05) I

I

Hybnd etTcct(P .. 06) Proc~ssing effee1 (P < .01) j l B ..... cl ...... , .. Ion fo, .. arch Iov" .... "'mlnol Hybrid x Processing lateractl()!I (p .... 13) degrlldatfon klnettc. ehould reduce the negattve

etr.ct on fib« digestibility.

2001 Mlnn.ote Dairy Hlulth eonfel1;Jnc. aUl Mllhanna, Ph.D., PAS, DIp!. ACAN S1. Paul, MN May 22024, 2001 Plonoor HJ-Bred Intomlltional, Inc.

"Watch-outs" with Processed Corn Silage • Assuming lillY grain hybrid "can" become a good silage

hybrid ... now that access to kemel starch is assured. • Harvesting at below 65% moisture and expecting high stover

digestibility and good packing in the storage structure. • Chopping too long which is tough on the chopper. may impair good

kemel processing and can lead to sorting in the TMR. • Improper setting of the roller mill (should be 1-3mm depending

upon maturity of crop, not 5-7mm ... even though cobs will be broken up at 5-7mm. the kemels will not be properly processed).

• Not letting custom choppers know your expectations. It is recommended to routinely monitoring loads for degree of processing.

• Outstripping bunker packing capacity .... filling at 2x rates with the same pack tractors as previous years.

• Reluctance to pull grain or modify ration to account for improved nutrient availability in first 24 hrs of rumen retention time.

76

~arly Studies with Kernel Processing Showed mprovement in Both Starch and Stover Digestibility

No Silage JD 5830 wi Stationary Nutrient Processing Kernel Proc Roller Mill

Drv Matter 50.4a 62.2b 59.5b

NDF 24.1a 36.3c 30.5b

Starch 53.3" 75.7b 79.9b

Values in same row with no superscripts in common differ (P<.05) Source: HarrisonIHunt:National Silage Conference, 2111-13/91.

2001 MJnn_ola Dairy Health Cont.ronco St. P~I, MN May 22--24, 2001

Bill Mllhanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip" ACAN Pioneer HI-8red tnt.rn.uonal. Inc.

CS #of Initial Daily ADG F:G Treatment heifers Wt.lbs DMl.lbs Ibs/day Ratio

Pre 20 591 • 21.2 • 3.21" 6.6 •

Post 20 591 20.1 y 3.12 6.4 •

Control 20 590 20.6 xy 2.93b 7.0 b

ab Means within a column with different letters differ (P<.OS) xy Means within a column with different letters differ (P<.10)

Hybrid was Pioneer brand 3394 harvested at 36% moisture (90% milkline) and harvested with ClaM Jlguar 110 It 3/8 Inch chop.

2001 Minnesota Oalry He.ttI Con'-"tce SI. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

BIll Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN PIonoerHI-6rod Internationll,lnc.

Particle Size - Start with the TMR (e.g. 12% on top screen) & work backwards to the particle size needed in the various forages ...

1 ~ Lookl~~tOnt.rtbut~ : of long IWtiCle$liom~]

Typical goal of 25 % > 1 112 inch from the forages

Concentrates----l.~ Ukely "diluted" nearty In half by the addition of grain/proteins,

PACKING IS IMPORTANT ...... NO MA TIER HOW YOU GET IT DONE!!

PACKING IN THIN LAYERS. To get silage fully compressed so air is forced out and kept oul. heavy tractors are needed. Faster filling rates have forced many 10 go to larger and/or more packing tractors. An easy way to tell if you are keeping up with packing is to monitor how much new, unconsolidated forage you have wader your wheels at anyone time. My 'feeling' has been that six inches or less is needed to get good compaction. Survey results from a Wisconsin study support that thinner layers of silage result in denser silage. To try and measlUc the effect of forage depth under the wheels on compaction. I recently took some ponable pad scales out to a bunker silo being filled with grass. I placed the dectronic pad scale in Ihesilo and measured the weight of the tractor. Then as the pad scale was buried. I kept track of the weight being recorded as the tractor passed over the top. noting the inches of silage between the pad scale and the tire. For f"ery ODt inch of silalC deptb. the weilht of the trador tire reaching the pad Kale wall reduced by about 10%. So. at five inches, only about one.-haIf of the tin pressure is felt in the silage.

Source: KoA. Ruppel, Pion .. r Dairy Update June •• 2ooo, Vol 7, No 5.

77

Keys for Good Bunker Silage ...

• Pack!

• Pack!

• Pack!

Packing: Weight Dispersal Avoid bunker "pile-ups" Never work more than 6 inches at once ..• just like building a road. Too much compacting force is distributed to the sides

r---------,

·Keep top llat and silage will have same slope as concrete (3%1. ·If pack over sidewalls, OK to drain off sides If not draining Into other bunkers. ·Trough (channelsl alongside tend to freeze up with water in cold climates. 'Let water run off face with plastic to edge so does not run into face.

·100 tons per hour chopper potential ·Tonslhour x SOO = total packing wt needed ·SOk pounds (40T) worth of pack tractor(s)

I May Require: i -Beefing-up

I ·adding weights ·increasing tire pressure

! ·using larger vehicles

! ·Ganging-up I -more tractors at once

How Engineers Have Designs Bagging Machines To Produce More Consistent Pack

I The Cable Back System I ¥ - - -- ~

~ I The Internal Density System I

2001 MIIVI_ota Diliry H.alth Contw.oe. Sl Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mllhanna. Ph.D., PAS, DIp!. ACAN Pig.,.... HI-Brwj lfltematlonal, lne.

78

Table l. Summary of samples collected from 168 bunker silos

Characteristic Dry Matter, % Wet density, Ibs!ft' Dry density, Ibslft

J

Avg. particle size, in.

Haycrop silage (87 silos)

Avg. Range 42 24-67 37 13-61

14.8 6.6-27.1 0.46 0.27-1.23

Corn silage (81 silos)

Avg. Range 34 25-46 43 23-60

14.5 7.8-23.6 0.43 0.28-0.68

Source: Hoimes, B.J .• and R.E. Muck. Pack Silage to Achieve High Density. Quality Feed. ! I Hoard's Dairyman, May 25. 2000 :

2001 Mlnna.ota Dairy Health Conferenco 51. Paul, MN May 22.024, 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN Plo,... Hi-Brad International, Inc.

Example of micro-environments that may exist within storage structures that have erratic compaction .....

2001 Mlnneaota Oalry Halfth Conference St. Paul. MN May 22-24. 2001

8\11 Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS. 0Ip!. ACAN Pioneer HI-Brod Intem2lional, Inc.

Techniques for Proper Feed-out

I Correct I I Incorrect I

lJJJ I Source: He!lp Silos, CanlKla PI., SeMce 1

2001 Minnesota Dairy Hellllth Confarence Sf Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN Pioneer HI..a...:lInt.m_lonal, Inc:.

Bunker Face Removal Technique

~ Depth and Width Set ........ for Amount Needed ~ for 1 Day Feed Out

~

2001 Minn_ota Dairy Health COnference St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

:~

I Reaching High ....

• Piling high is good because it reduces tons exposed to the top 3 feet

• BUT .... you need to be able to feed off the face correctly

Then - Chip Down With Bucket Blade One Section at a Time Starting From Bottom

First - Scoop Out Lowest Section

Bill M.ttanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer HI~rwd Intematlonal, Inc.

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT SILAGE MA~AGEJ\fENT IN NORTH AMERICA - Keith Boisen. KSll

In general. silages in North America have improved considerably in "visually 3lffcraiscd" quality in

~~~~ 8~~i:~i~~P=~:~ :cttt~~1!I:o=d::l~:;ili~i=~:~fzfn~\h~a;;~: to width and height, faster removal rates, improved maize and/or sorghwn hybrids. more effective packing and sealing, and the WiC of an inoculant However, problematic silages still occur far too often and many of them are caused by:

1. Delayed fining and too rapid filling - a few bunkers. trenches, and drive-overpiles take 2

~~~torr!t~) ==~=~i~::vcstelS often chop more tons peT hour than the ~!ara~~ :nn:~~o;! fi:d~~~:&;di~~: f:::~fai~~e~~~s~~ ~ili~~~: ~~ds silages. 3. Chop lengths that are too long - this is particularly evident in alfalfa,. wheat. barley, oats, and ryegrass silages in bunker. trench, or pile silos.

:~~;~irl:~!;.-:r: of the ensiled forage - in most instances, the polyethylene sheets are

5. Slow removal of silage during the feedout phase - this is usually the result of the exposed face being too large. Com silage is especially prone to aerobic deterioration. heating and loss of nutrients.

6. Ii' ailure to apply an effecti\.·e badenal in()Cuiant - inoculants are responsible for more \Ulifonn and consistent silages throughout the silo. and this is probably the most important fCason to use an inoculant!

79

Another Option: Shaving across the Face .....

2001 M'nn~a Dairy H._ttl Conf9renco St, Paul. MN Mil)' 22-24. 2001

The next frontier for dairy nutrition ...

Bill ManannL Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN F'toneer HI-8r.d Inlllmltioll-', Inc:.

Front-end loader windshields can be replaced .... lives can not!

Where weare vs. Where we need to go

• Balancing around the amount of chemical entities such as fiber, protein and minerals is not very sophisticated

» Fiber:ADF, NDF, lignin

» Protein: soluble, degradable, undegradable

• We need to better understand how nutrients will be metabolized in different parts of the digestive tract

» site, rate and extent of digestion

» in the rumen and in the intestines

2001 Minnesota Dairy Health Conf_nco Bd! Mahanna. Ph.D., PAS, Dtpl. ACAN S1. Paul, MN May 22-24. 2001 PIoneer Hl-Bred Intematlonlll,lnc.

For example: Take identical genetics .... They all "Test" the Same at the Forage Lab. Do they all "Feed" the Same??

Standard regression aquations can !!2! "predict" the true feeding "value"as a r.sult of different proces.ing methods •..• !!.2! can they "predict" the nutritional differences between specific garnlPlasms or growing environments

2001 Mlnnasota DIIiry H •• th eon-....e. St. P ...... MN May 22-24. 2001

Bill MlINnria. Pta.D .• PAS, Oipt ACAN Pioneer HI-BnId International, Inc

80

---------------~-~-~-:-:-~-:-~---~-~-:-~-:-::-:-------------. ----------------------------~-~~~~---~~-~~:~~-------

Cr\lde'rot.1n A,v .. l1abl. P"ot.ln Vnavailable Protein Ad,,,atect Protein 901"bl.Protein

c..lc:1um Pho_phon.e Maqn •• i\la Potaaa1 ....

71.1 28.9

,., '.l '"

0.0' 0.0' 0.04. 0.4.2

.., '" , .. .. , '.7

0.2' 0.25 0.15 1.4.5

" '" Mantalle •• Zinc

Enter ... the element of subjectivity - methodology Involving

griodiogremoves possible effect differtnc:es

- doeso't .«ouot for cow responses (1evel ofintake) that differ from 30 br rumen retention times.

U 5

~" ""' .. . :·~d ... ,~~~ '" :~ :~~;:e p::;~~,.I""t";" :'.ii'.".~ .. h,,:~ ~

l~. a De~.·;~·, ,. D'" ~~_, .• ~c,~,~ ... ; '.1:.,

~ ~.,< "'" 1; .r"u~~'~,

.... 9 n .. '.'..,. t.,<.a _'"

~." "" t··,-t

--P t J~ai . ... ~, ~ II; 'i '~8:

U ;u:

).8

. '" . '" .'" 'OM , .. , .... ,,,.

!I.: S .~

l) .• l., ~:. ; .. ~. )

" l

Methodologies to Determine Rate and Extent of Nutrient Digestibility Faster In Vitro Gas Rate Method to Arrive at the "Cow Answer"

Rumen Digestion Kinetics

Ka" of Rumina! Dry Matter Disappnnnc:.

1. Rate and Extent of Digestion 2. Two Pools of Energy

Depending upon when you took your snapshot in time, you arrive at different answers as to which pool was more important!

81

Kinetics of Ruminal Dry Matter Disappearance

35 ~ ...... I Total DMD I 30 ~

25 r \ J' I w. can be led astray in I C 20 thinking about energy

0 15 / I at a single point in time :;

0 10

, Or as a single value

I (like OMO or NE·L)

5 without a clear

0 understanding of how the various pools

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 :=::t!~.that .i~1 Iill EltiiDliUiliUJ 'b!

2001 Mlnn.ota Dairy He .. 1f1 Conferenco Bill Mahlll'lr'la, Ph.D., PAS. Olp'. ACAN at. Paul, MN M.yo 22~4. 2001 PI~ Hi-B~ Intemaional, 11M;,

Rapid turnaround time necessary for advancing gennplasm (winter production) or foreffedively balancing rations ..

40

§. 30

"' ~ 20 ... g '" 10 ~

IN VITRO RATE AND EXTENT OF DIGESTION FOR CORN EITHER GROUND OR STEAM FLAKED

(rne .. ured by gas rate system)

---~:;., ... -.--

/./' "fpv';~ *"",

A:~':::"'" ~ /~ : •• ' -- Cflakod ---- Cground -- Kflakod

.. ' ---- Kground --Hflllked -~-- Hground -- G flaked - - - - G ground

10 20

INCUBATION TIME (h)

30 40

2001 Mln~. DaI'Y H •• th Conhtr.nee St. Paul, MN M., 22--24, 2001

S.II Maflanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dlpl. ACAN PIo_ HI..e,-.t Int.rrl.uonal.lnc.

E

w 2<

" .... 0 > ., .. "

30

20

10

~

Digestion Kinetics of Whole Plant Corn Silage Used to Develop Pioneer ® brand 1132

1132 proc:MMClwlth unproceued would show I C ..... .,.,m .... ""

slmll. dlfference8 __ -ll'Ir .. andexlent

-...,.-.-.>''-CoNTROL of digestion,

Because these two samples have the same ADF conlent, a standard forage analySis NE-L calculation (te. NEt. (Mealllb)" 0.996 - (O.012S x ADF) WIll Indicate both Silages have the!!!!!t feeding value. More sophisticated digestion kinetics methods dearly show 1132 treated silage IS digested faster and to 8 greater extent. This results In 1132 SIlage feeding like it has 2-3 points 1'1lgher NE-L .... especiaUy in high string cows where corn silage resides in the rumen <20 hours.

10 20 30 40 INCUBATION TIME (hrs) in the alV Gas Rate System

2001 Mlnn_ota Dairy Health eon ..... nce St. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D .• PA.S, DIp!. ACAN Ploneor HI-Br«IlntGmatlonal, Inc.

Benchmarking Silage Hybrids: A Practical Example

• Example of Wisconsin dairyman feeding very­well processed 3563 treated with Pioneer brand ® 1132:

»Lab reported NE-L of .71 Mcai/ib DM (32% starch vs typically27-28%)

»Dairyman increased to .73 because of using 1132 and backed out grain

)} After feeding for several months finally increased to .80-.82 as impact of both processing and 1132

»adding 1 0% to the NE-L is a place to start for very well processed silage

2001 "inn.of. Dary H.ath ConfeNnce S1. Paul, MN May 22-2"", 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dip!. ACAN Pioneer Hi.Qred Inlem:ltlonal, inc.

82

I What causes this improvement In production I Washington State University 1132 Dairy Trial

Benchmarking corn silage (or any silage) to prevent "new crop slump" .....

• Recognizing the need for "bench-markinll" "current silage" to "new-crop" given NE-L regression equations do not adequately address the rate or extent of CS digestion in early lactation cows: - Getting a handle on the Yellow (and cell contents) Pool

» starch content;

» phYSical examination of extent of kernel maturity/processing (rate of starch release),

- Getting a handle on the Green (cell wall) Pool » dNOF (not just lignin) at 24-30 hours, not 48 hrs .

• Commercial labs - Dairy One Forage Lab - Ithaca, NY (607·257-1272) or Dairyland Labs - Arcadia,

WI (60S-323-2123) _ » starch ($9)

» 30 hour IVTD (also dNOF and OSU NE-L estimates for - $24)

2001 Minnesota Dairy H.alth eonNIWnC8 51. Paul, MN May 22-24, 2001

Bill Mahanna, Ph.D., PAS, Dipl. ACAN Pionoor Hi-Brod Intltmational,lnc

wnar "an Happen it the meves 0 noeu area, 1::/1 e (;orn :;1 age Hybrids Is Not Considered ... ..... ..

Sent: September 15.199811:27 AM To: Mgmt, DSM's, STF Agronomists from: Dr. Doug Yungblut, Canadian Field Nutritionist Subject: Urgent message re feeding new crop com silage

It is very important that you stay in contact with dairymen who are feeding silage from 37H97 and 37M81 for the first time. especially tfit is inoculated with 1132. We have had a situation with a producer who started feedmg 37H97 as soon as he finished filling silo. He encountered some symptoms of grain overload and had to have one cow operated on and lost one cow. The cows were receiving a TMR with haylage and com silage 50:50, high moisture corn plus dry com and a supplement plus 4 - 5 pounds of hay free choice. They were also receiving com as a top dress. There appears to have been a few' things done incorrectty (1) Feeding silage while H was fermenting. This can at the least cause digestive upsets and may have started some of the problems. (2) No adjustments were made to the ration. Feed intake jumped by almost 10%, probably because the 37M81 genetics is more digestible. plus the 1132 increased this even further. It is quite possible that hay intake was voluntarily reduced by some cows, making them more vulnerable to acidosis. (3) The haylage portion of the ration was very finely chopped and was quite low in fibre, so some of the cows may have been marginal in fibre intake. (4) The producer did not contact either us or his nutritionist for about 3 weeks after the problems started. This situation could probably have been avoided if action had been taken eariter. I think the producer will be very happy with the pefformance of his cows once the ration is properly balanced. If 'IOU have anv Questions lease let me know.

83