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Spring, 2010
Cow's Nutrition: Which, When, and Why
I found this article to be as interesting as the first one that we were required to read. When I was an undergraduate, I took “Introduction to Dairy Cattle Management” and also, a few related nutrition classes. There has been a great deal more research done since then; the subject of nutrition in relation to bovines is now much larger in scope.
The introduction is a reminder that the rationale for providing a good feeding program for cows, as opposed to horses, differs. Cows are a food source. They are fed with the goal of optimizing production and getting an ample supply of milk. This is opposed to horses, which are primarily used for recreational activities. The writer says that “feeding high producing cows continues to challenge dairy farmers and nutritionists.” These challenges center around production and, in this case, fed additives.
As with the other article, this one has its Rs.
In fact, there are all told, a total of seven:
1. Response. Refers to expected performance changes the user could expect
or anticipate when a feed additive is included. Examples include higher
milk yield.
2. Returns reflect the profitability of using a selected additive.
3. Research is essential to determine if experimentally measured responses
can be expected in the field.
4. Results obtained on individual farms are the economic payoff.
5. Reliability is based on the research data base that has been published
on a feed additive.
6. Repeatability represents the statistical data results (mean and standard
deviation)
7. Relativity refers to other products, management changes, or on-farm
practices that could replace the feed additive being used.
Another aspect of industry selection of a feed additive is which commercial product should be purchased. The writer indicates that the “Me too Syndrome” is a term referring to products that “have limited research, but are marketed on the concept that their product is similar or identical to the industry base standard additive.”
There are three types of “me too” situations.
1. The “me too” product may be structurally or chemically
identical.
2. The “me too” product function in a similar manner, but
are not identifal
3. The “me too” product claim similar benefits and results,
but have differing components, microbes, enzymes, and/or ingredients.
DAIRY FARMERS AND NUTRITIONISTS NEED TO ASK FOR SPECIFIC RESEARCH DATA ON THE PRODUCT.
Helpful information is also provided on three selected
feed additives, Biotin, Protected Choline, and Anionic Salts and Products.
Horse Behavior: Books consulted
Cow Nutrition