Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341691
Title: Evaluation of fodder production systems for organic dairy farms

Author
item Soder, Kathy
item HEINS, BRADLEY - University Of Maine
item PAULSON, JIM - University Of Maine
item CHESTER-JONES, HUGH - University Of Maine
item HAFLA, AIMEE - Agri-King, Inc

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2017
Publication Date: 10/22/2017
Citation: Soder, K.J., Heins, B., Paulson, J., Chester-Jones, H., Hafla, A. 2017. Evaluation of fodder production systems for organic dairy farms. American Society of Agronomy.34(1). doi: 10.15232/pas.2017-01676.

Interpretive Summary: No Interpretive Summary is required for this Abstract. JLB.

Technical Abstract: Sprouted grains have gained renewed interest among organic dairy farmers in response to high grain prices, grain scarcity, limited supplementation options and challenges in producing high-quality forages. This interest has been spurred by high-profile sales pitches and farmer testimonials. Little scientific data exist on feeding sprouted grains in the temperate regions of the country such as the Northeast or Upper Midwest. Although fresh weight increased 327% when barley grain was sprouted for 7 days, we found a net loss in nutrients (17% loss in dry matter and 21% loss in energy). Nutrient digestibility of fodder was also not as good as with high-quality pasture. These results suggest a net loss of digestible energy available to the animal, which could negatively impact animal performance and increase feed costs. When 9 kg (as fed) of fodder replaced 2.7 kg of a corn-based concentrate in a feeding trial, milk production, milk fat, body weight and body condition score of organic lactating dairy cows were not affected. Cows fed fodder had greater milk urea N (16.5 vs. 13.5 mg/dl for fodder and no fodder, respectively), suggesting that cows fed fodder were not as efficient in utilizing protein. Income over feed costs favored not feeding fodder except when grain prices increased by 50% over those used in the study ($11.77/bushel for organic corn), giving fodder a slight edge ($0.44/cow/day). However, initial investment in the fodder system was not included in the economics, therefore the actual cost of producing fodder would be even higher. In an on-farm study, farms that produced high-quality forage saw no advantage to fodder. Each farm must put pencil to paper to determine if implementing fodder in feeding management is economically feasible, or whether the money could be better spent growing or purchasing high-quality forage.