Milk potential with winter precision feeding of cover crops

Authors: French, Elizabeth

Submitted to: Forage Focus
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Precision nutrition is used as a term that applies to feeding animals to meet their individual physiological state, whether based on age, reproductive status, breed, growth targets, regardless of time of year. Typically, precision nutrition refer to adjusting the feeding rate or composition of the concentrate portion of the diet since it represents a smaller portion of the diet with higher nutrient density compared to the forage portion. Ensiled and baled cover crop forages provide additional options for application in heifer precision nutrition practices and can support growth throughout winter. Additionally, cover crops as a rotation in your forage system may improve soil health, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration. Varieties utilized in cover crop systems are also beneficial in their nutrient profile to support heifer development. As with any forage system, considerations need to be made around yearly inventory requirements based on specific growing conditions within each geographic location. Storage capabilities to ensure adequate feed out rates for proper quality are also crucial. Working with your nutritionist and agronomists will support you in these efforts.