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Alternative Feeds For Dairy Cows

The severe drought has resulted in the use of many alternative feeds this season by farmers, feed companies and consultants.

By Department of Primary Industries - 9th February 2007 - Back to News

These feeds are lifesavers, albeit expensive ones in most cases, but as part of the decision making process there are several factors to consider when buying and using them. 

1.  How much dry matter (DM) is in each feed?

Some alternative feeds such as citrus pulp, brewers’ grains and apple pomace can contain large amounts of moisture, ie they have low DM, so are generally only economical if sourced nearby. Their DM content can vary greatly across feed types, so a feed analysis is highly recommended to calculate the delivered cost on a cents/kg DM basis, and preferably a cents/MJ basis (see point 2).

2.  What is the nutritive value of each feed and how variable is it?

An actual feed analysis, not a book value, is essential to determine the nutritive value (energy, protein, neutral detergent fibre) of any feed being purchased. Most feeds range widely in their nutritive values around the "average".

A comprehensive article on this topic including a table of feeds, their feed values and management requirements can be sent to you by contacting Sue Keirnan at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222.

The Target 10 website, www.target10.com.au, also has a section for calculating costs of nutrients and some assistance in calculating daily requirements.

Many alternative feeds might be high in protein, or ME but often not both; and some are very low in fibre. This means that the nutrient(s) lacking must be accounted for from another feed source, although in some circumstances there may be enough pasture or fodder on farm. eg high protein from brassica crops.

3.  How much, when and where is the feed available?

Can you get enough of the product when you need it and how far is it to be transported? DM content is important here. Carting water in high moisture products is very expensive.

4.  Comparing the true cost of feeds

Simple formulae are available to compare feeds on the basis of their true cost of DM, ME, CP and NDF with cartage included.

5.  Is the material palatable to the animals?

Some feeds will be foreign to your cattle and it may need mixing with molasses, if practical, or in a mixer wagon to encourage them to eat it. Legume silage, and this year canola silage, which have been made too wet, may have a strong unpleasant smell and be somewhat unpalatable. Canola hay, when well wetted with water, becomes much more edible with less risk of gut damage.

6.  Does it contain chemical residues or other banned compounds?

Do not underestimate the importance of this very important consideration. The legal ramifications can be horrendous not only to your farm, but for the whole industry!

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are set for a range of chemicals in food commodities and animal feeds. MRLs must not be exceeded in food products such as milk or meat (culls). However where no MRL is set, a food product MAY be condemned if ANY residue is found.

Before buying alternative feeds, especially where chemical residues are unknown or may be a problem, obtain an accurately filled in a Vendor Declaration Form (AFIA site, www.afia.org.au, Meat & Livestock Australia, and milk companies).

7.  Are there any health problems associated with feeding it?

Some rations containing significant levels of some alternative feeds may need extra minerals, eg limestone and salt to provide calcium and sodium with rice straw. Refer to point 2 above.

8.  What extra handling and storage facilities are needed on the farm?

Some feeds are very moist, eg citrus or carrot pulp, so the storage bunker and feedout equipment must be suitable to handle them. Brewers’ grain, grape marc etc can be ensiled if excess is available for future use.

9.  Does it contain extraneous material such as metals, plastic or other physical contaminants?

Many food waste products such as bread and lollies may contain plastic bags, plastic ties, etc. These may be labour consuming to remove and may be a future problem if not removed in an environmentally friendly way. Watch for metal contamination and dead animals (risk of botulism) in stored products.

For more specific information about using alternative feeds with dairy cows, please contact Frank Mickan at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222 or email Frank.Mickan@dpi.vic.gov.au.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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