Introduction

Feed is a significant cost in milk production. Generally over 50% of the production cost may be associated with meeting the nutritional requirements of the lactating cow. Dairies monitor feed cost through feed ingredient purchases, feed delivery records, and weigh backs of refused feed. However, actual costs associated with shrinkage are often ignored. Shrinkage is the loss of feed ingredients that never have a potential for economic return. Generally, shrinkage includes not only storage losses but also excessive inclusion …

The most important factors that determine the selection of the type of housing for dairy cattle are cost, animal comfort, worker’s efficiency, durability, and a favorable return on investment. Since the first low-profile cross-ventilated (LPCV) barn started to operate in South Dakota in the fall of 2005, at least six more facilities have been built in that state using this technology, and dozens of them have been built in the rest of the country. Although LPCV barns (enclosed, year-round controlled …

Introduction

Mixer design is an art. Field testing, consumer feedback, and experience are used to refine the design. Despite the information collected over years of use in the beef and dairy industries and the yearly design changes, mixer design is still a mechanical art form.

Total mixed rations (TMRs) have become the major feeding system of the dairy industry. Experienced nutritionists and research trials allow us to build better rations. Despite the information collected in research feed trials and the …