Contributing Investigators:
Arlyn J. Heinrichs, Robert J. Van Saun, David R. Wolfgang
Project Description:
The
purpose of this research will be to learn more about how the physical
parameters of a lactating cow ration including feed and forage dry
matter, type, and particle size components will affect the ability of
cows to sort their feed and subsequently alter rumen dynamics and
subsequent health.
Objectives:
The purpose of
this research will be to learn more about how the physical parameters
of a lactating cow ration including feed and forage dry matter, type,
and particle size components will affect the ability of cows to sort
their feed and subsequently alter rumen dynamics and subsequent health.
The objectives of this research are to determine acceptable ranges of
forage and TMR particle size and dry matter variability between
feedstuffs, which will minimize the risk of effecting shifts in rumen
pH and rumen fermentation characteristics that ultimately increase
subacute rumen acidosis (SARA), left displaced abomasum (LDA), and
laminitis in high producing dairy cows. This should help Pennsylvania
dairy farmers remain more profitable and sustainable in the future as a
result of improved herd health.
