Month: December 2009

Late Gestation Preparation

– Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

The increase in nutrient requirements during the late gestation period is significant. Depending upon the mature weight of the cow, crude protein (CP) requirements increase approximately 28 to 30%, while total digestible nutrient (TDN) requirements increase approximately 15 to 17% between month 7 and month 9.

Nutrient deficiency during this period can result in weak calves that are more susceptible to environmental stresses, and cows that are Continue reading Late Gestation Preparation →

Molds and Mycotoxins

– Dr. Bill Weiss, Dairy Nutrition Specialist, The Ohio State University

Because of weather conditions during the past growing season, mold and mycotoxin contamination of some crops, particularly corn, is common. Molds are organisms and mycotoxins are chemicals produced by certain species of molds that are toxic to animals. Visibly moldy grain may or may not have mycotoxins and mycotoxins can be found on feeds that are not visibly moldy. Moldy corn that is not contaminated with mycotoxins is not as nutritious as clean corn. Molds consume nutrients, usually the most digestible one, thereby reducing the nutrient content of the corn. Moldy corn typically has higher concentrations of Continue reading Molds and Mycotoxins →