Both in Ukraine and in the USA, farmers feel the pressure of not being able to get enough alfalfa, so they are trying to look for alternatives and move away from the historical norm: 1/3 roughage in the diet.
Our colleagues from Land O'Lakes - one of the largest cooperative associations of US farmers - responded to the request of the Association of Milk Producers in modern conditions to find worthy substitutes for alfalfa and develop effective feeding rations. As part of their international experience exchange program "From Farmer to Farmer", a webinar was held with the participation of consultant, specialist in forage procurement, Archie Devor.
During the webinar, the expert discussed specific examples of balanced rations without alfalfa for the planned productivity of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 liters of milk/cow/day.
Archie Devor answered the participants' questions, provided recommendations on dietary supplements (minerals, vitamin premixes, etc.); compared feed costs depending on the type of diet; characterized possible sources of protein and restrictions on their use, fodder, alternative alfalfa in terms of energy and protein content, etc.
The expert noted: "The same trend is observed all over the world: a well-prepared mixed diet and comfortable housing conditions give impetus to high productivity of cows."
You can watch the webinar on our channel:
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers
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