Consistent increases in intake in early lactation

Diamond V TheTrusted Experts in Nutrition & Health^{TM
May 2013}

Consistent increases in intake in early lactation

Let me tell you about a conversation I had with a nutritionist last week. He said, "I always tell my dairy producers that they will see about a 1 pound intake response in early lactation cows when I put Diamond V in the ration."

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A new gut-level demonstration
More validation for our nutritional fermentation

It's in the Wind

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DV Management News

A new gut-level demonstration

By Mike Wright,

Director, Global Research and Marketing
Diamond V

Since 1943, Diamond V has manufactured all-natural, fermentation- based feed additives that improve animal health and performance. We connect our unique competencies in microbial-based fermentation with our specie-specific expertise and world-class research to create profitable solutions for customers around the world. Our unique metabolites in our Original line of products support robust digestive health by balancing rumen microbiota and optimizing rumen environment. The prebiotic-like activity of our Original products helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the rumen and optimize rumen function.

Now, a new human study may lend even more credence to this Diamond V hallmark benefit. Our sister company, Embria Health Sciences, recently participated in a study using a human "gut health simulator." This simulator, housed in Belgium, models the biochemistry of the human gut. The trial involved EpiCor, Embria's human nutritional fermentate for immune health, and rendered some fascinating results. Not only did EpiCor stimulate growth of several key beneficial gut bacteria, but also lowered production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, an important immune-balancing result that suggests EpiCor directly impacts beneficial immune cell activity.

While EpiCor is formulated for human consumption and is not the same as the Diamond V Original line of products, the fundamental technology and mode of action is similar; promoting healthier digestive function that drives a more balanced, healthier immune response.

As Dr. Bill Sanchez writes in his article linked at the top, Diamond V's proprietary anaerobic fermentation technology has been so consistently demonstrated over the years -- and today -- that we all can have confidence in its efficacy and production performance.

As always, we appreciate your readership of DairyAdvisor and always welcome your input.

Kind regards,

Mike

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Producer Spotlight

Better DMI tracking rewards feeding staff

Who: John Wind, Jr., co-owner and manager of Liberty Ranch Dairy (pictured with son Cameron)

Where: Kuna, ID, just outside of Boise

History: John's grandfather started milking cows in Chino, CA. The family moved to Kuna in 2005 and currently milks 2600 cows.

Silage, software and scoring: When it comes to feeding, it's all in the details. Feeding a consistent ration every day is a challenge for anyone in the dairy industry, but John has made changes in the last year that have paid dividends. The first change involved the dairy investing in a new feeding software program. The program gives him the capability to track any errors being made throughout the feed process, get accurate dry matter intake numbers, and change dry matter ingredients quickly.

Armed with this new information, John has deployed strategies to ensure his cows are fed the same ration that his nutritionists formulate.

First, he started a three-tier bonus structure for his feeders based on deviation reports generated with the software. Unacceptable, Acceptable, and Outstanding levels were set, and the feeders are paid nothing, $50 bonus per week, or $100 bonus per week, respectively. Ingredient deviations have been cut in half, with the highest bonus being paid more often than not. "This program has really helped the feeders by giving them an opportunity to track their performance and a chance to increase their pay," John says.

Second, dry matters are checked on silages on a regular basis and are adjusted using the feeding program. This has eliminated guesswork and the need for paper load sheets. "Milk production and components have been much more consistent since implementing these protocols," says John.

Why Diamond V: "Feed efficiency and higher production. We utilize their Tech Service Team for DVMonitors tracking reports, as well as a yearly TMR Audit to evaluate our entire feeding program," says John.