Benchmarking Forage Nutrient Composition and Digestibility

Authors

  • R. D. Shaver Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin - Extension, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20084380

Keywords:

forage quality, benchmarks, forage variation, feed testing labs

Abstract

Forage quality impacts diet dry matter intake and energy density, lactation performance, supplemental grain and protein needs, cow health and feed costs. Forage quality is highly variable both among and within forage types. Benchmarks for forage quality and variation in composition for selected nutrients and digestibility parameters are summarized herein from Dairy National Research Council (2001) tabular data and results from commercial feed testing labs.

Author Biography

  • R. D. Shaver, Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin - Extension, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI

    Professor and Extension Dairy Nutritionist

Cover image of the 41st Conference Proceedings: A herd of cattle standing in the field, framed by a cloudy sky. Yellow background.

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Published

2008-09-25

Issue

2008

Section

Dairy Sessions