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Dairy
Feeding During Drought
DS-13-97, June 1997, Reviewed May 2004
J. W. Schroeder, Extension Dairy Specialist
One of the
prime concerns for dairy producers should be forage quality and
supply. It often is more difficult to purchase good forage in quantity
than grain or concentrates. Sometimes federal programs may make
grains available to eligible farmers if a farm is located in a designated
disaster area.
High quality
forage is an important factor in obtaining efficient milk production
and normal milk composition and quality, as well as good cow health
and reproduction. Whenever possible, the forage ration should contain
a minimum of 60 percent TDN on a dry matter basis. In addition,
it should be relatively low in toxic factors such as nitrates and
mold poisons. It should also be reasonably palatable.
One option
is to harvest small grains and corn as whole-plant silage. This
may increase yields of nutrients per acre and replenish forage supplies.
Even drought-stricken corn may make silage with a relatively high
energy content, as indicated in Table 1. When little or no grain
development occurs, let the corn approach maturity dates equivalent
to recommended stages of ensiling. For example, poorly pollinated
corn should be allowed to reach 45-55 days after silking to increase
sugar levels.
It is important
to harvest the crop before the whole-plant moisture level falls
below 60-63 percent to ensure reasonably normal fermentation and
minimize silo gas formation. Often, moisture levels in the whole
plant may run higher than normal when grain development is lacking.
Moisture content may drop and grain may mature quickly once many
leaves die. Stunted plants with good ear development may have a
lower moisture level than normal. Finer settings are needed to obtain
adequate chop of dry matter. Add water if necessary. Coarser settings
are needed to avoid chopping material too fine that is relatively
high in moisture content.
Forage sorghums,
sundangrass and their crosses may be grown for emergency forage.
These require close management to make good quality pasture or silage.
(INSERT TABLE
ONE)
DS-13-97, June
1997
NDSU Extension
Service, North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied
Science, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Sharon
D. Anderson, Director, Fargo, North Dakota. Distributed in furtherance
of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. We offer our
programs and facilities to all persons regardless of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam era veterans
status, or sexual orientation; and are an equal opportunity employer.
This publication will be made available in alternative format upon
request to people with disabilities (701) 231-7881.
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