In a recent trial in dairy cattle, conducted by Professor Santos from the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, a 1 kg increase in colostrum production and a 1.5 kg rise in energy-corrected milk (ECM) were found. Additionally, the trial demonstrated improvements in feed conversion efficiency, an improvement of fertility, a reduction in disease incidence, and a lower culling rate. Feeding Selko IntelliBond to dairy cows resulted in significant benefits. These findings highlight the positive impact of trace mineral nutrition on the performance, health and longevity of dairy cows.

Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals were compared to sulfate trace mineral sources in the Fermentrics model. Apparent organic matter disappearance (aOMD) and apparent microbial biomass production (aMBP) were measured. Both parameters correlate with rumen fermentation. Selko IntelliBond trace minerals were superior to sulfate trace minerals in the Fermentrics model, suggesting that rumen of dairy cows on Selko IntelliBond trace minerals will be improved, resulting in a better lactational performance.

Selko IntelliBond Z was compared to alternative trace mineral zinc sources in the Fermentrics model, which measures apparent organic matter disappearance (aOMD) and apparent microbial biomass production (aMBP). Selko IntelliBond Z was superior to all other sources of zinc tested. It has been shown that these parameters for rumen function of dairy cows correlate with lactational performance.

A trial showed that feeding Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals instead of sulphates improved rumen health, and increased NDF digestibility, production of volatile fatty acids and production of milk in dairy cows, resulting in an increase of feed efficiency.

Feed effciency of dairy cows can be used to measure performance, to monitor income over feed costs and to reduce the amount of methane produced per kg of milk. Digestibility of feed has a big impact on feed efficiency. Fibre digestibility can be improved by using hydroxy trace minerals instead of sulphates.

Dr. Bill Weiss explained how the NASEM 2021 recommendations for trace minerals, macro elements, electrolytes, DCAD and vitamins in dairy rations changed and how the relative absorption coefficient for a source of trace mineral should be taken into account.

Selko IntelliBond M and Selko Optimin Mn were compared to other manganese trace minerals in a model to compare apparent organic matter disappearance (aOMD) and apparent microbial biomass production (aMBP). Selko IntelliBond M and Selko Optimin Mn had a greater aOMD and aMBP than the other managnese trace minerals. It has been shown that improved rumen fermentation parameters correlate with lactational performance of dairy cattle.

Dr. Mike Hutjens explains that feed efficency of dairy cows is an important performance indicator to improve sustainability and profitability of dairy farming. Feed efficiency in dairy cows can vary between <1.3 and >2.0. Digestibility of feed is one of the factors with a big impact on feed efficiency of dairy cattle.

In a trial at Kempenshof Ruminant Research Centre involving 120 dairy cows, Selko TMR maintained TMR freshness and improved palatability, evidenced by reduced feeding times. Despite no significant change in dry matter intake, cows on Selko TMR exhibited a notable increase in milk yield, particularly a 1.7 kg rise in the 5th week, and significantly higher milk solids, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing dairy production during warm weather.

In autumn, TMR preservation with Selko TMR Dry proves to be vital for dairy performance. A recent study in Italy revealed that despite moderate temperatures of 21°C (=70 °F), spoilage risks remained. Selko TMR Dry curbed TMR heating, reducing feed waste and improving palatability. Over 60 days, 122 cows showed that Selko TMR Dry not only sustained TMR quality but led to a notable 0.9 kg/h/d increase in milk production. This underscores its role in enhancing feed efficiency and milk output, even during cooler seasons.

Professor Santos from the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida discusses how to calculate feed efficiency of dairy cows and how it impacts dairy performance. Residual Feed Intake of dairy cows is a very accurate parameter to calculate feed efficiency of dairy cattle. It can be improved by genetic selection, nutritional tools and dairy management.

Breeding for feed intake capacity reduces the feed efficiency of dairy cattle, but breeding for feed efficiency traits also reduces the feed intake capacity. Efficient dairy cows utilise roughage better for milk production but do not eat more compound feed.

Compared to NRC 2001, NASEM 21 recommendations for supplementation of cattle with Co, Cu, Mn, Zn and I changed, trace metal recommendations for Cr, Fe, Mo and Se stayed the same.

Values from the 2021 NASEM requirements are presented in tables with daily nutrient requirements, adequate nutrient intake values, absorption coefficients, mineral and vitamin levels required and typical values of basal diets for dairy cows. Major changes were reviewed.

The NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle have been replaced by the new NASEM Dairy 2021 Requirements manual which are based on age, weight, reproduction and production stage.

Compared to hydroxy trace minerals for dairy cattle, suplhate trace minerals are highly soluble and as a result, can have a strong negative impact on palatbility of cattle feed.