Making dairy farming sustainable to ensure it remains future proof

Rising feed costs and the cost of producing forage are presenting a major challenge to dairy farmers. Improving feed efficiency is therefore crucial to ensure dairy farm profitability. Heat stress is becoming more common. It results in a reduction of dry matter intake in combination with systemic inflammation as a result of “leaky gut”. Data from Italian farms suggest that the efffects of heat stress in dairy cows can be mittigated with Selko LactiBute.

Heat stress in dairy cows can result in systemic immune activation. It is a misconception to think heat stress in cattle only occurs in arid or tropical regions of the world. In areas with more temperate climates signs of heat stress in dairy cows can also be observed during the hottest and most humid times of the year. Heat stress in cows can have several consequences that create a substantial loss of production.

Selko LactiBute improves hindgut health and reduces systemic immune activation. As a result, energy partition improves and more energy is available for the dairy cow to produce milk. A trial with Selko LactiBute for dairy cattle was carried out in Poland. Selko LactiBute increased milk production by 2.77 kg per cow per day.

A trial with Selko LactiBute in dairy cattle was carried out on 3 dairy farms in France. Milk production of cows treated with Selko LactiBute was compared to the predicted milk production based on genetic potential of the herd. Selko LactiBute improved persistence of milk production. Before the start of the trial, milk production in all 3 dairy herds was equal to the genetic potential of the dairy cows in the herd. During the 4 month period that the cows were on Selko LactiBute, differences in milk production of up to 2.7 kg of milk per day were observed.

Selko LactiBute was tested in 6 Dutch commercial dairy farms. Compared to controls and compared to their genetic potential, dairy cows fed Selko LactiBute had an increase of ECM production of 0.8-1 kg.

A trial in cattle showed that Selko LactiBute, containing rumen protected calcium gluconate had a prebiotic effect in the hindgut of cattle. This resulted in increased levels of acetate and propionate and a trend towards higher levels of butyrate in the hindgut. Butyrate can reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis in dairy cows.

During the transition to lactation, dairy cows have to undergo metabolic adaptation, digestive adaptation and immune adaptation. Recent advances in ruminant nutrition highlight the importance of hindgut health as a prerequisite for a smooth digestive adaptation.

The NASEM 2021 recommendations for dairy cattle are based on total diets. To feed the correct level of trace mineral supplementation to dairy cows, trace mineral levels in the basal diet should be taken into account. Trace mineral levels in the basal diet of dairy cows can be calculated based on the "Boundaries of Accuracy" method, which is based on trace mineral levels in 5,000 dairy rations.

Responsible trace mineral management is critical to health and performance of dairy cows but also to the environmental footprint of dairy farming. Modern dairy cows have increased levels of production and metabolic stress. Soil balances, crop varieties and fertilisers are changing. Under supply of trace minerals can result in poor performance while over use of trace minerals raises environmental concerns.

To calculate the carbon footprint of a dairy farm, the farmer needs to know the amount of CO₂eq per mT of the feed he buys for his dairy herd. Producers of dairy feed therefore need to know the CO₂eq number of all ingredients they use to produce the feeds they sell to dairy farmers. If dairy feed producers want to know the carbon footprint of the trace mineral source they use, they now have access to an LCA for the production of Selko IntelliBond trace minerals. This provides provides dairy feed producers with an independent verification on the CO₂eq number of their trace mineral source for dairy cattle.

Methane emissions from cattle have become a growing concern due to their significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. As the demand for meat and dairy products continues to rise, finding effective methane mitigation strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle is crucial to reach targets set by governments and milk processors. In this article, we will explore various mitigation strategies to reduce methane.

Methane from cows, commonly known as cow methane, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Livestock, including cattle, are responsible for about 35% of anthropogenic methane emissions in the US. Methane, despite being emitted in smaller quantities compared to carbon dioxide, has a more potent warming effect. Therefore, it is crucial to address cow methane emissions to combat climate change effectively. This article explores the sources of methane emissions from cows, the impact of methane on the climate, and strategies for reducing cow methane emissions.

Learn from Dr. Ermias Kebreab, Associate Dean and Professor of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis, a renowned expert in animal nutrition and environmental impact, about effective strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy cattle, such as the use of methane reducing feed additives.

Discover methods to minimize methane production in cows and achieve net zero livestock production by 2050. Explore the valuable insights shared during the webinar "Effective strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy cattle" and learn how different stakeholders in the industry can contribute to reducing methane emissions from cattle and dairy carbon footprint.

Concerns about mineral deficiencies in dairy cows have resulted in over feeding trace minerals in a number of dairy herds across the world. Studies have shown that trace mineral levels in dairy diets are often much higher than recommendations in the NASEM 2021 guidelines for mineral nutrition of dairy cows. This results in copper overload, with elevated levels of copper in the liver of dairy cows and a negative impact on health and fertility. Over-feeding of trace minerals to dairy cow has also resulted in excessive excretion of trace minerals via urine and faeces, resulting in contamination of soil.

A meta-analysis of 7 studies including 518 dairy cow experimental units showed that feeding Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals to dairy cattle was compared to feeding sulfate trace minerals showed that feeding Selko IntelliBond trace minerals improved lactation performance of dairy cows without affecting dry matter intake of dairy cows and without changing measures of energy metabolism such as net energy for lactation balance, body weight, or BCS. Energy-corrected milk yield increased by 1.1 kg/cow/day as a result of feeding Selko IntelliBond. This was mainly due to an increase in milk yield of dairy cows without changes of milk solids in the milk produced by the cows. The improvement of lactational performance was observed both in studies with a continuous design with dairy cows in transition or a change-over design with dairy cows in mid lactation.

The UFL Ruminant Nutrition Symposium is one of the most important technical forums in North America and the rest of the world, bringing together more than 350 ruminant professionals each year, including nutritionists, vets, consultants, researchers, and industry leaders. This year the following topics were included:
• Cattle trace mineral requirements and management strategies
• Mineral interactions and metabolism of trace minerals in cattle
• Gut health and gastrointestinal integrity
• Transition cow nutrition and metabolic efficiency
• Cattle feed ingredient quality and feeding behavior of cattle
• Advances in vitamin nutrition and supplementation of dairy and beef cattle

During the Trace Mineral Summit at the 4th Novos Enfoques in Brazil, Dr. Philipe Moriel from the University of Florida, Davi Brito de Araujo from Trouw Nutrition and Dr. Rodrigo Marques from the Virginia Tech University presented recent advances in understanding of trace mineral supplementation of dairy and beef cattle. Biological function of trace minerals for ruminants, differences between trace mineral sources for ruminants and strategies to improve mineral supplementation of dairy and beef cattle in modern livestock systems were discussed.

The 2026 MineralTech conference brought together a number of speakers on ruminant mineral nutrition. Jerry Spears: Fernando Leal and Terry Engle: Understanding trace mineral nutrition of beef cattle, trace mineral losses due to cluster formation in the rumen of beef cattle, Juliana Ranches: Palatability of hydroxy trace minerals increases mineral supplement intake of beef cattle, Phillipe Moriel: Replacing sulphates in rations of Bos indicus beef cattle with hydroxychloride trace mineral sources improves growth performance of beef cattle during challenging forage transitions, John Arthington: Practical implications of sulphur and copper antagonism, recent developments in phytogenic feed additives for beef cattle

Aerobic stability testing of dairy silages and TMR for dairy cattle may seem complex, but simple on-farm assessments can reveal a lot about the quality of your silage clamps and your TMR. By identifying and addressing risks of feed spoilage for dairy cows, you can reduce feed waste for dairy cattle, maintain dairy cow performance, and improve your dairy farm’s profitability. As a preventative approach, incorporating Selko TMR for dairy cattle into your feeding strategy can further enhance feed stability by inhibiting yeast and mold growth, reducing heating, and preserving the nutritional value of TMR. This proactive solution helps safeguard quality of the dairy ration, ensuring consistent dry matter intake and supporting optimal dairy herd performance.

Reactivity of trace metal ions in mineral supplements for cattle has a big impact on rumen function and on cattle health and performance. Reactivity is strongly depending on the amount of free metal ions in the rumen. A TEAC test shows that Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals release much lower levels of free metal ions into the rumen compared to trace minerals in competitor cattle mineral supplements. Trials in a rumen model11,12 show that this translates into an improved rumen function. Relative bioavailability of Selko IntelliBond hydroxy chloride trace minerals is high compared to other trace mineral sources. One of the possible reasons for this is the superior solubility of Selko IntelliBond hydropxy chloride trace minerals at the pH typical for the abomasum of cattle. A second possible reason, as shown by a solubility test, is superior solubility in acid environment of Selko IntelliBond compared to competitor hydroxy chloride trace mineral sources.

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.

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.

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.

Explore how aflatoxins impact dairy cow health and milk safety. Learn about effective strategies for managing this risk and ensuring high-quality dairy production.

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.

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.

Discover essential cattle vitamins for optimal health & productivity. Boost immune function, maintain strong bones, & improve metabolism with balanced nutrition.

Five important drivers of feed conversion rate and feed efficiency increase profits and sustainability of dairy farms.

Fermentation reduces feed value and palatability of the dairy ration - Fresh forage contains microbes such as bacteria, yeasts and mould. It is a mixture of beneficial microbes, such as lactic acid forming bacteria and undesired microbes such as clostridia or moulds. Proliferation of microbes in silages initially leads to consumption of the oxygen trapped in the silage. Once all oxygen is consumed, growth of anaerobic lactate forming bacteria decreases the pH of the silage. This acidification results in stability of the silage.

Lifetime Daily Yield can be increased by increasing the milk production per lactation. If dairy cows reach their peak production between 50 and 70 days in milk, it can be assumed that they will reach the maximum production they should reach according to their genetic potential for milk production.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Highly productive dairy cows require an optimal supply of essential trace minerals to maintain a high level of cow health and productivity. Both the level of individual trace minerals that are being formulated into the ration and their form are essential to achieving this objective.

Feed restriction and heat stress might can cause hind gut acidosis and "leaky gut" in dairy cows. Nutritional strategies can help mitigate the effects of leaky gut in dairy cows. Zinc can reduce oxidative stress in dairy cows and can also improve the immune response. Hydroxy chloride trace minerals have a higher bio-availability than sulfate-based trace minerals. The increased amounts of zinc available to the dairy cow supports better enterocyte health and reduces bacterial infiltration and the occurrence of systemic inflammation in dairy cows.

Extensive mobilisation of body fat after calving can cause inflammation in dairy cows. Morbidity after calving is high. Post-partum diseases of dairy cows often result in systemic inflammation in dairy cattle, altering partition of nutrients to favor control of infection and tissue repair. This results in a decrease in milk production but also in impaired follicle growth, reduced oocyt and conceptus quality and poor development of the morula, causing long-term negative effects on fertility and reproduction of dairy cows.

Fertility is an important driver of dairy farm profitability. Poor fertility can significantly reduce the lifespan of dairy cows. Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals have a positive effect on reproductive perfomance of dairy cattle. Trials have shown that embryo quality in dairy cows is significantly improved with feeding Selko Intellibond. Other rials have shown that pregnancy rates of heifers and cows after artificial insemination are higher if they are fed Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals.

Semen quality of bulls can have a big impact on reporductive performance of a dairy herd. Bulls supplemented with Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals produced sperm with greater progressive motility, and greater sperm concentration. Cu and Zn hydroxychloride contained within Selko IntelliBond are more bioavailable and more readily stored within the animal compared with Cu and Zn sulfate, resulting in an improvement of sperm quality of breeding bulls.

Managing the challenges that cows are facing in the transition period will have a strong positive impact on fertility and will reduce involuntary culling. A further improvement of dairy herd fertility can be reached by monitoring some key fertility parameters in a systematic way and translating this into specific actions.