Cornell University researcher, Larry E.Chase, is conducting a study to find out why cows in the northern part of N.Y. slightly lower percentages of milk fat and milk protein than farms from other regions of the state.n The study has analyzed data from 52 dairy farms in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties in N.Y.
Chase found that the factors of larger corn silage particle size and higher neutral detergent fiber for digestibility correlate with higher levels of milk fat and higher ration starch level correlates with higher milk protein levels.
“The longer particle may be a more normal ruminant environment,” Mr. Chase said. “The higher starch level may provide more energy for microorganisms and in the intestine.”
But Mr. Chase said a cause-effect relationship is not yet clear. He will next consider multiple factors compared to protein and fat content.
Teams from the university and Cornell Cooperative Extension collected samples of feed and water, herd and production records and data on the size and condition of cows.
The herds involved in the study ranged from those with 30 cows to those with over 1,000. They all used the total mix ration method of feeding, in which different feeds go into a mixer together so there is consistency in every bite.
With additional funding from the university, Mr. Chase will use the same process to examine component levels in other regions in a three-year study. Results are expected at the beginning of next fall.