While ruminant starch digestibility (STRD) is a complex subject, producers’ control can be simplified by addressing basic critical factors: harvest moisture, particle size and length of time in fermentation. Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, offers details, particularly on the influence of moisture and the extent of fermentation in high moisture corn. This is the first in a … Read More
Alfalfa Traits: Manage by Objective
To optimize alfalfa performance, one-size-fits-all is no longer in style. Today’s grower can tailor variety selection to manage specific production challenges, observes Dave Miller, Alfalfa Research Director for Pioneer Hi-Bred. The result can be a better fit with bottom-line goals. This includes production objectives based on quantity or quality, as well as defensive objectives for insects, disease and standability. Dave … Read More
Alfalfa Genetics: Winning Percentages
Among seed genetics, alfalfa is a non-conformist. Due to biological limitations, achieving the genetic uniformity that occurs in corn, soybeans, wheat, etc. is not possible. Within each alfalfa variety, there is a range of performance for critical agronomic categories. As explained by Dave Miller, Alfalfa Research Director for Pioneer Hi-Bred, this is why ratings for disease and insect resistance, fall … Read More
Evaluate Alfalfa Winterkill for Go/No-Go Decision
Early to mid-April, when alfalfa begins to green up, is the time to assess the degree of damage from winterkill. Dan Wiersma, account manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred, offers tips on what to look for, both above and below ground, to evaluate alfalfa stands just ahead of the upcoming growing season. Dan also discusses options to consider if those stands are … Read More
Dairyline Markets In Review
Dairy Markets Week in Review Cash block cheese ended the final week of January at $1.3325 per pound, down 1 1/2 cents on the week, but 9 1/4 cents above that week a year ago. Barrel closed Friday at $1.3750, up a penny on the week, and 16 1/2 cents above a year ago. 2 cars of block traded hands … Read More
Milk 2006: New Values Mean a More Useful Equation
The new Milk 2006 equation for silage corn from the University of Wisconsin reflects important modifications to the Milk 2000 version, according to Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Neutral digestive fiber (NDF) values can now be entered from any time point. Milk 2000 accommodated only a 48-hour value. Also, starch digestibility values can now … Read More
Why’s and What-For’s of VFA Profiles
Why has interest increased in testing for volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles in silages? Because nutritionists are looking for ways to better fine-tune rations, and because laboratories have responded with advanced technologies in testing for VFA’s. Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred, provides a brief refresher on VFA’s. Citing Pioneer research, he offers observations on … Read More
Shifting the Blame for Milk Butterfat Depression
Conventional wisdom has linked milk butterfat depression mostly to low fiber content. Theories on what creates this problem are now shifting, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Studies indicate that as a result of higher-energy silage corn rations, trans-fatty acids from oils in forages and grains may account for much of this depression. The … Read More
Vitreousness: Hard Facts Lead to Softened Concerns
Among silage corn issues, vitreousness generates more noise than it deserves, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. This is the hard starch on the outside of the corn kernel that develops late in maturity, contributing to high test weight. Bill says research based solely on dry corn at 15.5% moisture is not relevant to … Read More
Accurate Analysis Begins with Smart Sampling
At what point can inaccuracies plague the testing of corn silage? The greater potential for problems is not in the laboratory, but instead in the sampling, according to Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Because analysis can be no better than the samples themselves, Bill offers suggestions for performing steps safely and effectively, from acquisition to preservation to shipment. This includes alternative methods when the “magic number of 12” samples isn’t practical.