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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #344380
Title: Evaluation of fodder production systems for dairy farms

Author
item Soder, Kathy
item HEINS, BRAD - University Of Minnesota
item CHESTER-JONES, HUGH - University Of Minnesota
item HAFLA, AIMEE - Agri-King, Inc
item RUBANO, MELISSA - Consultant

Submitted to: Professional Animal Scientist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/6/2017
Publication Date: 2/6/2018
Citation: Soder, K.J., Heins, B., Chester-Jones, H., Hafla, A., Rubano, M. 2018. Evaluation of fodder production systems for dairy farms. Professional Animal Scientist. 34:75-83. https://doi.org/10.15232/pas.2017-01676.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15232/pas.2017-01676

Interpretive Summary: Feeding sprouted grains is an old technology that has gained renewed interest among dairy farmers in response to high grain prices and challenges in producing high-quality forages. However, no information was available regarding the feeding of sprouted grain with high-quality forages found on well-managed dairy farms in temperate regions of the United States. ARS scientists at University Park, PA and collaborators at the University of Minnesota found that sprouted grain fodder systems may be very costly methods of producing feed for dairy producers where high-quality forage production is possible. However, these systems may have application in small-scale operations, farms with high land values where tillable acreage can produce high-value crops, farms with excess labor, or for producers experiencing severe extended drought. Each farm must put pencil to paper to determine if fodder is economical, or if money could be better spent growing or purchasing higher-quality forage.

Technical Abstract: This study evaluated the feasibility and challenges of implementing sprouted fodder on dairy farms. In Study 1, five grains (barley, oats, wheat, rye and triticale) were sprouted for 7 d and analyzed for yield and nutritional content. In Study 2, lactating cows were fed a TMR during winter and supplemented with either no fodder or 1.4 kg (DM) of sprouted barley fodder. In Study 3, three organic dairies that fed sprouted barley fodder were monitored monthly for 12 mo to collect data on feed nutritional analysis, milk production/composition and management. Data from Studies 1 and 2 were analyzed as a replicated complete block design feeding trial, while Study 3 was a case study. While barley and oats had the greatest fresh weight in Study 1, oats had the greatest DM yield, and barley had the lowest mold score. In Study 2, milk production, milk fat, BW and BCS were not affected by fodder. Cows fed fodder had greater (P < 0.05) milk protein and milk urea N. Income over feed costs (IOFC) favored not feeding fodder except when organic corn prices increased by 50% over those used in the study. In Study 3, labor, cost of production, lack of milk response, barley supply and mold issues resulted in 2 of the farms discontinuing fodder. There was a slight milk response to fodder in the third farm, probably due to lower forage quality. While fodder may be economical in some instances, in many situations, growing high-quality forage would be more economical.