ARS | Publication request: USING MANURE EVALUATION AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR RATION EVALUATION.

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2004
Publication Date: January 12, 2005
Citation: Hall, M. B. 2005. Using manure evaluation as a diagnostic tool for ration evaluation. In: Proc. Feed and Nutritional Management Cow College, January 11 - 12, 2005, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. p. 67 -74.

Technical Abstract: As we improve diet formulations to enhance production performance in dairy cattle, manure evaluation can give insight into the interaction of cattle and their diets. Changes in consistency can relate to changes in site of digestion, particle size changes can reflect alteration in rumen function, and appearance of mucin casts can indicate damage to the gut lining, often related to changes in site of fermentation. Use of this evaluation tool in combination with other animal and management assessments can provide useful information with which to improve herd performance.