Ration formulation – balancing the proper level of nutrients for the level of production or performance.
Feed management – proper implementation of the formulated diet, this includes and not limited to routine monitoring of dry matters on all high moisture ingredients, monitoring dry matter intakes, animal grouping strategies, regular feed analysis, regular maintenance and check-up of scales used to weigh feed.
Forage quality – production of high quality forages allows for higher forage rations to be fed and less purchased feeds (nutrients) coming onto the farm. Diets formulated with forages that are higher in digestibility should help nutrients to be utilized more efficiently.
Virginia Ishler - Penn State
