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How do you optimize forage to concentrate ratios?

Last Updated: September 05, 2007

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Optimizing forage utilization on dairy operations will vary farm to farm. Forage quality, quantity, and economics will be important factors to consider. Many nutritional strategies can be considered related to carbohydrate, protein, and energy balance. Forages are generally the most economical source of nutrient; thus, maximizing forage quality will allow for higher ratios of forage in the diet and generally more economical diets. The optimum forage to concentrate ratio for an individual dairy or group of cows can be best determined through ration formulation based on feed analyses.

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