Fall 2011 Dairy - AAG Shur-Gain Ontario

Fall2011
2010
Fall
Free copy
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR
IMPROVEMENT
Keep Connected with Your Return on Investment
Reports: Cowan Crest Farms Ltd. and Delhome Farms Ltd.
Andrew Hunt
Ruminant Business Manager
Shur-Gain Central Region
Target Areas of Improvement and
MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURN
ON INVESTMENT
Producer’s have asked us about rising commodity prices and to help them find solutions that will reduce their costs
while helping them to maximize both cow health and milk income.
In this edition, we will be discussing our findings on supporting
the cow’s immune system. We will also share with you how we select
Rumen Modifiers that create a consistent benefit and further, how
we model this advantage to bring the maximum benefit to the producer.
NEWTON Assesses the Real Impact
of Rumen Modifiers
A rumen modifier (RM) is an ingredient that changes the rumen
environment and thus shifts the rumen bacteria and protozoa populations. These changes influence the outputs from the rumen and can
significantly impact ration costs. How much can it impact ration cost?
With NEWTON, we are seeing some combinations of RM’s saving ration
costs of >$1.00 per cow per day. Keep in mind that a year ago,
the benefit may have been half of that, but with ever increasing
commodity prices the benefit of RM’s as a tool to help manage your
cost per cow per day is increasing.
on marketing and weak on actual benefits. Thanks to NEWTON,
Shur-Gain takes into account the benefit a rumen modifier provides
when designing a ration. We also offer advice on how to maximize
her performance by reducing the cow’s stress, and improving her
immune system.
Note that no two situations are the same and your Shur-Gain
advisor can help you better evaluate your options in light of your
personal needs and circumstances.
Selecting the Right Additives for Cow Health,
Performance and Profitability
Many different feed additives are marketed as Rumen Modifiers,
or claim to help your cow’s immune system. It can be confusing to
distinguish those that truly work and those which are merely strong
IN THIS ISSUE
Your comments
are always welcome!
2
Send them to Andrew Hunt
By mail: 600 James Street South
St. Marys (Ontario) N4X 1C7
By e-mail: [email protected]
By fax:
519 349-2675
2
Editorial
11 Feed Additives and Immune Function
3
Interaction of Stress, Immunology,
Environment, and Management
on Cow Health and Performance
14 Cowan Crest Farms Ltd.
6
Maximizing the Advantages
of Nutritional Rumen Modifiers
8
Choosing the Right Combinations
of Health and PerformanceEnhancing Feed Ingredients
16 Delhome Farms Ltd.
18 Testimonials
20 Optivia
Bryan Van Gorp, D.V.M.
Dairy Specialist
Shur-Gain Central Region
Interaction of Stress,
Immunology, Environment
and Management
on Cow Health and Performance
Animal health and well being and the role of immune suppression
are hot topics in the dairy industry. They all play an important
role in the animals’ overall productivity and longevity. This area
is difficult to understand because the interactions are numerous
and complex. However, it is certainly an area with huge benefits
and rewards if we can raise livestock better and in a more
sustainable way in the future.
We can start the discussion with some examples of known interactions.
We do know that environmental inadequacies can weaken/challenge
an animal’s defense system:
• dirty cows housed in a dirty environment have more
environmental mastitis;
• inadequate ventilation increases the incidence of pneumonia;
• inadequate bedding and/or poor stall design increase
lameness, etc.
Review of Stress and Immunology
Cortisol (often referred to as the ’stress’ hormone) is a powerful
immune suppressant. In fact cortisone is given to people with organ
transplants or autoimmune diseases to prevent unwanted immune
responses. In cattle, injecting Dexamethasone (cortisone) has been
shown to increase the incidence and severity of respiratory disease,
and can induce clinical coccidiosis. It is also responsible for the onset
of parturition and so it spikes at the start of parturition. This spike
along with other hormonal changes associated with the calving
process is what causes most of the immune suppression associated
with calving. Jesse Goff (Iowa State University) reports a 25-40%
decrease in both innate and acquired immunity during the transition
period. Concurrent metabolic diseases such as milk fever or ketosis
will exacerbate immune suppression resulting in a decline closer
to 60-80%. Research consistently shows both neutrophil and
lymphocyte function is significantly reduced in animals with retained
placenta, metritis, milk fever, or ketosis. Cows with clinical milk fever
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have 3-4 times the increase in cortisol levels that occur normally
at parturition. Dystocia, heat stress, twins, overcrowding, inadequate
time budget, and pen movements are other factors that contribute
to increased cortisone levels.
Impact on Dry Matter Intake and Cow Performance
Pen moves, overcrowding, heat stress, and inadequate bunk space
also have an indirect impact on immunity via decreased dry matter
intake. We know that dry matter intake (DMI) influences cow
performance but DMI may also have significant impact on health
and immune function. An example of this would be cows that develop
metritis or ketosis can be predicted based on decreased DMI 7 to
14 days before calving (Figure 1). While it is clear this relationship
exists, it is not clear whether it is the decrease in nutrient intakes
or the predisposing stressors which caused the decrease in DMI that
are the primary cause of the disease. Reduced DMI also directly
predisposes the cow to increased metabolic disease through
decreased nutrient intake which increases the mobilization of fat
and decreases calcium supply contributing to ketosis and milk fever.
Other transition cow diseases such as retained placenta (a failure of
the cow’s immune system to reject the placenta as foreign material
after calving) and metritis (failure of the immune system to clean up
the inevitable contamination that occurs during calving) are likely
a result of this suppressed immune system.
Reducing Avoidable Stress
There are unavoidable natural events that stress an animal such
as calving but these can usually be handled. Remember, stress is
cumulative and any single or even a couple of stressors will likely be
compensated for by the animal. When we keep adding additional
stressors and maintain them over long periods of time, eventually
there is a break down. So when we add extra pen moves along with
a poor environment, inadequate bunk space, poor hygiene, shot
programs, heat stress, excessive vaccinating, pre existing conditions
such as lameness and a restrictive time budget, eventually the cow
simply can not compensate and we see disease. This is an example
of how improving animal welfare improves health and performance
and therefore improves sustainability.
Nutrition: How to Enhance Immune Function
There are numerous nutritional deficiencies that are known to
decrease immune function. Most important among these would be
inadequate energy and protein. Various vitamins, minerals and trace
minerals can also be important. However, there is little to no evidence
that feeding levels in excess of required amounts actually improves
immune function. In fact there is evidence that feeding excess
amounts of some nutrients, for example vitamin E or selenium can
have a negative impact and several nutrients such as copper and
selenium are toxic at higher levels. Another area of recent interest
4
is in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between
the production and manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a
biological system’s ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates
or to repair the resulting damage. Disturbances in the normal redox
state of tissues can cause toxic effects through the production of
peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell,
including proteins, lipids, and DNA. As an example, iron is a pro-oxidant
and levels in excess of 800 ppm in the diet and 2 ppm in the water
may increase oxidative stress and reduce immune cell function.
The question is how do we evaluate oxidative stress and does adding
anti-oxidants have a negative impact on cows without abnormal oxidative stress? Nutritional imbalances such as acidosis can also depress
immune function and lead to increases in mastitis and liver abscesses.
Immune system activation has multiple unintended consequences on
what would seem to be unrelated areas of performance. Cows with a
case of clinical mastitis around or shortly after breeding have lower
pregnancy rates. We know that past diseases such as pneumonia
can create organ damage that will decrease future performance.
James Roth (Iowa State University) showed that some diseases are
themselves immune suppressive. IBR, BVD and coccidiosis including
subclinical coccidiosis are all immune suppressive. Too many
vaccinations given together can result in not only failure to respond
to the vaccine but may even cause disease. In fact, the modified live
vaccines for IBR and BVD can depress immune function.
It is well documented in other species (swine and poultry) that
activation of the immune system slows growth rate. However, there
is little direct research in dairy cattle, but it would be reasonable to
assume that similar impacts occur. In humans, suffering from severe
infection, fever, and increased white blood count, the resting energy
expenditure is increased by 40%. This lasted for 3 weeks and these
patients lost 13% of their total body protein. If we extrapolate this
situation to the cow, this means she will increase her energy demand
by 4 Mcal/day which would support about 12 lb of milk. A peripar‑
turient cow or a cow with very high milk production that is already
in negative energy and protein balance likely can not meet this added
demand. In addition, the conditions that cause activation of the
immune system such as lack of bedding, over crowding, poor hygiene,
poor ventilation, increased pathogen load leads to lower DMI and will
not support optimum performance.
Management: You Can Make a Difference
Management decisions can also interact with these other factors to
impact health and performance. We know that increased heterosis
(crossbreeding) will increase longevity, reproductive performance,
and decrease neonatal mortality. Alex Bach (Barcelona) showed
that herds of similar genetics cattle fed the same diet had about
50% variation in milk production due to other management factors.
We see some herds with similar genetics and feeding programs with
Disease does not always equal vaccination deficiency! A given level
of immunity can always be overcome if the animal is stressed
enough and/or the level of exposure is great enough. It is also
important to remember that the presence of a pathogen does not
necessarily mean disease. A recent NAHMS survey showed that
24.7% of milk filters and 13.7% of all cows cultured were positive
for Salmonella, yet most of these farms did not show clinical signs
of the disease. We know that nearly every farm has BVD, Pasteurella,
and mastitis pathogens present, yet most herds do not have
continuous problems. These become clinically important when
the stress load lowers the immune function, and/or the facilities
and management are inadequate. It is the accumulation of these
insults that overwhelm the immune system leading to clinical signs
of the disease(s). Health and disease are in a constant balancing
act with the cow trying to maintain health and homeostasis. Our role
is to try to tip the scale in the cows favor by advocating for better
management, environments, and less stress.
A
20
16
DMI (kg/d)
Longevity can and often is related to various health issues. The four
main reasons cows leave the herd are udder health, reproductive
failure, lameness, and transition cow failures. All four of these
problems go back to the interaction of stress, immunology,
environment and management on cow health. On the other hand there
are some herds where longevity is determined by the number of
heifers coming through the system. If they have a fixed herd size
and a heifer is going to come into the herd a cow has to leave. That cow
may or may not have a health issue.
Figure 1:
Arithmetic mean (± SE) daily DMI (kg/d; A) and feeding time (min/d; B)
of healthy (n = 23), mildly metritic (n = 27), and severely metritic
(n = 12) Holstein dairy cows from 13 d before until 21 d after calving.
12
8
4
0
-13 -11 -9 -7 -5 -3 -1 1 3
5
7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21
5
7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21
B
250
Feeding time (min/d)
consistently less than 25% involuntary turnover rates while others
will average well over 40%. Some herds will maintain cell counts
of below 200,000 and others struggle to maintain 400,000.
200
150
100
50
0
-13 -11 -9 -7 -5 -3
-1 1 3
Day relative to calving
Healthy
Mildly Metritic
Severely Metritic
Huzzey et al (2007)
Your Shur-Gain Nutrition Advisor Can Help You to Improve Your Situation
When your Shur-Gain advisor visits you at the farm, during the tour of the barn, he can target the areas that
will bring you the most benefits in terms of performance; by reducing factors of stress for the cow and improving
immunology, environment and management. Don’t hesitate to tell him about your observations or any
questions regarding these key elements. Together you will turn them into opportunities for a better profitability.
5
Andrée Bourgeois, Agr
Director, Polygastric Technical Services
Ruminant Group
Shur-Gain Eastern Region
Douglas F. Waterman, Ph.D.
Director,
Dairy Technology Application
Nutreco Canada Agresearch
n
a
v
d
a
e
h
t
g
n
i
Maximiz
of Nutritional Rumen
You are all aware that the cost of feed ingredients is high
right now. However, behind every situation there are always
opportunities. The high price of corn mainly forces every one of
us to think in a different way and consider alternatives. Cows
have been fed corn for a long time. Corn provides a lot of energy
to the diet and cows do milk very well on a corn based diet.
But is this the only solution? Are there alternatives?
SHUR-GAIN’S GREATEST INNOVATIONS:
NEWTON AND POTENTIAL DIGESTIBILITY ANALYSIS
In the dairy industry we are privileged in a sense that the cow can
digest and transform almost anything into milk. As a ruminant she
can digest by-products and fiber that humans can not. The key to
maximizing this incredible ability is having the potential to understand
the nutrition that each of these ingredients is actually providing in
conjunction with ingredient digestibility and the utilization of Rumen
Modifiers (RM). Shur-Gain has developed a Nutritional model called
NEWTON, the first software in the world with capability of taking into
account whole plant digestibility and the benefit provided by key RM’s.
NEWTON evaluates every ingredient the cow will eat to make sure
she has the total nutrition required to support her level of production.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FORAGES
How significant is the ability to incorporate PD? We formulated rations
to evaluate the impact of a 10 point decrease in PD for corn silage.
The lower PD impacted the overall feed cost by $0.80 per cow per day.
It is clear that the digestibility of your forages is critical to the cost
of your ration and ultimately production.
WHAT ARE THE SOME OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING
POTENTIAL DIGESTIBILITY?
Growing season temperature
• Cold temperatures increase the growth of plant fiber
thus reducing digestion
• Warm temperatures slow the growth of fiber thus enhancing digestion
• Growing Degree Days
Maturity
• The more mature the forage the less digestible
Plant genetics
Silage Fermentation
• High forage pH decreases digestibility
• Heat damage
Dry matter intake, the less time a feed stays in the rumen
the less digestible it is.
Particle size of the grains and forages in the diet affect
the rate of digestion.
Frequency
The process starts with your forages, the grain you are using and
the protein byproducts. Forages are a large part of the cow’s diet and
in order to improve our evaluation of your forages we have developed
a proprietary analysis called “Potential Digestibility”. Potential Figure 1: Histogram of POTENTIAL DIGESTIBILITY
Digestibility (PD) is an analysis that is done on fermented forages
200
and dry hay and is used to predict what your cows will actually be able
to digest from your forages and therefore better account for the energy
150
provided to the cow. We know that the digestibility of forage can vary
a lot, and is affected by many factors. Figure 1 depicts the corn silage
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harvested in 2010. You can see the degree of variation from 67%
digestibility (meaning 33% of the plant is not digested) up to 85%
50
digestible. These differences will have a huge impact on the amount
of grain fed to your cows and the cost of the overall diet. Standard
industry forage analysis does not look at whole plant digestibility,
0
67.5
70.0
72.5
75.0
77.5
80.0
although some labs are looking at Invitro “True Digestibility” and fiber
Potential Digestibility
digestibility (NDF-d).
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82.5
85.0
ntages
Modifiers
There are a lot of factors that affect digestibility as you can see. Take
the time to look at your laboratory analysis report to see what
your forage potential digestibility results are. However, once you
have your forages and feedstuffs, is there anything else you can do to
impact how they are digested? The answer is yes and the solution
lies in a category of feed additives known as Rumen Modifiers.
There have been a lot of innovations in dairy nutrition over the years
and we now have a better understanding of the nutritional impact of
some of these additives in dairy cows. Traditionally these additives
were put in the ration without considering their nutritional benefit. This
approach increased the cost per cow per day of feed and an increase
in milk production was expected to cover the additional cost of the
additive. We are using a nutrition model that takes into consideration
the nutritional benefit of some nutritional additives. This model is
called NEWTON. NEWTON captures the nutritional contribution of key
“Rumen Modifiers” and best cost formulates your diet. Depending on
the Rumen Modifier used in formulating your ration, they will impact
the amount of escape protein, fiber digestion and/or the level of
volatile fatty acids (VFA) that are produced, thus replacing the amount
of energy and protein sources needed to meet your cow’s nutritional
requirements. Before we model a RM benefit we vigorously test it
to ensure we understand the benefit it provides and that the RM
consistently delivers that benefit. We conducted studies on over
100 different rumen modifiers in rumen fluid to understand their
benefit and evaluate the consistency of the response. The 7 rumen
modifiers that we are confident in and have modeled are:
•R
M104 (Proprietary)
•R
umensin (Monensin Sodium)
•B
otanicals
• F ermenten
• V egetable Oil
• Y east
• P RO-DMS (Proprietary)
One important note is that the supplier of these RM’s and their quality
control is very important. There are many companies that supply these
products, but if they lack good quality control then we cannot recommend them as their product will not deliver a consistent benefit.
WHAT IMPACT DOES INCORPORATING AN RM
INTO NEWTON HAVE?
For this article we formulated rations to illustrate the cost advantages
of incorporating Rumen Modifiers in the diet. Table 1 shows the benefit
of using certain rumen modifiers in dairy rations. Assuming the cost
of the ration with no rumen modifier at a zero value, the cost saving
by including certain Rumen Modifiers is listed on a cost per cow per
day and concentrate cost per cow per day basis.
Table 1: Benefit of Feeding Rumen Modifier in High Price Market
RM 104
Rumensin
RM104 &
Rumensin
Yeast
Savings on feeding cost/cow/day of using rumen modifiers $
-0.35
-0.65
-1.01
0.03
Savings on concentrate cost/cow/day using rumen modifiers $
-0.43
-0.86
-1.28
0.03
As an example, if you are using RM104 & Rumensin, this could save
you well over a dollar on concentrate cost per cow per day. The cost
savings will vary from farm to farm depending on the digestibility
of your forages, average milk production, days in milk, etc. Ask your
Shur-Gain / Landmark sales representatives to help you evaluate
your options and potential savings by utilizing NEWTON in conjunction
with proven rumen modifiers.
Take home message: NEWTON combines the digestibility
of your forages and the nutritional contribution from rumen
modifiers to meet your cow’s nutritional requirements in the
most cost effective way.
7
Aimie Sarson
Research Scientist
Nutreco Canada Agresearch
Douglas F. Waterman, Ph.D.
Director, Dairy Technology Application
Nutreco Canada Agresearch
Choosing the Right Combinations of
Health and Performa
Enhancing Feed Ingre
Alternatives to Medicated Therapies?
Promoting animal health and eliminating disease risk, whilst minimizing
the use of antibiotic therapies has become a major focus of livestock
production. Concerns for human health related to in-feed antibiotics
are rising, and alternatives to medicated therapies are essential to the
future of animal agriculture. As a means to promote animal health
while maintaining or enhancing production, nutritional modifications
and feed additives are excellent resources to reduce the use of antibiotics.
Impact of Nutrition on Immune Response
It is now generally accepted that nutrition plays a critical role in
regulating the immune response. In order to employ dietary changes
to promote the health of an animal, it is important to understand
the predominant environmental challenges that impact animal health.
In dairy cattle, there are both environmental stressors such as
disease-causing agents, and metabolic challenges associated with
calving and milk production that can accelerate poor health throughout the production cycle. In addition, exposure to bacteria and viruses
during a physically demanding and stressful phase of a dairy cow’s
life cycle can lead to more severe illness and production losses.
Feed Additive Products: the Importance
of Understanding Their Mode of Action
Choosing the correct combinations of health- and performanceenhancing feed ingredients can be a daunting task. There are a number
of similar feed additive products with competing claims on health
benefits and performance. However, it is difficult to discern consistency
regarding the advertised modes of action and/or quality assessment.
In order to better understand the efficacy of these products and
whether they should be combined with additional technologies,
it is important to understand the modes of action for each of the active
ingredients within these products. Examples of such dietary additives,
including flow agents and Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) products,
claim to promote health and reduce the risk of disease while
8
maintaining or enhancing performance, yet the formulation and
manufacturing process can greatly affect the outcome of including
such ingredients in a ration.
Flow Agents Commonly Included
in Animal Rations
Flow agents, which are typically composed of inert, inorganic silicate
clays, are commonly included in animal rations to absorb moisture
from feedstuffs and prevent caking under humid storage conditions.
However, these ingredients are also excellent binders for mycotoxins
harboured in crops harvested and stored under damp conditions.
Inorganic binders are classified according to their physical structure,
where bentonites and smectites consist of layered sheets of molecules whereas zeolites are 3-dimensional structures, each containing
pores that bind mycotoxins. The bound toxins are then eliminated
in the faeces, thus preventing any deleterious effects on the cow.
Mycotoxin Damage in the Dairy Cow
Mycotoxins are generally considered immune suppressors, such
that cows having ingested mycotoxins show signs of general body
discomfort and decreased production. Mycotoxins work by damaging
the intestinal lining, disrupting the protective barrier maintained
by the animal to prevent the entry of disease-causing agents into
the body. The cellular damage triggers an energy costly inflammatory
response, distracting the immune system from accurately managing
insult by other pathogens. Moreover, cell damage impairs nutrient
absorption which also negatively affects animal performance. The
structure of silicates partly determines affinity for different types
of mycotoxins, but most silicate binders are effective towards
aspergillus species and some fusarium species toxins. Small chemical
manipulations of the structure of the silicates can enhance or impair
their binding efficacy. Some toxins, particularly vomitoxin, are not
easily treated with silicate binders, and remain a challenge in the feed
industry. Although flow agents/toxin-binders can be marketed
anceedients
as immune-enhancing additives, in fact, their action on the immune
system is indirect. Their true mode of action is through toxin binding
and elimination, whereby toxins can no longer elicit a negative effect
on the animal tissue and immune capacity.
Yeast Supplements, also Registered as
β-Glucan and Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS)
In addition to flow agents, yeast supplements are prominent feed
additives in both ruminant and monogastric diets. Yeast supplements
come in many forms including live yeast, dehydrated whole yeast, and
yeast cell wall; in some cases yeast additives are further classified
and registered by the percent β-glucan and mannanoligosaccharide
(MOS). Yeast can be processed in a variety of ways, which ultimately
affects the capacity to modulate the health of an animal. The yeast
cell wall is composed of insoluble MOS fractions and soluble β-glucan
fractions which have different modes of action in the digestive
and immune systems. When feeding whole yeast (either live or
dehydrated) the animal’s digestive system degrades and fractionates
these components before they can elicit a health benefit. Yeast-based
products that include live or dehydrated brewers yeast do not always
disclose or guarantee β-glucan or MOS content.
Effects of β-Glucan and MOS on Immune System
Since these are the two active ingredients for promoting health,
it is difficult to assess relative efficacy in terms of immune enhancing
capacity of these products. Additives containing yeast cell walls
extracted from the enzymatic-, water- or temperature-regulated lysis,
are partially degraded and more concentrated, making both β-glucans
and MOS more easily accessible for the animal. Dietary β-glucans
have been shown to be directly immune-stimulatory, where activation
is initiated in the intestinal epithelium. Specifically, β-glucan
is recognized by receptors of the immune system, in the same way
a disease pathogen is recognized, stimulating an immune response,
and essentially “turning on” the immune system. This stimulation
is suggested to make the animal more prepared to handle infection,
by reducing lag time for combating infections. However, the caveat
is the energy requirement for stimulating the immune system; in the
absence of disease threat, immune system activation could be costly
for performance gains.
9
Impact of β-Glucan on Cow Performance
Nonetheless, many published studies indicate equivalent or greater
performance in animals fed β-glucan sources, indicating this active
ingredient is not inhibiting overall performance to a noticeable degree.
Since β-glucans are highly soluble carbohydrates, it is likely that
they do not survive the rumen bacteria of dairy cows, rendering them
ineffective as immune enhancers. Much of the work that has been
done with β-glucans suggests that the effects may be reduced
or non-existent in ruminants. In pre-ruminant calves β-glucans can
survive digestion to stimulate the immune system at the site of
the intestinal lining, as observed in monogastric species. Immune
stimulation is especially important in young animals, since the
strength and accuracy of the immune system is not fully developed
until the first few weeks of life.
MOS are Effective Antimicrobials
in Ruminants
In contrast to β-glucans, mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) are effective
antimicrobials in both ruminants and monogastrics. Rather than
a direct immune system stimulus, MOS interferes with pathogen
colonization by binding receptors on the surface of intestinal
pathogens, thereby blocking pathogen adhesion to the lining of the
gastrointestinal tract. Although MOS products are often defined as
“prebiotics”, this is an inaccurate description. MOS indirectly enhance
microflora composition by binding to the pathogen, and limiting
colonization. In contrast, a “true prebiotic” provides nutrients for beneficial
microflora, in order to promote a robust population of bacteria
that can compete with and exclude pathogenic bacteria from the gut.
This prebiotic function is usually seen with other soluble carbohydrates
such fructo-oligosaccharides and lactose, however, the effect of
rumen fermentation is unclear, and the application of these products
is questionable in dairy cattle. Based on the modes of action of
the bioactives in yeast additives, these products should be promoted
for their health promoting capacity. However, the quality and composition
of the product, as well as age and species of the animal are essential
in defining efficacy of the feed additive.
In Conclusion
In the same way that we understand how nutritional modifications lead
to improved production, it is essential to understand the mechanisms
by which dietary ingredients affect immune status and animal health.
By determining the mode of action of ingredients or products, we can
begin to tailor the nutritional program to combat factors that influence
the long term health of the animal. Further defining the relationship
between health and nutrition will allow us to better design comprehensive nutritional programs that promote fast and accurate immune
responses to disease-causing agents, while maintaining or enhancing
performance.
THE POWER OF RESEARCH WITHIN YOUR REACH
10
Bill Woodley
Ruminant Technical Services Manager
Shur-Gain Central Region
Feed Additives and
Immune Function
A number of companies/consultants discuss feed
additives and/or feeding strategies based on
their ability to increase immune function or
responsiveness. The reality is that in the majority
of dairy cows, the immune function should be
functioning at 100% of its inherent capacity.
Under periods of stress or disease and metabolic
challenges, the immune function may decrease
and with that, lead to an increase in inflammation.
When making decisions on feed additives and
strategies, it is important to understand when
and why the immune function may be at a less
than ideal functionality.
11
THE KEY FACTORS THAT AFFECT IMMUNE FUNCTION
IN A DAIRY COW ARE:
Body Weight Loss
•Research has indicated that immune responsiveness decreases for
many cows during the transition period. This decrease in immune
function has been linked to inflammation which is then associated
with diseases such as mastitis and metritis. Elevated levels of fatty
acids due to body weight loss – both pre and post calving can lead
to a decrease in liver function. This can be monitored by measuring
NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) levels in the blood during the
transition phase.
Heat Stress and Acidosis Stress
•Heat stress and acidosis stress can both lead to liver inflammation
and a subsequent decrease in immune function. Heat stress
and acidosis stress are linked with similar physiological reactions
occurring. Heat stressed animals usually experience a decrease
in DMI and a decrease in rumen pH. This will lead to the increased
production of free radicals and an oxidative imbalance. A similar
reaction will occur with animals that experience acidosis and
sub-acute acidosis (SARA). In the acidotic cow, certain rumen bacteria
produce gram-negative toxins. These toxins depress the normal
function of the cells of the immune system.
Toxins
•Research indicated that the presence of toxins (especially DON, T-2)
will lead to a depression in immune function. This can be complicated
by stress; especially with the pre and post-partum cow.
WHAT FEED ADDITIVES WOULD BE BENEFICIAL?
When considering feed additives that may prevent or decrease
the reduction of immune function, it is important to understand
the modes of action.
12
Oxidative stress is the broad term that relates to impairment of
immune function. The production of free radicals (reactive O2 species –
ROS) leads to oxidative reactions – this is a normal mechanism
of defense for the dairy cow. If these oxidative reactions are out of
control, then this represents an imbalance of the antioxidant capacity
of the dairy cow. Supplying adequate levels of anti-oxidants may help
minimize this situation. Some of the key anti-oxidants are:
Tocerpherols (Vitamin E Metabolites)
•Including adequate levels of Vitamin E will improve immune status;
especially when animals are under stress (transition period). Research
would indicate that feeding excessive levels of Vitamin E can create
a pro-oxidant effect and create immune challenges for the cow.
Carotenoids (Vitamin A Precursors and Metabolites)
•Provide adequate Vitamin A (>100,000 IU’s/day). There has been
limited work examining the inclusion of beta-carotene to improve
immune status. However, Chew et al, added beta-carotene and a low
level of Vitamin A (53,000 IUs’/day) and had a similar response
to adding “high” levels of vitamin A (173,000 IU’s/day) in relation
to mastitis and SCC.
Glutathione Peroxidase (Selenium)
•Selenium represents the glutathione peroxidase family of antioxidative enzymes that causes a reduction of oxidized molecules.
Feeding inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) is very effective
source of selenium but producers may wish to incorporate organic
selenium from a selenium-yeast source if there are antagonistic
elements (iron, sulphur) in the water or feed that may inhibit
selenium absorption. Organic selenium should be considered during
the transition period and during periods of low DMI.
Trace Minerals (Copper, Manganese, Zinc)
•Copper – high levels of copper can become a potent pro-oxidant
and lead to concerns for the oxidative balance. Feeding proper but
not excessive levels of copper is recommended. Use proper forage
analysis to check copper levels in the forages to ensure that these
levels are not excessive.
HEAT STRESS AND ACIDOSIS STRESS
As mentioned earlier, both heat stress and acidosis stress are linked
and will lead to the excessive production of free-radicals (ROS).
Reducing the effects of heat stress and acidosis stress will improve
the oxidative balance of the dairy cow and will minimize any decrease
in immune function.
CONTROLLING MYCOTOXIN LOAD
The dairy cow has the ability to handle some mycotoxin load through
rumen fermentation and degradation that will lead to the destruction
of the mycotoxin. But if the cow is under stress or the toxin load is
too high, then the toxin could have an impact on the cow’s health
by reducing immune function through cellular damage.
WHAT FEED ADDITIVES COULD BE USEFUL WHEN HIGH
LEVELS OF MYCOTOXINS ARE PRESENT IN THE DIET?
The broad groups of products that can be useful in these situations
are organic yeast-based products and inorganic clay products.
YEAST SUPPLEMENTS
Yeast products can be processed to enhance certain attributes
of the yeast. The yeast cell wall is comprised of insoluble MOS
(mannanoligosaccharides) and soluble β-glucan. The MOS component
of the yeast cell wall blocks pathogen adhesion in the lining of
the cow’s gastro-intestinal tract. Because the β-glucan component is
highly soluble, it is likely degraded in the rumen. But in pre-ruminants
(calves) the β-glucan has a direct immune modulation effect.
INORGANIC BINDERS
Inorganic binders such as inert silicate clays have also been shown to
bind toxins due to their physical structure. The two main categories
of clays can be classified by their physical structure – layered sheet
clays and 3-dimensional clays. Both types of clays can be effective
as a binding ingredient for some but not all species of toxins. The
3-dimensional clays may have slightly improved toxin binding capacity
through the binding ability of the crystalline pore structure.
CONCLUSION
The cow at risk is the main animal that may suffer from a decrease in
immune function. This is especially true of the transition dairy cow
(pre and post-partum) and the cow that is experiencing either heat
stress or acidosis or both. Managing these situations through proper
feed and housing is the key to success but at times the addition
of anti-oxidants and other additives will improve the response.
Shur-Gain has developed an extensive strategy to ensure that the
dairy cow’s immune function is working optimally. Using the proper
combination of ingredients (anti-oxidants, yeast cell wall and inorganic
clay) and minimizing stress will lead to an immune function that
is performing the way that nature intended!
Anti-Oxidants
Shur-Gain has done extensive research examining the levels of MOS
and β-glucan in yeast-cell wall products to determine the most
effective products for toxin control. Utilizing products with a guarantee
of high levels of these cell wall components is important for maximum
toxin control.
Yeast Cell Wall
Inorganic Clay
13
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
Cowan Crest Farms Ltd.
Proof of Performance
The 6th Generation
Cowan Crest Farms Ltd. located near Blyth, Ontario is a 48 tie stall dairy
farm with 600 acres of land. Tim and Julie Cowan are the 6th generation dairy farmers taking over the farm in 2007, along with their three
small children Ryan(7), Kayla(5) and Dylan (3). Tim’s Dad and Mom,
(Chris and Barb) took over the farm in 1974 from Tim’s Grandfather.
Chris and Barb, currently run a broiler operation across the road from
the dairy farm.
Wise Renovations
The Cowan’s have renovated their barn twice since Chris and Barb took
over the dairy operation in 1974. In 1995, they put a TMR in and then
in 1996 they renovated the stalls of the barn. The new renovations
showed increased milk production and cow comfort for the dairy herd.
How It All Began
Tim and Julie Cowan are Ridgetown Graduates (1997). Tim started
with part-time carpentry / dairy farming and Julie started part-time
dairy farming until, they took the farm over in 2007. Tim and Julie do
the milking along with Barb (Tim’s mom). Tim’s dad, Chris does the
field work. Tim and Julie oversee the cow management and feeding.
Julie does a great job at record keeping and tracking the breeding.
The Cowan’s do all their own field work and dry their own crops.
The Cowan’s also do custom combining and planting.
About the Feeding Program
At Cowan Crest, the dairy cows are fed a Total Mixed Ration with corn
silage, haylage, dry corn, supplement and hay. The NEWTON program
is used when balancing their rations. The cows are top dressed with
Calibrre based on body condition, 3 months fresh and over 40 Litres
of production. NEWTON showed that the cows needed Calibrre to meet
their energy requirements resulting in them having greaty persistercy.
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14
Cowan family is 6th generation dairy farmers.
Ryan, Kayla and Dylan.
NEWTON meets the needs of the Cowan’s dairy herd by getting the
most out of on-farm forages, minimizing bought in costs and meeting
all the nutrient requirements of high producing dairy cows.
A Beneficial Relationship
The management team of Tim and Julie, Holly Holyoake-Hensall
District Co-operative (HDC) Ruminant Specialist and vets Dr. Phil Garriock
and Dr. Laverne Clark (Blyth Veterinary Services) work together to
solve herd issues. Tim and Julie like the team environment. Everyone
is striving for cow health and performance from the Cowan’s dairy cows.
Welcome Advice
Holly Holyoake, HDC Ruminant Specialist balances rations, trouble
shoots and collects forage samples for Cowan Crest Farms Ltd.
Tim said,” Holly has added valued through her technical advice,
resulting in a very practical, efficient dry cow program.” The cows have
stronger peaks resulting in a more persistant lactation curve.
Currently, the cows are producing 1.33 kg B.F., a production average
of 10,566 kg, an average annual component of 3.7% B.F. and protein
3.2% with 43% of the herd 1st lactation.
Committed Producers
The Cowan’s are practical producers who see the benefits and value
of change. “I enjoy working with Tim and Julie on the dairy herd
through challenges and achievements says” Holly Holyoake, HDC
Ruminant Specialist.
Equipped for the Future
Cowan Crest Farms Ltd. is a tradition that continues with Tim’s
generation and looks towards the future for the next generation.
Holly Holyoake Ruminant Specialist from HDC
on a visit to the farm.
Cowan Crest Farm Ltd.
Back row: Julie, Kayla, Dylan and Tim. Front row: Ryan.
“Tim and Julie like the team environment.
Everyone is striving for cow health and
performance from the Cowan’s dairy cows.”
ifférence S
ere
nce
La
d
iff
Farm profile:
Th
d
eS
Cowan Crest Farms Ltd., Blyth, Ontario
h ur- G ain
Owners: Tim and Julie Cowan
Herd size: 100
Cows in milk: 48
Production average: 10,566 kg (40 Litres)
Average annual components: 3.7% BF − 3.2% P
Types of crops: corn silage, haylage, dry corn, supplement and hay
Available land: 600 acres
Centre of Excellence: Hensall District Co-operative
Dairy Nutrition Advisor: Holly Holyoake, M.Sc.
“I enjoy working with Tim and Julie on the dairy herd and helping them with their
challenges and celebrating their achievements.”
Holly Holyoake, M.Sc., Ruminant Specialist and Dairy Nutrition Advisor
15
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
Delhome Farms Ltd.
Dreams Come True
For two people who did not grow up on farms – Ron and Debbie
Riddell have managed to carve themselves a firm niche in the
rural Perth county landscape that they have called home since
1986. They met while attending the University of Guelph
because of their common interest in agriculture – and it has
blossomed into a life filled with farm activities involving their
three children. Ron grew up in Waterloo but spent weekends and
summers at his grandfather’s dairy farm in Perth County. Debbie
was born and raised near Milton on a small rural property
surrounded by dairy farms, horses and pets.
Although Ron has been interested in robotic milking systems since the
mid 90’s, his initial research back then revealed that there were still
issues with parts and service for the Ontario market. They continued
to keep in touch with companies and after paying off a large quota loan
in 1999, they decided that it was time to investigate further and toured
some Quebec operations asking lots of questions. But sometimes life
throws a curve ball and after a lightening strike in August 2000 caused
a fire in their house, Ron and Deb focused on rebuilding of their home.
In 2003, their dreams were once again delayed due to an investment
in steers that were almost worthless after the BSE crisis.
So, in the meantime they added quota. Ron jokes that there has hardly
been a month since he started farming that he has not had a quota
payment coming off his milk cheque. There were some necessary
upgrades to his parlour along the way but their focus was to minimize
investment in the old barn and build the herd and quota.
Business Plan
Meanwhile, Travis was attending university and had the opportunity
to perform a business plan on their current operation compared to a
new facility with robots and labour saving technology. It became an
important tool that Ron used to its fullest. The business plan
showed that the investment in the new technology would allow them
to reach several major goals for their operation: 1- Reduce labour and
allow a more flexible work load, 2- Maximize cow comfort, 3- Capture
data used for managing the herd and 4- Improve quality of Life for the
Riddell family.
After months of research, tours, phone calls and consultants, they broke
ground April 1, 2009 on a barn designed to milk 130 cows with two
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Interior view of the barn.
DeLaval AMS machine.
DeLaval VMS units, sand bedded free stalls and a flush alley manure
system. The barn measures 352' X 115' and is designed with perimeter
feed alleys, fully automated ventilation with curtain side walls, chimneys
and fans. Their attention to detail is evident. When you tour the barn,
things like automatic- fill foot baths, convenient- access calving pens
and smart gates reflect the goals in the original business plan.
Precious Collaboration
Ron views the ‘level of service’ as a key factor behind all his business
decisions. The local service rep for the VMS lives 5 minutes away and
has been instrumental in keeping on top of the details. When Kevin
Semple, from Nieuwland Feed in Listowel , called in to see the Riddell’s
a few months after the herd was moved into the new barn (Jan 2010),
he realized that providing good service would be key to winning their
business. Kevin was a familiar face, having worked alongside Debbie
in the local Agriculture Society, at 4-H events and the local fairs.
And it was Kevin’s eagerness to learn more about the Riddell operation
and provide some important suggestions about the ration that earned
him the chance to show what the NEWTON software and Shur-Gain
Robot pellet could do. Ron said ‘Kevin always has answers to my
challenges and is very quick to respond’.
Improvements
The first challenge given to Kevin was to improve the close up ration
and solve some issues with fresh cows. Since the dry cows liked
the ration and calvings went smoothly, Ron decided to give Kevin more
to work with. Ron had expected the usual startup challenges but
4 months into the new barn, progress was too slow. Kevin recognized
the frustrations the Riddell’s were experiencing and discussed several
areas that he felt he could improve upon. So, the next challenge was –
“get me to 30 L ”.
Kevin had experience using some liquid commodities and suggested
a base TMR ration that had more energy and was a good fit with
the corn silage. Pairing this ration with the Shur-Gain Robot pellet gave
a nice response in milk. Dave Crossan, the Shur-Gain Robotic Milking
expert was called in to help with settings on the VMS to ensure that
the correct amount of pellet was delivered according to the daily milk
yield parameters. Kevin also worked together with the DeLaval
experts and Ron’s veterinarian to improve the turns through the robot
(currently at 2.49) and reduce the waiting time in holding pens.
Delhome Farms Ltd.
Delhome Farms Ltd.
Debbie Riddell Photgraphy
519 272-4467
web: debriddellphotography.com
email: [email protected]
Milverton, Ontario
Erika, Vanessa, Travis, Debbie and Ron Riddell.
“Travis performed
a business plan study on
their current operation.”
La
d
ifférence S
iff
ere
Farm profile:
Delhome Farms Ltd., Milverton, Ontario
Owners: Ron and Debbie Riddell
Th
d
eS
h ur- G ain
• Started by Ron in 1986 with the purchase a 50 cow
herd plus 21 purebreds from his grandfather’s operation
• Built a freestall barn and parlour in 1987
• Expanded herd and quota holdings every year
• Always utilizes the Amish labour force in the area
Cows in milk: 110
Production: 33.5 kg
Average annual components: 3.95% BF − 3.3% P
Types of crops: haylage, corn silage, high moisture corn
Currently buys dry hay
Available land: 275 acres plus 150 rented
nce
So, within 60 days after starting to work together, the production goal
was met and the Delhome Farms was performing at 30 L. For the
future, the main goals will be to continue to focus on cow health
and improve production, with an emphasis on ‘low cost’ milk. Travis
has a keen interest in new technology such as Herd Navigator and
they will be reviewing these options as they become available.
Centre of Excellence: Nieuwlands Feed – Listowel
Dairy Nutrition Advisor: Kevin Semple
“It is a pleasure working with Delhome Farms and helping them to achieve their production goals with
their new robotic milking equipment. I really enjoy working with multi-generational farms and working
with younger dairy producers, like Travis who are willing to try new things and explore opportunities.”
Kevin Semple, Dairy Nutrition Advisor
17
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
TESTIMONIALS
Farm profile
Switzer Farms
Perth County at St. Marys, Ontario
Owners: Ray, Shelia and Brian Switzer
Number of cows in milk: 75
Service center: The Hitching Post Ltd.
Mark Ross
Shur-Gain Certified
Dairy Nutrition Advisor
Shur-Gain APF Fat Source
for Dairy Cows
Brian Switzer along with his parents Ray and Shelia
operate Switzer Farms, milking 75 cows in Perth
County at St.Marys, Ontario. Brian focuses on
overall excellent cow health but ultimately tries
to achieve strong milk production. APF FAT fits
into the feeding program as a secondary energy
source other than grains, which allows the herd to
maximize butterfat production without sacrificing
rumen health. Attaining available milk production
credits throughout the year can make a major
economic difference. “APF Fat may be costly but it
can be the tool to regulate butterfat to achieve
available milk credits”. APF Fat is a rumen inert fat
source that is rich in Palmitic Acid, a long-chain
fatty acid that provides a critical link in the
production of milk fat by the dairy cow. At Switzer
Farms, Shur-Gain APF Fat is incorporated directly
into the milk cow TMR depending on the butterfat
and kilos of milk being produced.
Why is Palmitic Acid Important
for Milk Fat Production?
The dairy cow has the ability to both “build” milk fat
from short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid
and to “draw” long-chain fatty acids from the
blood. The long-chain fatty acids (C16:0 and >)
are called pre-formed fatty acids. Both sources are
critical for the cow to make milk fat. Palmitic acid
(C16:0) is unique in that it can be “built” within
the udder or “drawn” intact from the blood
streaming into the udder.
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Providing Palmitic acid can provide an essential
component for high producing herds that require
both high milk fat production (kgs/day) and high
% fat.
Incorporating APF Fat in Your Herd
Fresh Cow Topdress/TMR
150-300 g/cow
One Group TMR
100-200 g/cow
High Cow Topdress/TMR
200-400 g/cow
“APF Fat is unlike a lot of other products
where you can begin to feed it and
almost instantly see a response within
a couple of days.”
“In the fall of 2010 with the incorporation
of Shur-Gain APF Fat our butterfat jumped
from 3.8% to 4.0% within a couple days.
Our litres of milk maintained the same
but we were able to ship more kgs of
butterfat out the door.”
Brian Switzer
Farm profile
Guntensperger Dairy Inc.
Seaforth, Ontario
Owners: Number of cows in milk: Available land:
Service center: Karl, Astrid, Lorenz and Adrian
Guntensperger
120
200 acres
Mitchell Feed Mill Inc.
Lorenz, Astrid and Karl.
Randy Halls
Ruminant Sales
Cow Comfort Is Top
Priority
Karl and Astrid Guntensperger, along with their
sons Lorenz and Adrian, operate Guntensperger
Dairy Inc. The family milks 120 cows, and farms
200 acres. Originally from Switzerland, they came
to Canada to pursue their passion of dairy farming.
In 1996, they purchased their existing farm and
built a new barn that was designed to better meet
their needs.
When building the facilities, cow comfort was top
priority. Choosing to use deep chopped straw for
bedding, rubber mats in the alley ways, and ideal
ventilation all helped reach their goal of maximum
cow comfort in the dairy barn. Cow comfort was
also top priority when constructing their Dry Cow
facility. Using straw packs, and plenty of bunk
and resting space per cow, the Guntenspergers’
demonstrate dry cow comfort at its best.
Dry cow nutrition is next on the list of priorities.
Shur-Gain’s Transition NR dry cow feed helps meet
two important criteria; having a simple and
consistent dry cow program and having a smooth
transition from the dry cow ration to the lactating
ration. Since feeding the Transition NR, they have
clearly noticed that the cows have a high acceptance to the ration, the cows clean very well,
and have noticed a huge reduction in ketosis
compared to the previous feed company’s product.
The Transition NR is very palatable, and delivers
all the required nutrients, which has increased
dry matter intake, making the transition to the
lactating ration easier. They are now reporting
55-60% conception rate on first breeding, with
a 30% pregnancy rate.
“Since using Transition NR, it has made managing the fresh group
easier by having higher feed intakes post calving, better milk peaks,
and they come into milk a lot nicer.”
Lorenz Guntensperger
19
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