Using Corn as a Currency:
What Is Rumensin® Energy Worth?
Dairy nutritionists constantly face the challenge of having few options to provide more dietary energy safely without changing the nutrient or chemical composition of the ration.
However, by adjusting ruminal bacterial populations, Rumensin® provides additional energy, which significantly improves milk production efficiency (MPE, production of marketable solids-corrected milk per unit of feed intake).
Corn energy equivalency
That extra, Rumensin dose-related dietary energy has a value like corn, which functions as a high-value energy currency in feed and fuel markets.
Extensive Elanco research shows that the extra energy a cow gets from a diet supplemented with Rumensin is equivalent to the energy in 1.0 to 2.0 lbs. of corn, assuming dry matter intake (DMI) of 60 lbs. and depending on Rumensin dose.
For a summary of trials with more than 800 Holsteins, along with energy density calculations and corn-equivalency analysis, click here.
For lactating cows, adding Rumensin to the diet yields a 2-4% increase in MPE, and, on average, provides a 5:1 return on investment. Moreover, the extra energy provided benefits performance in all stages of lactation.
How Rumensin works
Rumensin increases concentrations of propionate-producing bacteria in the rumen while reducing bacteria that produce acetate and butyrate. A higher proportion of ruminal propionate producers promotes more efficient use of carbohydrates in feedstuffs.
For more information about the use of Rumensin throughout the lactation cycle, click here.
For details on Rumensin MPE performance and the concept of corn equivalency, email Jim Stefanak with subject “Corn as Currency”.
And reach out to D&D today…