| Starch |
The starch analysis provides the means to
estimate rumen fermentation and energy. Too
much starch can result in fat cows, milk fat
depression and acidosis. Too little starch
can cause thin cows, lost production, low
peaks, poor persistency, breeding problems
and results in poor rumen activity.
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| IVDMD |
In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility is a biological
assay using artificial rumen fermenters to
determine digestion potential and energy of
forages. Since the Analab fermentors are similar
to the rumen of a dairy cow, they provide
a better estimate of how a dairy cow will
utilize a forage beginning in the rumen and
through the large intestine.
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| CWD (NDFD,-30, 30 hour NDF Digestibility)
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Cell Wall Digestibility is an indication
of fiber digestibility for the health of the
rumen. A higher CWD results in a healthier
rumen.
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Lignin
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A virtually indigestibile component of plant
cell walls or neutral detergent fiber (NDF).
The higher the lignin content of forages the
lower the digestibility potential.
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| Fiber |
The quantity and quality
of fiber are indicators of feed value. Fiber,
along with protein analyses, are major factors
in determining the energy of forages. Adequate
amounts of quality fiber in the right physical
form are necessary to maintain normal rumen
function and help avoid problems such as acidosis
and low butterfat.
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| Mycotoxins
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Mycotoxins are poisons or toxins produced
by actively growing molds. Toxins can be a
hidden problem, since the absence or presence
of molds in feedstuffs is not necessarily
a good indication that mycotoxins are present.
Analab recommends testing feedstuffs for mycotoxins
when herd health and performance problems
such as low milk production, inconsistent
feed intakes, disease, metabolic and reproduction
setbacks occur.
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| Moisture |
Moisture of all feedstuffs must be known
to determine dry matter because all rations,
feed intake and mixer capacity are based on
dry matter.
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Proteins |
Too much protein adds stress to the cow and
wastes money. Too little results in lost production.
Excessive heat damaged protein in forages
is an indication of lower quality protein.
Incorrect amounts and types of protein, such
as rumen soluble, degradable and by-pass proteins
in a ration will limit production.
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The fraction of the total crude protein in
a forage or other feedstuffs that escapes
or by-passes degradation by the microbes and
is available for utilization in the small
intestine. Also known as UIP (undegraded intake
protein) or RUP (rumen undegraded protein).
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| Calcium, Phosphorus & Magnesium
|
Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium must be
fed at levels that will support animal health.
Inadequate levels and ratios may result in
lost production. The optimum calcium/phosphorus
ratio is necessary for proper utilization
of all nutrients.
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| Nitrate-Nitrogen |
Excessive nitrate-nitrogen can be toxic.
Chronic and sublethal levels may cause depressed
appetites, poor reproduction and low milk
production.
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| Amino Acid Assays |
Dietary requirements for protein are in reality
requirements for the amino acids obtained
from a protein source. Differences in the
nutritional value of proteins are extensive.
However, for nonruminants, the value of proteins
is primarily determined by its amino acid
composition. This analysis measures the amino
acid content of a feed ingredient, permitting
accurate formulation of rations that fully
utilize the amino acid value of a protein
source.
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