Introducing Alkasystems technology – a cost efficient solution
Maintaining rumen function and efficiency must be number one priority when feeding cattle if dairy producers are to optimise herd health and cost effectively achieve production targets.
In the first instance, that means supporting and optimising healthy rumen microbial populations to ensure maximum feed intakes, digestion rates and feed conversion for performance, and that’s dependent on supplying the correct nutrients to balance effective rumen degradable protein and fermentable metabolisable energy, writes Dugdale Nutrition veterinary technical manager, Dr Debby Brown.
In essence, when you are feeding your cattle, you are actually feeding the rumen and its microbes allowing them to effectively function and digest the feedstuff, especially cellulose. These microbes have to meet their own nutritional requirements. They also need to be in specific conditions within the rumen – an optimum 37 C, water, anaerobic conditions, with a supply of energy and a minimum 1% nitrogen in the feed dry matter to break down plant material.
The microbes also require a rumen environment in a range of pH 6.2 to 6.8, that’s about the same pH level as slightly acidic water. If pH falls below 6.0, then the microbes’ growth and reproduction will be impaired, while a continuous low pH will result in reduced feed intakes and feed absorption.
Maintaining the rumen at this correct pH level can be a challenge. Excessive concentrate, especially fed in slugs, will reduce the pH and increase the risk of acidosis which will go on to damage the rumen wall and the microbial population, and disruptions to rumen function start to kick in.
Low or unstable rumen pH can for example lead to SARA (sub-acute ruminal acidosis), and health and fertility issues; feed intakes will be impaired, yields will suffer and overall feed efficacy and utilisation will be impaired.
Introducing Alkasystems technology to the diet, either Home n’ Dry treated cereals or concentrate, will help to buffer the rumen against acidity by alkalising the feed which raises the pH and successfully helps to neutralise the rumen. Alkasystems also adds a reliable 4% to 5% protein to the finished cereals which in turn reduces bought in protein costs.
For further help and advice please call the Alkaline on +44(0)1200 613118