The Changing Role of Forage Fiber in Dairy Rations

The ‘big three’ forages in California, alfalfa hay, corn silage and small grain silage, are quantitatively the most important feed group on California dairy farms, as they comprise about 45% of all feeds consumed by California dairy animals. Thus, accurate estimation of their energy content is central to feed formulation that allows maximum animal performance and minimum environmental impact. While new methods are available to accurately estimate the energy value of feeds, they are relatively expensive and slow. However research completed at UC Davis has identified rapid, inexpensive and practical ‘shortcuts’ that accurately estimate the energy value of these forages with acceptable accuracy.