Fall2011
2010
Fall
Free copy
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR
IMPROVEMENT
Keep Connected with Your Return on Investment
Reports: Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd. and Charmine Holsteins
Rob Lister, BSc.
Dairy Technical Specialist
Atlantic Canada Region
Ken Smith
Business Manager
Atlantic Canada Region
Target Areas of Improvement and
MAXIMIZE THE RETURN
ON YOUR INVESTMENT
Every day, producers express their concerns about rising commodity prices and ask us to help them find solutions
that will cut costs and maximize herd health and dairy revenue.
In this issue, we will be discussing how we select rumen modifiers
(RMs) that provide clear technical advantages and how we model
these advantages to yield the greatest return on investment.
In addition, we’ll be presenting research outcomes on immune
system health.
NEWTON Assesses the Real Impact
of Rumen Modifiers
A rumen modifier (RM) is an ingredient or additive that changes
the rumen environment and thus shifts rumen bacteria and protozoa
populations. Their use can significantly impact ration costs. By how
much? With NEWTON, we are seeing some RM combinations that cut
ration costs by more than $1 per cow per day. Keep in mind that a year
ago, the figure may have been half of that. However, with the cost of
ingredients ever on the rise, RMs are becoming increasingly important
as tools to help manage your cost per cow per day.
IN THIS ISSUE
Your comments
are always welcome!
2
Send them to Rob Lister
By mail: 50 Saunders, Fredericton
(New Brunswick) E3B 1N1
By e-mail: [email protected]
Making the Right Choice
Many products are marketed as rumen modifiers, or claim to improve
help your cow’s productivity and immune system. It can be confusing
to distinguish those that truly work from those which are merely strong
on marketing but weak on actual benefits. NEWTON is a computerassisted decision-making software system that measures the
technical and economic advantages of ration additives. Can your
software do that? We also provide advice on optimizing cow
performance by reducing stress and boosting cows’ immune systems.
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.
2
Editorial
12 Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd.
3
Interaction of Stress, Immunology,
Environment, and Management
on Cow Health and Performance
14 Charmine Holsteins
6
Maximizing the Advantages
of Nutritional Rumen Modifiers
8
Choosing the Right Combinations
of Health and PerformanceEnhancing Feed Ingredients
16 Testimonials
Testing Component
19 Water
of the Canadian Quality Milk Program
20 Optivia
Bryan Van Gorp, D.V.M.
Dairy Specialist
Central Canada Region
Interaction of Stress,
Immunology, Environment,
and Management
on Cow Health and Performance
Animal health and well being as well as 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.
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
3
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 Ca 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 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 water may increase oxidative stress and reduce immune cell function.
The question is how do we evaluate oxidative stress and does adding
antioxidants 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 5.4 kg (12 lb) of milk.
A periparturient cow or a cow with very high milk production that
is already in negative energy and protein balance likely cannot meet
this added demand. In addition, the conditions that cause activation of the immune system such as lack of bedding, overcrowding,
poor hygiene, poor ventilation, increased pathogen load lead 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 load stress 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, environment, and less stress.
A
20
(44)
DMI kg/d (lb/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, 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 days before until 21 days
after calving.
16
(35.2)
12
(26.4)
8
(17.6)
4
(8.8)
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 nutrition advisor visit 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
Douglas F. Waterman, Ph.D.
Director,
Dairy Technology Application
Nutreco Canada Agresearch
Andrée Bourgeois, Agr.
Director, Polygastric Technical Services
Ruminant Group
East Canada Region
a
e
h
t
g
n
i
z
i
m
i
Max
of Nutritional Ru
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 cannot. 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 use 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
The process starts with your forages, the grain you are using and
the protein by-products. 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
Digestibility is an analysis that is done on fermented forages 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
6
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
harvested in 2010. You can see the degree of variation from 67%
digestibility (meaning 33% of the plant is not digested) up to 85%
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,
although some labs are looking at in-vitro “True Digestibility” and fiber
digestibility (NDF-d).
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.
Figure 1: Histogram of POTENTIAL DIGESTIBILITY
200
150
Frequency
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?
100
50
0
67.5
70.0
72.5
75.0
77.5
80.0
Potential Digestibility
82.5
85.0
advantages
umen Modifiers
7
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING
POTENTIAL DIGESTIBILITY?
The 6 rumen modifiers that we are confident in and have modeled are:
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
•H
igh forage pH decrease digestibility
•H
eat 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
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.
• RM104 (Proprietary)
• Rumensin (Sodium Monensin)
• Botanicals
• Fermenten
• Vegetable Oil
• Yeast
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 derive 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 dairy nutrition advisor to help you evaluate your options
and potential savings by using 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.
8
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 PerformanceEnhancing Feed Ingredients
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 mean 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
maintaining or enhancing performance, yet the formulation and
manufacturing process can greatly affect the outcome of including
such ingredients in a ration.
9
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
10
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
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 cells 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.
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
11
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd.
Getting It Right
The owners of Cedar Ridge Farms, Frank and Debbie Gordon and
Joel and Amy Gordon, know that farming can’t be hit and miss. It
requires detailed planning, hard work, and vision. As the wives
put it, “Both Frank and Joel admit that they research and analyze
something almost to death before making a final decision.”
No guesswork here, just getting it right.
Gartmore Farm Award; Butterfat Production Award; Second Highest
LPI for a Guernsey Herd in Canada; and Top Guernsey Herd and Top
Guernsey Cow in Atlantic Canada in 2010. If that’s not enough, they
hosted the 2010 World Guernsey Conference Tour. If you want
something done, ask a busy person to do it. And the 4-H Club uses
their calves for their projects.
Five Generations of Dairy Farmers
It all started in 1905 when Frank’s great-grandfather purchased
the original farm. The first pure-bred Guernseys were bought by
Frank’s dad in the early 1960s. Joel, Frank and Debbie’s son, decided
to join his father’s farm full-time in the spring of 2003. 2007 was a
pivotal year for the farm because that was when it became incorporated as Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd. and the Gordons bought another farm
with existing dairy facilities.
Debbie and Amy
Up until last spring, Amy ran a private daycare in her home. Now she
works 15-20 hours a week on the farm. She loves the combination of
daily chores, helping to make silage and hay, occasional milking, and
looking after the dairy management computer program. Now she has
more time to spend with her family. Debbie gets the job done too, whether
it’s milking, especially during planting and harvesting time, keeping
the books, sprucing up the grounds, and taking care of grandchildren
Lily, Savannah and Isabella to free up Amy. Again, it’s all about family.
From 20 to 48 Cows in Milk
Today’s herd of 105 Guernseys has 48 cows in milk. Classification is
1 EX, 8 VG, 25 GP, 14 G, and 5 NC. Quota is 47 kilos (103.4 lb). The farm’s
average yield grew steadily from 2007 to 2010 (5,997 kg to 7,491 kg)
(13,193 to 16,480 lb), with corresponding increases in butterfat
from 4.62% up to 4.74%.
The School of Hard Knocks
Life on the farm is a learning experience, something that Joel found
out the hard way when, at age 5, he was injured by a cow. Fortunately,
he wasn’t spooked in the least and has always enjoyed being around
the cattle. The only other negatives that come to mind for the Gordons
are the stress of dealing with machine breakdowns and sickness
in the herd.
A Competitive Streak
Healthy competition is a family trait for the Gordons. Father and son
fondly remember their times in the competition circuit when Joel was
a youngster of 10 years old. Joel chuckles when he says that, “it didn’t
matter where we placed in the class, as long as I was ahead of Dad.”
Lily and Savannah are following the family tradition, showing calves
in the Pee Wee class at the Fredericton exhibition.
The Drive to Achieve
The drive to achieve and go beyond personal bests is what steered
Joel and Amy to the Young Atlantic Breeder’s School in 2010. But even
before that, Cedar Ridge was winning medals and prizes of all kinds:
Highest Increase in Herd BCA (2008-2009) in the Guernsey category;
12
12
Heifer Barn
Heifers on Pasture
A Family Farm
Joel says he loves the times when all seven members of the family,
including his three daughters, are at the barn working together
towards their common goals. The idea of family is central to the farming community, which is a different kind of family, a caring, helpful
and supportive group of people that Joel feels he can rely on.
Future Plans and Prospects
At some point, Joel and Amy would like to change to a compost
bedding pack and milking parlour and develop a market for the farm’s
genetics. On a less specific level, they hope that Guernseys will
become more popular, because, in their opinion, “Guernseys are a
feed-efficient cow with a quiet temperament”... and a breed that’s in
short supply. In fact, the Gordon’s found it very difficult to find
the number of Guernsey cattle they needed at the time of the farm’s
expansion. They are disappointed that Guernsey shows in the Atlantic
Provinces are now a thing of the past. They see the future of the dairy
industry as stable, although they feel somewhat concerned by
the decrease in the number of dairy farms.
Shur-Gain, A Friend Through Thick and Thin
The Gordons have been with Shur-Gain since it started doing business
in Fredericton. Their dairy feed advisor is Jackie Sweetland, and
they have glowing praise for her: “We have a very good relationship
with Jackie. She’s always available to look after our feed-related needs
and is interested in various aspects of the farm. She’s friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and easy to work with. She does a great job for us.
Guernsey View Jayden’s Nikki , EX-90 4E
Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd.
Back Row: Debbie and Frank Gordon. In front: Amy and Joel Gordon, with children Isabella, Lily and Savannah.
Because of her, we’re on a scheduled feed delivery. She monitors
the tanks for us to make sure we don’t run out of feed.” They feel
the same way about the company itself. “Shur-Gain always provides
the right feeds, quality feeds that meet the needs of our herd,
from young calves to our milking cows.”
“Both Frank and Joel admit
that they research and
analyze something almost
to death before making
a final decision.”
Farm profile:
Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd., Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick
Owners: Frank & Debbie Gordon and Joel & Amy Gordon
Herd size: 105
Cows in milk: 48
Quota: 47 kg (103.4 lb)
Production average: 7,491 kg (16,480.2 lb)
Average annual components: 4.74% - 355 kg (781 lb) BF
3.32% - 249 kg (547.8 lb) P
BCA: 224-211-209
Herd classification: 1 EX, 8 VG, 25 GP, 14 G and 5 NC
Available land: 350 acres (rent 136 acres)
Service Center: Shur-Gain Moncton
Territory Manager: Jackie Sweetland
Hard Work and Improvements
“It has been a pleasure working with Frank, Debbie, Joel and Amy Gordon at Cedar Ridge Farms Ltd., watching them make
many improvements to their farm during the last several years. It was particularly exciting to have witnessed the
expansion of their herd, improvements in their feed management and increases in the overall productivity of their cows.”
Jackie Sweetland, Territory Manager
13
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
Charmine Holsteins
Where Quality Counts
A Slogan That Makes Sense
Debbie and Kevin Charlton tell it like it is. Their policy—hey, keep it
simple—might not be what you’d expect to hear, but it’s been the key
to their success from the very beginning. That, and wise stewardship,
thrift, hard work, and love of family.
The Pros and Cons of Farming
It all comes down to the pros outweighing the cons. The Charltons are
quick to point out that in this case, the benefits win hands down, things
like being your own boss, working with livestock, being outdoors,
flexible hours, and making farming a family affair. The downside is
the heavy debt load, not being able to do all the work themselves,
and the conviction that the government isn’t stepping up to the plate.
But all in all, no regrets, only valuable lessons learned and an albumful
of good memories.
An Accent on Quality
When you value quality over quantity, plenty of good things can
happen. The 90-herd, 43-kg (94.6-lb) quota, 600-acre operation could
be considered small by some standards, but it’s big on performance.
The Herd Today
The herd classifies 5 EX, 19 VG, 19 GP, and 4 G. Its official annual
production is 9,514 kg (20,930.8 lb) of milk with 354 kg (778.8 lb)
fat and 298 kg (655.6 lb) protein. The BCA is 196-197-194.
Proof that Quality Pays Off
Charmine Holstein’s track record is impressive indeed: two home-bred
calves chosen to represent Nova Scotia at the Royal Winter Fair 4-H Show
in Toronto in 2009 and 2010 and shortlisted for the finals; Charmine
Redman Marsha being one of the higher selling cattle at the 2010
National Holstein Convention Sale in Halifax. Charmine September
Storm was also recently classified as Ex 93. And then there’s the farm’s
ongoing participation in Holstein shows at the club, county and provincial level. Kevin and Debbie were also recognized as honorees
in 2001 for Canada’s Most Outstanding Young Farmers Award.
The Cream of the Crop
The Charltons are proud that the farm’s 330 acres of cropland yield
all of the forages and half of the grain—corn, barley, mixed grass,
clover, mixed timothy, reed grass, alfalfa and haylage. The 270 acres
of forestland is a resource they can tap into by selling the wood
to fund special projects, like the workshop built in 2004.
A Growing Farm
Kevin and Debbie were married in 1988 and what a team they make,
14
Charmine B Soverign
working side by side to bring the farm to a whole new level, from
a 40- to a 90-cow operation. Debbie is also a farmer, not a farmer’s
wife; and all daily activities and decision making are shared equally
between the two of them. From 20 to 43 kg of quota, the Charmine
Holsteins story is one of steady growth that the Charltons hope will
continue far into the future.
Confidence in Their Children
Kevin and Debbie have every reason to believe that 19-year-old Corey
and Kelsey, age 16, will do them proud when it’s their turn to handle
the reins. They always had an interest in the farm, doing chores and
fieldwork as youngsters. If they look familiar to you, it’s because
in 2007, they were the poster kids for Farmer’s Dairy Milk products.
The dairy business never looked better!
Their Achievements
The roster of the teens’ awards and distinctions runs almost as long
as their parents’ list: being chosen by the 4-H club to represent
the county at the Nova Scotia Provincial Show and their province at
the Canadian Classic 4-H show in Toronto; Top Overall Junior Dairy
Judge in Nova Scotia. Since graduating, Corey has been working
on the homestead. His specialty is cattle clipping and fitting.
He’s shown what he can do at shows and sales for breeders
in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and at the Dairy Expo
in Madison. Both Kelsey and Corey are natural athletes.
Helping the Farming Community
Kevin knows that farming is a community effort, so at one point
or another he has sat on the executive of the Farmer’s Milk Producer
Association, Holstein Canada’s Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Board,
the Annapolis County Federation of Agriculture and the Farmer’s Dairy
Member Relations Committee, to name just a few.
Looking Ahead
The Charltons trust in the future. “We’re still in business and we have
great kids we can count on.” They want to continue to improve their
cattle and land and buy more quota to go along with the new extension
on the barn built in 2010-2011. Their optimism includes the dairy
industry as a whole, which they see as “having a good future as long
as the quota system is in place.” And part of their vision of the future
is their relationship with Shur-Gain.
Advice, Support and Friendship
Charmine Holsteins does business with Shur-Gain in Moncton,
New Brunswick, and feed advisor Terry Silver and his team,
Robert Lister and Daniel Fournier. “Our relationship with our feed
Charmine September Storm
Charmine Redman Marsha
Charmine Holsteins
Corey, Kelsey, Kevin and Debbie.
advisor is very good. He’s prompt, professional, and always keeps
his word. We look forward to his visits every two weeks,” says Kevin.
The Company
Kevin’s and Debbie’s dealings with Shur-Gain have always been
positive. They describe Shur-Gain’s new facilities in Moncton as
“a major improvement. In fact, they exceeded our expectations.
We appreciate Shur-Gain’s support for local events.” More than just
a feed supplier, Shur-Gain has a real place in the community.
“No regrets, only
valuable lessons learned
and an albumful
of good memories.”
Farm profile:
Charmine Holsteins, Wilmot, Nova Scotia
Owners: Kevin and Debbie Charlton
Herd size: 90
Cows in milk: 40
Quota: 43 kg (94.6 lb)
Production average: 9,514 kg (20,930.8 lb)
Average annual components: 3.7% - 354 kg (778.8 lb) BF
3.1% - 298 kg (655.6 lb) P
BCA: 196-197-194
Herd classification: 5 EX, 19 VG, 19 GP and 4 G
Available land: 600 acres
Service Center: Shur-Gain Moncton
Territory Manager: Terry Silver
Great People to Be Around
“I always look forward to my regular sales calls with the Charlton’s. The entire family has a real enthusiasm toward
the success not only of their farm, but the dairy industry as a whole. I am certain through their hard work ethic and desire
to succeed that Charmine Holsteins will continue to prosper for many years to come.”
Terry Silver, Territory Manager
15
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
TESTIMONIALS
Farm profile
Wesselius Holstein Farm Ltd.
Wheaton Settlement, New Brunswick
Owners: George and Heather Wesselius
(2 sons – Jacob and Andrew)
Number of cows in milk: 250
Butterfat: 3.88%
Protein: 3.25%
Projected annual production: 9,902 kg (21,784.4 lb)
BCA: 220-223-215
Service center: Shur-Gain Moncton
Andrew, George, Heather and Jacob.
Significant Improvements
Wesselius Holstein Farm is located in Wheaton
Settlement, in the dairy corridor of southern
New Brunswick, near Moncton. The owners,
George and Heather Wesselius, along with their
two sons, Jacob and Andrew, are currently milking
250 Holsteins. The herd average is 9,902 kg
(21,784.4 lb) milk, with a BCA of 220-223-215.
After recent market changes in the costing of
ingredients/commodities, George knew that it was
very important to get as much of the nutrients
from the forages in an efficient manner and to
keep improving the bottom line. Herd production
and cow health is very important as well. After
discussing the benefits of Rumen Modifiers,
fat sources, rumen available carbohydrates
and escape protein requirements, it was decided
that this is the way to develop diets in order to gain
maximum efficiencies through the NEWTON
feeding program with Shur-Gain. One of the most
significant improvements made to the feeding
program was the addition of Shur-Gain’s APF
Fat product. George indicated that, “APF fat has
definitely made a difference in the amount of kgs
of butterfat our cows produce, especially during
the summer months, while maintaining good
body condition and increased milk production.
We have seen our butterfat increase to 3.88%
during the summer months, which is an increase
> 0.28%, up from 3.60%.” In turn, this has allowed
George and Heather, the opportunity to milk fewer
cows during the warmer months, adding more
cow comfort at the same time.
“We need to keep our SNF ratio in line and be able
to maximize our return by getting paid for every
litre that we ship. Finding a way to fill the incentive
days has been a significant contribution to our
cash flow as well.”
George and Heather have been pleased with the
progress of their herd to date, since they have
been working with Shur-Gain. Rumen Modifiers
utilized within the NEWTON feeding program and
products like APF Fat to compliment the quality
within our forages, are what we need to ensure
we meet our production and financial goals
in the years to come.”
“It certainly is a pleasure to work with the Wesselius
family in attaining the increased cow performance
results over the past year. George and Heather are always
open to new ideas and technologies, which has proved to
be beneficial for the health of their animals and to the bottom line. I will continue to work hard to ensure their goals
are met and that the nutritional requirements of the cows
are addressed in an economical and proficient manner.”
16
Rob Lister, Atlantic Dairy Technical Specialist
Farm profile
Royalwater Holsteins
Mt. Stewart., PEI
Owners: Alvin and Nathan Jay
Number of cows in milk: 130
Projected annual production: 10,600 kg (23,320 lb)
Butterfat: 4.10%
Protein:
3.11%
BCA: 207-226-202
Service center: Shur-Gain Moncton
Nathan and Alvin.
Great Performance
“At Royalwater Holsteins, we strive for both type
and milk production. We want to work with high
type cows that have the ability to produce lots
of milk.” This can be seen in their current herd
classification of 9 Multiple EX, 6 EX, 100 VG, 48 GP
and 5 G.
After an expansion in 2010 that saw the herd size
swell from 50 cows to 130 cows, the Jay’s needed
to maximize their production and increase
efficiencies. The Jays use a Computer Feeder on
farm that allows them to individually feed each
cow in the barn. One of the products used by Alvin
and Nathan is APF. “APF has allowed us to improve
the energy intake of our fresh cows. By targeting
each individual cow, we are able to meet the cow’s
needs more closely. By doing so, we have seen
overall herd production improve to 10,600 kg
(23,320 lb) milk with 4.10% milk fat and 3.11%
protein. Nathan also likes to mention a special cow
in the barn, who was the highest composite
BCA (330-477-321) cow in PEI, Dougal Lea Betty
Dianne EX-93 3E.
“We enjoy working with the people at Shur-Gain
and have developed strong relationships with
them.” Through regular meetings with their TM, the
Jay’s have been able to meet their production
goals of shipping 1.30 kg (2.86 lb) BF per cow.
Using products like APF, the Jay’s are able to meet
their goals and targets of producing high quality
milk without compromising cow health.
“It is really motivating working with Alvin and Nathan. They have a fantastic
passion for their cows, their farm, and their entire dairy business. It has been
very exciting to work with the Jay's through their recent expansion and helping
them meet their production goals. Over the last year we have developed a strong
and trusting relationship. I look forward to working with the Jay's long into
the future.”
Trevor Tower, Territory Manager
17
AT A GLANCE, FALL 2011
TESTIMONIALS
Farm profile
Jewelldale Farms
Cornwall, PEI
Owners: Kevin, Kyle, and Logan Jewell
and Frank MacDonald
Number of cows in milk: 82
Quota: 102 kg (224.4 lb)
Butterfat: 4.10%
Protein: 3.10%
Projected annual production: 10,418 kg (22,919.6 lb)
BCA: 226-237-224
Service center: Shur-Gain Moncton
Logan, Kyle and Kevin.
High Quality Milk
Jewelldale Farms is located in scenic Cornwall PEI,
near the capital city of Charlottetown. The herd
is made up of 82 milking Holsteins and 1 Ayrshire,
as well as 16 Dry cows and 80 replacement heifers.
The herd average is 10,418 kg (22,919.6 lb) milk,
for a BCA of 226-237-224. In 2009 the decision
was made to increase herd size from 40 cows in
a tie stall barn, to 100 cows in a free stall barn.
“Since the expansion, it is important for us to
maximize our liters of milk shipped and also
maximize KG’s of Butterfat shipped. APF has
allowed us to do that.” “It just works” says Kyle.
The Jewell’s say they have been happy working
with Shur-Gain over the last year and have seen
herd performance move ahead by “Leaps and
Bounds”.
After recently going through an expansion, herd
production and efficiencies are now more important
than ever. Having been with Shur-Gain over the last
12 months, they have seen the benefits of
Shur-Gain’s NEWTON program. One of the biggest
improvements made on farm was the addition of
Shur-Gain’s APF. “It has helped us through the more
difficult times for producing milk fat. Summer
has always been a difficult time for us to maintain
a high level of milk fat” states Logan. “Since the
addition of APF we have seen our fat go from 3.70%
to 4.10%.”
“It's been a pleasure working with Jewelldale Farms
over the last year. They are always open to try new
technologies and any advice I give them. We have developed
a strong working relationship over the last year. This is a very
progressive and dynamic farming operation with a bright
future. I look forward to working with Jewelldale Farms now
and into the future.”
18
Trevor Tower, Territory Manager
Vanessa Marsan, Microbiologist
Shur-Gain Laboratory
WATER
TESTING
COMPONENT
OF THE CANADIAN QUALITY MILK PROGRAM
In 2003, Canada’s dairy farmers established an on-farm
food safety program, Canadian Quality Milk (CQM),
designed to help producers prevent, monitor and
reduce food safety risks and hazards on their
farms. The program encourages farmers to implement best management practices and to keep
records on critical control points, one of which
concerns water quality.
The Shur-Gain laboratory
in Saint-Hyacinthe has offered
dairy producers microbiological
testing and physical and chemical
analysis of water through
the Shur-Gain service center
in your region.
Monitoring on-farm water quality
Producers must have the water used for washing milking equipment
tested every year. Poor water quality can affect milk safety because
pasteurization does not destroy all the bacteria present in milk.
Control of total coliform, fecal coliform and E .coli is required because
these bacteria have the potential to cause gastro-intestinal problems.
Drinking water standards
The results must meet provincial standards for drinking water.
The standard for the Atlantic provinces and Ontario is 0 total coliform
bacteria and E. coli bacteria per 100 ml of water tested. Québec’s
Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water sets the same
standards for E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria but stipulates that
drinking water must not contain more than 10 total coliforms per
100 ml of water collected. Fecal coliform bacteria are good indicator
organisms because their density is usually proportional to the amount
of fecal contamination (CEAEQ, 2000). For several years now,
the Shur-Gain laboratory in Saint-Hyacinthe has offered dairy
producers microbiological testing and physical and chemical analysis
of water through the Shur-Gain service center in your region.
For further information on available testing and sampling, contact
your Shur-Gain service center representative.
For further information
on available testing
and sampling, contact
your Shur-Gain service
center representative.
19
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