by Chelsey Saevre, MS, Cow/Calf Product Manager
For an increasing number of cattlemen, treating forages with QLF liquid supplements has become an effective response to the limitations provided with low-quality forages harvested this summer. QLF liquid supplements applied to forages increase palatability, improve nutritional value and reduce forage waste.
Intake and digestion of forages are limited by the rate at which rumen microbes can break down feedstuffs. Typically, forages do not contain enough available degradable protein sources or soluble carbohydrates for optimal microbial growth. QLF liquid supplements applied to forages deliver a source of rumen-degradable protein and sugar, providing supplemental energy for fiber digesting bacteria to enhance rumen efficiencies for further breakdown of available forages.
The application process of treating forages is quite simple. The liquid supplement is evenly pumped or poured onto the top of an upturned bale (as seen in photo). Liquid application rate should be 7-10% of bale weight. Once the liquid has been applied, the bale should sit on end until the liquid supplement has dispersed throughout the bale. Liquid dispersion time will vary with forage type and bale density. Treating forages enhances the nutritional value of forage (Table 1). The net benefits of bale treatment include increased dry matter, crude protein, energy, vitamins, and trace minerals.
Louisiana State University Hill Farm Research Station evaluated the effects of treating poor quality forages with a liquid supplement on hay waste and dry matter intake. Gestating beef cows were used to evaluate 3 methods of feeding a liquid supplement with poor quality hay. Treatments included QLF 35% liquid protein supplement provided free choice in a lick tank (TNK) and poured onto bales at 10% of bale weight (POR10) or 15% of bale weight (POR15).
1TNK = liquid protein provided free choice via lick tank; POR10 and POR15 = liquid protein poured onto bales at 10 and 15%, respectively.
2SE = average SE for the 3 treatment estimates.
Table adapted from Walker et al., 2013
There was a treatment effect for the amount of hay waste (P = 0.006), where TNK supplemental cows had greater waste compared with POR15 and POR 10 (Table 2). Additionally, there was a treatment effect for percentage of hay waste (P < 0.010), where TNK supplemented cows had greater percent of hay waste (31.7%) compared with POR15 (23.9%) and POR10 (26.8%) treatment group, respectively.
Applying QLF liquid supplements to low quality forage has proven to be an effective strategy to deliver a source of rumen-degradable protein and sugar to fiber digesting bacteria to further breakdown forage. Contact your local QLF representative for more information about treating your forages with liquid supplements.
Citation
Walker R.S., D. LaMay, J.R. Davis, C.A. Bandyk. 2013. Method of feeding a liquid-protein supplement with low-to medium-quality hay affects hay waste and cow performance. Prof. Anim. Sci. 29:552-558.