URBANA, Ill. – Proper use of the additive for dairy cows, monensin (commercially known as rumensin), should increase feed efficiency, improve protein status, and reduce bloat risk, said dairy specialist Mike Hutjens.
“With the FDA clearance to feed monensin to dry and lactating cows, dairy managers have a new tool to improve feed efficiency and herd health,” Hutjens said.
“However, dairy managers should carefully monitor milk fat and milk protein test. Under certain rations – high starch, low effective fiber, and/or unsaturated oils – the level of monensin may need to be reduced.
“In the field, several herd owners have reported drops of 0.3 percentage unit. Herds with higher than breed average milk fat test can be candidate herds to be fed higher levels of monensin.”
Particular interest. Hutjens said dairy managers, nutritionists and veterinarians might want to note these points:
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