PRINCETON, N.J. — Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition and four partnering forage-testing laboratories — Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Inc., Dairy One, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc. and Rock River Laboratory, Inc. — are offering discounted or complimentary dietary cation-anion difference forage analyses through the second annual Arm & Hammer Forage Testing Program.
Balance
Understanding and balancing dietary cation-anion difference levels is important to the health and productivity of dairy cows. The equation is determined by the difference between positive cations, potassium and sodium, and negative anions, chloride and sulfur.
During the close-up period, negative dietary cation-anion difference levels can support dry-matter intake, help cows avoid metabolic disorders and optimize peak production.
Postcalving and during lactation, dietary cation-anion difference levels should be positive to help increase milk production, improve dry matter intake and help offset the negative effects of heat-stress.
To participate in the program, nutritionists and producers need to submit a coupon, along with their forage sample, to one of the four partnering labs.
Details
Program details and forage testing coupons can be found in the latest edition of The Peak Report, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition’s quarterly newsletter, online at www.DCADBalance.com or through contacting their Arm & Hammer representative.
The program runs now through July 31 and is valid on the first 750 coupons submitted to each lab partner. Up to three coupons and forage samples per producer can be submitted for analysis.
The labs will measure and report levels of the macrominerals potassium, sodium, chloride and sulfur.
