How to Formulate Lactating Dairy Rations to Include Corn Milling Co-Products

The ethanol industry provides co-products that are readily available and useful for lactating dairy cows. Knowing the nutrient composition of the feedstuffs allows for a more accurate and precise estimation of the ration nutrient composition. It is also mindful to maintain adequate particle size in lactating dairy rations for rumen health. Additionally, as co-products are added to the ration, the inclusion level of several feedstuffs, such as forages, may change and the chemical composition of the ration may change. Finally, it is cost effective and cheaper to feed corn milling co-products. As these guidelines are followed, more accurate, precise and cheaper rations will be formulated.