DAIRY RESEARCH

Utilizing MIN-AD in dairy rations improves transitioning, enhances production performance throughout lactation, and provides significant cost savings.

PI-5 (2007) MIN-AD Features & Benefits – Dairy

A one-page, point form summary of the main benefits for dairy producers and nutritionists.

D-9 (2017) A Comparison of MIN-AD to MgO and Limestone in Peripartum Nutrition

Research was conducted at Cornell University to determine the effect of peripartum dietary source of Ca and Mg and postpartum level of Mg on intake and performance of multiparous Holstein cows. Treatment diets included supplemental Ca and Mg provided through MIN-AD or a common source. Postpartum, cows remained on the same source but were further randomized to receive Mg at 0.45% of DM or 0.30% of DM. Feeding MIN-AD improved prepartum DMI on a daily basis, with overall weekly DMI being + 2lbs, and enhanced intake adaptation postpartum. Cows fed MIN-AD showed improved prepartum energy balance, decreased plasma NEFA throughout the transition period, and increased milk fat postpartum.

D-7 (2009) Impact of MIN-AD on Blood Levels of Magnesium and Calcium During the Transition Period

Low levels of Mg in the blood of dairy cattle during the transition period are often a problem contributing to milk fever. A switch-back trial was carried out on a large commercial dairy to determine the efficacy of MIN-AD as the sole source of supplemental Mg. Replacement of a supplement comprising MgO, limestone, and MIN-AD with just MIN-AD resulted in similar serum levels of Mg and Ca. Serum Mg levels are related to dietary intake and biovailability.

D-6 (2006) Spruce Haven Early Lactation Study

This was a follow-up to our 2003 transition cow study, conducted at Spruce Haven Farms and Research Center. The trial was conducted from January to July 2006 utilizing 104 multiparous Holstein cows in two treatments. The two treatments were: (1) sodium bicarbonate buffer fed at 1.0% of DM and (2) a combination of MIN-AD and sodium bicarbonate each fed at 0.5% of DM. Total diets were similar to those fed in the previous transition study with treatments beginning 21 days prior to parturition and continuing through 70 days of lactation. Cows receiving the combination buffer pack produced 3.9% more milk with 3.2% more protein than cows receiving the sodium bicarbonate buffer alone.

D-5 (2004) MIN-AD in a buffer block

In 2004, Ridley Block Operations introduced Buffer-lyx™, a low moisture buffer block marketed under Crystalyx® Brand Supplements. Approximately 40% of the block is comprised of MIN-AD as well as traditional buffers and alkalyzers. Research with the block at the University of Wisconsin indicates that free-choice access to the buffer block reduces both the severity and duration of acidosis and tends to assist cows in returning to pre-acidotic ruminal pH and milk production levels.

D-3 (2003) New York Transition Cow Study

An early lactation study was performed in late 2003 at the Miner Institute in New York. Fifty-six primi- and multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allotted to one of two treatments, which were: (1) a sodium bicarbonate buffer and (2) a 50/50 combination MIN-AD plus sodium bicarbonate buffer. Rations were typical of those used in the northeastern United States. The cows with the combination buffer produced 3.4% more milk and 2.9% more fat compared with the cows receiving the sodium bicarbonate buffer.

D-1 (2003) MIN-AD Dairy Ration Fermentation Studies

Four studies were conducted at the Rumen Fermentation Profiling Laboratory at West Virginia University. Two experiments were conducted using forages and ingredients normally used in the eastern United States, and two studies used ingredients commonly found on the West Coast. It was observed that MIN-AD increased microbial efficiency regardless of feed source or pH and that MIN-AD plus sodium bicarbonate was more effective than bicarbonate alone as a buffer when the pH dropped to 5.7.