Additive | Effect | Feeding Rate |
---|---|---|
High Probability of Positive Economic Return in General Feeding Situations | ||
Monensin sodium | Increased feed efficiency, improved energy metabolism | 11–22 mg/ton complete feed 185–660 mg/day (lactating cows) 115–410 mg/day (dry cows) |
Sodium bicarbonate and other buffers | Improved feed consumption, stabilization of rumen pH, increased butterfat production | 0.75% of dry matter |
Yeast culture | Improved feed consumption, improved fiber digestion | Variable, consult manufacturer directions |
High Probability of Positive Economic Return in Specific Problem Situations | ||
Strong anion additives for prepartum diets | Improved calcium homeostasis, milk fever prevention | Variable, calculate DCADa, monitor urine pH and dry-matter intake, late gestation only; do not use in springing heifers |
Rumen protected choline | Improved lipid metabolism, fatty liver and ketosis prevention, improved metabolic status | 60 g/day (>12.9 g choline ion) in late gestation and early lactation |
Propylene glycol | Improved energy metabolism, ketosis prevention | 300–500 mL/day, late gestation and early lactation only; more nutritionally effective when drenched rather than fed |
Niacin | Improved lipid metabolism, improved rumen fermentation, increased feed efficiency and milk component concentrations | 6–12 g/day, include protected and unprotected sources |
Biotin | Improved hoof health, keratin structure, reduced hoof disorders | 20 mg/day throughout lactation; 10–20 mg/day gestation and 10–20 mg/day for heifers >15 months |
aDCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) defined as (Na + K) – (Cl + S) in mEq/kg units |