A network of ruminant nutritionists - enabling exchange of ideas and experience among professionals, to understand and improve health and productivity of ruminant livestock.
A network of ruminant nutritionists - enabling exchange of ideas and experience among professionals, to understand and improve health and productivity of ruminant livestock.
Knowledge base...
Members
Nitrogen and Feeds – David Pacheco, AgResearch
Farmers use Nitrogen (N) to increase forage yields and increase profitability, however, there has been increasing requirements to minimise environmental impact and for this reason N use on farms is under scrutiny. N that is not used in an animal
Enteric Methane and Feeds – Arjan Jonker, AgResearch
Methane (CH4) is mainly formed in the rumen (87-92%) by methanogens which utilise microbially hydrogen produced in the rumen during fermentation of ingested feed. CH4 from animals is measured via gas exchange using flux methods like respiration chambers and marker methods
The impact of supplementary feed on the environment and welfare
The New Zealand Feed Manufacturer’s Association (NZFMA) are looking to examine the role of supplemental feeding to dairy cows for reducing environmental impact and effects on animal welfare and production.
Lambs and High Quality Forages
Charlotte Westwood BVSc, MANZCFS, PhD, Veterinary Nutritionist; PGG Wrightson Seeds Key drivers for gaining efficiency from high quality forages are getting more lambs finished rather than sold as store, and earlier (which reduces parasite loading), and hogget mating options. Crop
Positive welfare and good life opportunities
Katie Saunders, Animal Care Team Developer, DairyNZ Things change over time, animal welfare is no different. Over the years there has been more clarity as to what positive animal welfare looks like. The five freedoms of animal welfare have been
A varied diet for improved animal performance, nutrient use efficiency, and welfare
K. Garrett, A. Greer, C. Logan and P. Gregorini, Lincoln University Hypothesis: Conventional farming aims to meet nutrient requirements of the average animal. Dietary diversity and variety could improve health and welfare, product quality and bring environmental benefits. Methods: 7
Breeding Animals for Reduced Environmental Impact
With increasing concerns with Nitrogen leaching, Lincoln University students are evaluating solutions.
Do cattle need to be hungry to graze high and steep slope grasslands?
Cows utilise different places on a farm quite differently when given access to high country. This is thought to be due to different grazing personalities.
NZARN news...
Nitrogen and Feeds – David Pacheco, AgResearch
Farmers use Nitrogen (N) to increase forage yields and increase profitability, however, there has been increasing requirements to minimise environmental impact and for this reason N use on farms is under scrutiny. N that is not used in an animal
Enteric Methane and Feeds – Arjan Jonker, AgResearch
Methane (CH4) is mainly formed in the rumen (87-92%) by methanogens which utilise microbially hydrogen produced in the rumen during fermentation of ingested feed. CH4 from animals is measured via gas exchange using flux methods like respiration chambers and marker methods
Something to consider
Garry Waghorn, a long time member of NZARN has written a short appraisal of milk urea and shares it with us here.
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