A new feed pre-treatment from leading complementary stock importers Agrifeeds looks like it could be a game changer for those wanting to get the best from their dairy cows.
The new kid on the block for the leading stock feed experts, FeedXtra is a liquid preparation added to the dairy herd's regular feed, increasing the metabolisable energy (ME) and decreasing the neutral detergent fibre (NDF, or insoluble fibre) value in feeds.
In essence, this means cows are able to access the highest amount of energy per mouthful of feed, leading to more efficient feeding and bigger gains in quantity of milk. Bigger gains mean bigger profits for those involved in New Zealand's dairy industry.
Dairying is a competitive business and the advantages of using a feed pre-treatment like FeedXtra can be significant. But, as all farmers know, getting enough feed into cows is a perennial problem.
Phil Harrison is the business development manager at Agrifeeds, which is based in the Waikato. He says FeedXtra is "the mother of all feed additives" and that it represents a leap forward when it comes to tackling issues around feeding.
"The dairy industry's single largest limiting issue when it comes to nutrition is the ability to fully feed cows. Generally, it's a real struggle."
When a complementary feed is pre-treated with FeedXtra, the ME in the feed is increased by approximately 10 per cent, and the NDF decreases by approximately 20-30 per cent. In lay person's terms, this means more feed consumed and more energy released.
New Zealand trials of FeedXtra took place over 18 months and the product is now available on the local market. Harrison says the company wanted to see the impressive results of international trials borne out in the local context before releasing FeedXtra – and the results were conclusive, he says.
"The local trials have reflected what was happening overseas; 100- to 130-grams of milk solid response from blends treated with FeedXtra."
The pre-feed treatment works by starting the digestive process before cows eat the treated feed. The active ingredients in FeedXtra create a more permeable grain surface, one which allows the cows' digestive system to more easily unlock the goodness within the feed.
"FeedXtra pits and roughens the fibre surface," Harrison explains. "This allows the rumin microbes access to the nutrients that are locked inside the grains."
Fully fed cows, and those who have extracted the most energy from their food, produce more milk. In the increasingly competitive and technologically advanced world of dairying, it pays to have a head start on the rest – and FeedXtra gives farmers just that, says Harrison.
He believes the pre-feed is be a great addition to Agrifeeds' already impressive selection of complementary stock feeds, which also includes custom-blends, minerals and other feed additives.
"We are extremely excited to be bringing this new feed additive to the market," he says.
Those interested in learning more about FeedXtra and contact Agrifeeds on 0800 424 743 or visit the website, agrifeeds.co.nz.