Forage testing promotes DCAD balancing

Arm & Hammer Animal nutrition and four partnering forage testing laboratories--Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Inc., Dairy One, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc. and Rock River Laboratory, Inc.--are offering discounted or complimentary Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD) forage analyses through the second-annual Arm & Hammer Forage Testing Program.

"With high ration costs, producers can't afford the effects of feeding an unbalanced diet," says Curt Siverling, director of the Animal nutrition business. "We are excited about the opportunities this program offers to encourage nutritionists and producers to test forages to know exactly what they are feeding."

Understanding and balancing DCAD levels is important to the health and productivity of dairy cows. The DCAD equation is determined by the difference between positive cations, potassium and sodium, and negative anions, chloride and sulfur. During the close-up period, negative DCAD levels can support dry matter intake (DMI), help cows avoid metabolic disorders and optimize peak production. Postcalving and during lactation, DCAD levels should be positive to help increase milk production, improve DMI and help offset the negative effects of heat-stress.

To participate in the program nutritionists and producers need to submit a coupon, along with their forage sample, to one of the four partnering labs. Program details and forage testing coupons can be found in the latest edition of The Peak Report, Arm & Hammer Animal nutrition's quarterly newsletter. The program runs from March 1 through July 31, 2008, and is valid on the first 750 coupons submitted to each lab partner. Up to three coupons and forage samples per producer can be submitted for analysis. The labs will measure and report levels of the macrominerals potassium, sodium, chloride and sulfur, all components of the DCAD equation.

"It's impossible for producers to determine an accurate ration DCAD without a proper forage analysis," Siverling says. "That's why we feel it is important for ARM & HAMMER to take a leadership role and provide this service to dairy producers."

For more information, contact an Arm & Hammer representative, or visit www.DCADBalance.com.

4/7/08
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Date: 3/28/08

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