Alka-lac+
Alka-lac+
Free-choice formula for ruminants
Alka-lac+ is a complementary mineral feed for ruminants with a normal health status. It is a free-choice formula coated with molasses, designed to be offered to the animals alongside their daily ration.
High-producing ruminants are fed energy-dense rations, and the way they are fed has a direct influence on how well they use them. Alka-lac+ fits into the daily feeding routine as a simple free-choice option that complements the ration, making it easy for farmers to include it in the feeding of their herd.
Specifications
FEEDING HIGH-PRODUCING RUMINANTS
High-producing dairy cows are fed energy-dense rations to sustain milk production. The rumen digests these rations through microbial fermentation, and the way the ration is formulated, presented and delivered has a direct influence on how efficiently it is used. Fibre, particle length and feeding management all play a part in keeping rumen fermentation working smoothly and in making the most of every kilogram of feed.
Most of the key decisions are made at the feed bunk. The balance between concentrates and forage, the length and quality of the fibre, how often the ration is delivered and how well it is mixed all affect how cows eat and ruminate. In grazing systems the quality of the pasture changes through the season, and the ration has to adapt to it. Gradual changes, good mixing and a consistent feeding routine help the rumen adapt to each ration.
Feed is one of the main costs of milk production. When the ration is used efficiently, more of every kilogram of feed is turned into milk, with good fibre digestion and a consistent milk composition. Good feeding management therefore supports both the productivity and the economic sustainability of dairy farms.
Key Take Away Points
Overview
- High-producing cows are fed energy-dense rations.
- The rumen digests the ration through microbial fermentation.
- How the ration is formulated and delivered influences how efficiently it is used.
Key Factors
- The balance between concentrates and forage.
- Fibre length, mixing and feeding frequency.
- Gradual ration changes and a consistent routine.
Why It Matters
- Efficient rumen digestion makes the most of the feed.
- Feed is one of the main costs of milk production.
- Good feeding management supports the productivity of the farm.
ALKA-LAC+ AT A GLANCE
Free-Choice Formula
Alka-lac+ is a free-choice formula: it is offered separately from the ration so that the animals can access it freely, alongside their daily feeding.
- Offered on a free-choice basis.
- Complements the daily ration.
- Simple to manage on the farm.
Molasses-Coated Presentation
Alka-lac+ is coated with molasses, a presentation designed for free-choice feeding in ruminants with a normal health status.
- Molasses-coated presentation.
- Designed for free-choice access.
- For ruminants with a normal health status.
Sustainability and Economic Viability
Efficient feeding is the basis of sustainable and profitable dairy farming. Alka-lac+ is part of the AGQ Nutrition range of nutritional solutions, designed with efficiency in mind.
- Efficient use of resources.
- Supports the economic sustainability of dairy farms.
- Part of the AGQ Nutrition approach to efficiency.
Science & Practice
Physically effective NDF (peNDF) combines the fibre content of a feed with its particle size to describe how well a ration stimulates chewing.
Effective fibre,
Mertens, J. Dairy Sci. 1997Lactating dairy cows spend about 4.5 hours a day eating and about 7 hours ruminating.
Eating and rumination,
Beauchemin, J. Dairy Sci. 2018Delivering feed more often changed the distribution of feeding time through the day and gave cows more equal access to fresh feed.
Feed delivery frequency,
DeVries et al., J. Dairy Sci. 2005Check the particle size of the ration regularly with a particle separator box.
Management tip,
AGQ NutritionPush up feed several times a day so that cows always have feed within reach.
Management tip,
AGQ NutritionMake sure cows have constant access to clean, fresh water.
