January 9, 2002 Abstract- "Management
of Dietary Phosphorus in Dairy Production Systems"
January 9, 2002 View the Powerpoint Presentation
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January 9, 2002 Roundtable Minutes
Conclusions & Resolutions
- The potential exists for reducing soluble P losses in runoff by decreasing
dietary-phosphorus (P) levels fed to dairy cattle.
- Dietary-P fed at extremely low levels (0.30% or less) can detrimentally
affect the reproductive success of dairy cattle; however, modern dairy
rations are never this low in P.
- Removal of P supplements from dairy rations will not reduce reproductive
success of cows.
- The higher the amount of dietary-P fed to an animal, the greater the
amount of acres needed for manure spreading - if a P-based standard
is in effect.
- Reducing excess dietary-P fed to cattle will allow higher animal stocking
rates (i.e. more cattle per spreadable acre) - if a P-based standard
is in effect.
- Atmospheric ammonia-nitrogen losses are reduced with the incorporation
of manure.
Issues to Resolve
- The myth that overfeeding P enhances dairy cow reproduction.
- The role of veterinarians and feed consultants in making dairy herd
feed recommendations.
- Should/could the dietary-P content of dairy rations be included in
the DNR permitting process of large livestock facilities?
- May add flexibility to other permitted components of the farm.
- May be a component of "performance-based" permits.
Research & Information Needs
- Dispel the dietary-P / dairy cow reproduction myth with education
programs.
-Target new audiences - veterinarians, feed consultants.
-Target traditional audiences - farmers, agency personnel.
- Update the "book value" averages published for nutrient
composition of animal feed.
- Expose the hidden cost associated with cheap protein feed supplements.
-N:P ratios, etc.
- Explore and develop new manure incorporation techniques that will
minimize soil erosion while allowing for the advantages manure incorporation
provides relative to reductions in odor and nitrogen loss (less volatilization).
-Allow for field- and farm-specific solutions.
- Research on management practices for reducing or immobilizing the
excess P fed to dairy cattle.
-Dietary calcium additions to tie-up P excreted by dairy cattle.
-Digestive system effects on soluble P and ammonia availability.
- Confirm the Ebeling/Bundy/Powell dietary-P and soluble P loss relationship
with additional research.
- Explore P feeding patterns as a function of herd size, herd housing,
and presence of manure storage.
- Identify and publicize Wisconsin dairy herds that have reduced dietary-P
intake without sacrificing milk production.
-Promote the economic and environmental incentives.
- Investigate further the ability of dietary calcium additions to reduce
the soluble P content of manure.
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