It appears that fiber digestibility varies between hybrids. The goal in this segment of the research is to quantify this with animal data. A second area of research pertains to the use of byproduct feeds in dairy cattle rations. These feeds offer the potential to lower feed costs for the dairy producer. As environmental regulations become more stringent, food manufacturers are examining disposal options for their byproduct materials.
Animal feeds provide one option.
We have examined a number of byproduct feeds including cocoa shell meal, hydrolyzed liquid whey permeate, condensed distillers solubles and gumball factory waste. Preliminary work is currently being done to evaluate composted poultry waste as a feed for dairy heifers. A recent project examined the use of soyhulls as a replacement for either forage or concentrate in dairy cattle rations. A third area is the application of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System model on dairy farms. This model has been used on a cooperating dairy farm for about 5 years.