This is to ensure adequate cud chewing and rumination. Feeds such as hominy, corn, barley, milo, or oilseeds complement low energy feeds. Oilseeds or fats can be used to increase energy in rations, but should be limited so that no more than 1 lb. In some cases feeding more starch is not advisable, and using soybean hulls to replace some corn or barley is recommended. Soybean hulls are a readily digestible fiber source but contain no starch.
Excess starch can cause a drop in rumen pH and acidosis.
The following are some recommended limitations on certain feeds in rations for lactating dairy cows. This might be the year to consider having a spring crop for silage of either rye or barley. Rye will be available earlier and can be grazed, but making quality silage can be difficult because of our normally wet springs. A better alternative might be barley harvested at soft dough stage and direct cut for silage. Wheat can be used for silage, but it is usually later at harvest.