This time of year the new grass can supply an excellent source of nutrients for heifers, dry cows, and lactating cows.
Pasture is succulent and readily digested.
Usually milk is higher after going to pasture but milk fat percent is reduced. Supplements were either beet pulp, cracked corn, or soybean hulls. All supplements resulted in a reduction in rumen pH. Corn and soybean hulls increased the total volatile fatty acid produced indicating they stimulated fermentation. Corn resulted in a reduction in the acetate to propionate ratio compared to soybean hulls or pasture alone. Both corn and soybean hulls resulted in more bacterial nitrogen production.