Homogenizing Heifer Feed with Liquid Supplements

 Paul Dyk, nutritionist with GPS Dairy Consulting based in Fond du Lac, Wis., said liquid supplements help promote outstanding TMR consistency.

“I’m a huge fan of them for heifer diets, particularly when they contain ionophores,” said Dyk. “The liquid component keeps vitamins, minerals, and feed additives in suspension for even distribution throughout the ration. That’s so important for capturing the feed efficiency and coccidiosis protection afforded by ionophores, because heifers get a uniform dose in every bite.”

Dyk noted that feeding liquids in heifer rations is quite different than in lactating TMRs, which tend to be wetter and rely on liquid ingredients like water or whey as physical binders. A typical inclusion rate for whey in a lactating TMR might be in the neighborhood of 10 pounds per head per day, and water might be even higher, at about 15 pounds.

But a typical liquid supplement in a heifer ration would only be added at about a half-pound per head per day, with considerably higher dry-matter content. “Many of these supplement formulations are 60-65% dry matter,” explained Dyk. “They feed a lot more like high-moisture corn than water.”

That means their sequence in the TMR mixing process also should be different. While water often is added at the end of the process, Dyk likes to see liquid supplements added on the front side of the TMR formulation. His preferred, “feedlot-style” approach is to add the liquid supplement as one of the first ingredients, generally following corn.      

Most of these supplements use molasses, and/or glycerol as the base ingredient to which dry micro-ingredients are added. They are almost always formulated at commercial feed mills that have liquid mixing capabilities.

Some operations formulate a “supermix,” which contains base concentrates -- including the liquid supplement -- to eliminate steps and save time for feeders on-farm.

Dyk recommends making specific considerations for liquid supplements when designing commodity sheds and feed centers. “We need to get past the ‘liquids last’ mindset, because these liquids do not go in last. Facilities should be designed to situate liquid supplement storage and distribution in a location that logically fits their stage of inclusion in the TMR.”

He said it is common for suppliers to offer to install pumping equipment to distribute liquid supplements in the feed center, but he advises against that service. “That’s a wise way for suppliers to lock a dairy or heifer operation into their product,” stated Dyk. “But I highly recommend that you purchase your own pump. That way you have the freedom to bid out the product and secure the most competitive deals.”

The nutritionist believes there will be more adoption of liquid supplements as dairy and heifer-rearing operations grow, as they are mainly suited to large operations. Shipments arrive in tanker batches ranging from 6-24 tons and thus require 1,500-6,000 gallons of on-farm storage. Plus, the most commonly used ionophores require a 60 day turnover.

But for the operations that have the capacity to handle them, Dyk sees only advantages in using liquid supplement for heifer TMRs. In addition to consistently distributing micro-ingredients, they can help improve palatability and reduce sorting, while also reducing shrink of high-value inputs.

“Liquid supplements add another level of precision to feeding heifers, which is one of the most capital-intense segments of dairy operations,” stated Dyk. “There’s really no downside to using them if they can be turned over regularly and managed well.”