The University of Minnesota Extension will be co-hosting the 2016 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference June 15 and 16 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

The conference will present the latest research focusing on fiber and nutrient digestibility and nutrition to improve reproduction, says Jim Salfer, U-M Extension educator.

Four-State dairy conference features latest in nutrition to improve reproduction

The program starts on June 15 with the Diamond V pre-conference symposium. Steve Carlson from Iowa State will cover the control of Salmonella and other enteric pathogens. Bill Sanchez will help discuss how to apply the latest science in practical feeding situations and Stuart Reeves with discuss immunology. The symposium will also contain a producer panel.

Four State conference speakers include Dave Mertens, Mertens Inovations, discussing how to use uNDF (undigested neutral detergent fiber) to predict cow performance and design rations. Lance Baurmgard, Iowa State will discuss his new research on how leaky gut leads to inefficient nutrient utilization. Randy Shaver, University of Wisconsin will review the latest research on starch.

Phil Cardoso, University of Illinois will explain the impact of amino acids on reproductive performance. Paul Fricke will discuss the keys to achieving high pregnancy rates in high producing herds and Don Niles, DVM and partner in Dairy Dreams Farm, will discuss how to turn the research into on farm success.

Select breakout topics include:

•Advantages of using aNDFom (NDF on an organic matter basis)
•Heifer stocking density and performance
•Keys to making automatic calf feeders successful
•Maintaining pasture quality in and organic grazing system
•Using MUN as a nutritional and environmental management tool
•Finding feeding bottlenecks on your dairy
•Feeding value of cover crops
•Harvesting solutions for outstanding corn silage

“This conference has more than 20 different speakers during the symposium and breakout sessions. Every participant will find something relevant for them,” Salfer adds.

New this year is a post-conference symposium sponsored by Balchem. Speakers include Mike Van Amburgh from Cornell, discussing feeding for milk protein and Greg Bethard, Pagels Pondersa, talking about the economics of milk protein. John Lucy, University of Wisconsin, will discuss the future of milk protein as a functional food.

The conference is a collaborative effort of U-M Extension, Iowa State University Extension, University of Illinois Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension.

The conference registration fee is $150 until May 31 and $175 after.

For more information and to register, visit http://z.umn.edu/4state or contact Wisconsin Agri-Service Association, 608-223-1111

Or contact Jim Salfer at [email protected] or 320-203-6093.