Direct-fed microbes (DFM) are live microorganisms — most commonly specific strains of bacteria or yeast — intentionally added to ruminant diets to beneficially modulate the rumen microbial ecosystem. In dairy nutrition, Bacillus spp. (e.g., Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) are frequently used because of their ability to produce fibrolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic enzymes that enhance feed degradation. By influencing microbial populations and fermentation pa

The growing season is just around the corner, although it is hard to believe with the lingering cold weather here in the North Country. Now is an ideal time to review as a team what it takes to produce high-quality silage in the year ahead. Historically, silage discussions have focused on the basics: harvesting at the correct moisture, chopping at the right length, packing tightly, sealing thoroughly, and deciding whether to use an inoculant. These factors still matter, but t

Calf starter plays a critical role in supporting early growth and rumen development in calves, making it an important component of a successful heifer program. As calves transition to functional ruminants, the rumen needs to develop sufficient physical capacity and absorptive surface area to properly utilize solid feed. Through starter intake, microbial activity and volatile fatty acid production (VFA) are activated, both necessary components in the development of rumen ti

Subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) affects upwards of 50% of multiparous cows due to increased calcium demands around calving. Although SCH is generally viewed as undesirable, we have come to learn that short term reductions in blood calcium concentrations, like when a cow has transient SCH (low blood calcium at 1 DIM but normal at 4 DIM), may activate adaptive mechanisms that improve calcium regulation later.

We seem to be in the season of spring, but winter has been a far more "traditional" winter than we've had in the North Country in recent years. We've had long stretches of cold weather, plenty of snow, and no January thaw in 2026!

The Rumen Simulation Technique, known as RUSITEC, is a continuous in vitro system designed to simulate the rumen fermentation processes that occur in ruminants. The system uses fermentation vessels maintained at rumen-like conditions (temperature, anaerobic environment, and continuous buffer infusion).

This past January I had the opportunity to attend the GPS Dairy Consulting Bootcamp in Minneapolis, MN. During this program we were exposed to ration formulation software, consultative selling techniques, reviewed our own personality profiles and explored several topics relevant to a career in dairy nutrition consulting.

On many dairies, fiber adequacy is judged by the NDF percentage on the ration sheet. A diet containing 28-32% NDF may appear to be adequate, but some farms experience milk fat depression, declining rumination, intake variability, and signs of subacute ruminal acidosis even when total NDF appears adequate. Often the issue isn’t how much fiber is in the ration, but whether that fiber is physically effective in the rumen. Physically effective fiber, commonly referred to as peNDF

GMOs have always been a controversial topic. While they have had widespread use on North American dairy farms for decades, a significant portion of the general population has been uneasy about them throughout that time period. For that reason, starting in the spring of 2016 Vermont decided to lead the nation by mandating that foods be labeled if they contained bioengineered ingredients. I remember this causing quite a stir at the time with many in the ag sector lobbying agai

White line disease (WLD) continues to be one of the more frequent and costly hoof problems on our dairy as well as many other dairies. It involves separation of the hoof wall from the sole, which can lead to a lesion, hemorrhage or abscess often in the outer rear claw. It has traditionally been viewed as a mechanical lesion caused by shearing forces when turning, poor flooring, or excessive wear or trimming. Last year, we placed heavy, grooved rubber belting on our flooring g

Here in Upstate New York the effects of mid-winter are being felt across the farm. With the holiday season behind us, the dairy team is back in full operation and focused on managing the remainder of the winter months. Short days and long nights present ongoing challenges, but we are fortunate to have a committed staff prepared to work through the season.

Subacute ruminal acidosis, often called SARA, is a common herd-level issue on commercial dairies and is most often triggered by ration changes that increase fermentability. In simple terms, SARA occurs when the rumen spends too much time being more acidic than it should be — not enough to cause obvious sickness, but enough to disrupt normal rumen function.

Choosing a milk replacer is one of the earliest and most important nutritional decisions made on a dairy farm. Because pre-weaned calves have an immature digestive system and limited immune defenses, both the type of protein and how that protein functions in the gut can influence calf health, treatment rates, and overall program success.

Small grains are harvested for feed on many dairy farms. These can be great additions to the forage inventory and can be incorporated into lactating dairy diets. Often the juggle of other forage inventories, crop rotation, nutrient management programs, and weather may all influence the decision of when to harvest small grains. The planning and execution of harvest timing relative to forage maturity may influence the nutritional composition and digestibility of the harvested f

A cow doesn’t need to be sick to be struggling. Often stress shows up quietly on farms through reduced intakes, reduced lying time, or a fresh cow that just never reaches her full potential. These cows may seem fine as you walk through the pen, but the little things add up quickly. Stressors will limit milk production, weaken their immune system and set the stage for the rest of their lactation.

Nutritional strategies that increase the energy content of the diet without compromising rumen function are critical during the immediate postpartum period. Supplemental fatty acids (FA) and oilseeds in diets have been used to increase postpartum energy intake. Specifically, whole cottonseed (WCS) is commonly included in dairy cow diets due to its high FA and crude protein content. However, more research is needed on how WCS and FA supplementation interact, and the effect of

Watching a cow groom herself with an automated brush is often a highlight for non-farm visitors to our farm. The skill with which a cow maneuvers the bristles around her body never ceases to amaze those in attendance. Providing access to a brush promotes natural grooming behavior in cows, improves cow hygiene, and helps visitors feel confident about the care our cows receive. Grooming brushes are not unique to our farm. They are becoming more common on farms for several good

Automated activity monitoring systems have become a common management tool on many herds and are often used to detect estrus and ovulation of cows more easily. These tools can help identify groups of cows that may act and respond differently to common reproductive practices and potentially be managed under a more individualized or targeted approach.

The transition period is a crucial time for dairy cows, as they experience many concurrent changes during a time that already has the highest occurrence of metabolic disorders and infectious disease. With changes in hormones, metabolic stress, and nutritional challenges, most cows decrease their dry matter intake (DMI), thus entering a negative energy and protein balance.

Our wonderful team here at Miner Institute has achieved something pretty incredible! According to our last DHI test, our herd has a Rolling Herd Average of a little over 33,000! That's over 55,000 pounds of fluid milk produced by our herd each day! We also recently received an award for the high quality of our milk, presented to us by Agri-Mark, our milk cooperative.