FAQs
Q Why should I feed sugar to my dairy cows?
A Research shows the best response to feeding sugar is a total diet level of 6% to 8% of ration dry matter. This level stimulates fibre digesting bacteria and takes the pressure off starches to meet the energy demand of animals.
Q Is it safe to feed sugar to dairy cows?
A A cow’s rumen is designed to utilize sugar. Providing sugars through LFI products replaces sugars lost from fermentation (ensiling) of forages. The addition of sugar to modern TMR systems is a safe way to bring highly fermentable carbohydrates to the rumen. Unlike starch, sugar does not lower the rumen pH, and keeps the rumen healthy.
Q What equipment do I need?
A LFI provides turnkey installations including TMR tanks and pumps and the distribution bar at no cost to producer (excl. install fee). We also install complete Robot setups where we apply a quarterly rental fee for the pump (excl. install fee). Lick tanks are provided at our cost price.
Q How much/which product do I need?
A Liquid Feeds staff are very knowledgeable on the different circumstances on farm and will happily recommend the ideal product, volume and equipment based on your herd, your feed ingredients and nutritional requirements. Liquid Feeds staff prefers to consult with your nutritionist to ensure your rations are optimally balanced.
Q How much does it cost?
A Prices vary depending on the sugar content, protein content and whether there are any additional ingredients in the blend. Our sales staff can help you identify the relevant product based on your own situation and tell you how much it would cost. In most cases, the nutrition provided from LFI product partially replaces the cost of some concentrate in your ration.
Q Does it stick to my mixer or bunk?
A No. LFI staff insures proper installations and recommends filling order to get proper distribution in your mix. The amount used does not pose a challenge with sticking to your mixer nor to the feed bunk.
Q Does LFI product thicken or freeze in the winter?
A No, depending on the sugar content of your product, it may pump slightly slower in extreme cold, but in most cases it is not noticeable.
Q For how long does the product stay good?
A LFI products are formulated to be stable both in summer and winter. We include a diversion valve installed after the pump that allows some recirculating as the pump runs to fill your TMR. Like any feed, fresher is always better. We usually design setups to match 2 months of storage relative to the daily use rate.
Q Is there a ration adjustment required when you include Liquid Feed in your TMR?
A Working alongside your nutritionist, we match the correct product and feeding rate to optimize the rumen available carbohydrates and protein. Sugar is a rapidly fermentable carbohydrate source utilized in the rumen, which would take the pressure off starches while stabilizing rumen pH. Some products include slow release urea which is a rumen available protein source.
Q How much will an animal consume?
A Typically, mature cows should consume between 1-2 kg per head per day, depending on the formula and what ration parameters are to be met for sugar and protein. Ideally, rations are formulated to bring total sugars up to 6-8% of dry matter intake.
Q Where do I place the tank?
A Ourstaff are very knowledgeable on placement of equipment for various purposes and will be happy to consult.
Q How do I get my tank refilled?
A Call the LFI office at 1-800-265-8335 or your sales rep if you notice the level of product in the tank is getting low, usually top of the cone is good time to call. Liquid Feeds also tracks customer usage rates and we will usually call or text if we think you are ready for a fill.
Q How is the liquid feed delivered for dairy cattle?
A On most dairy farms that utilize TMRs, LFI products can be added directly to the TMR. Recently we have developed a Robot system tying directly into those units, delivering product according to days in milk or production. For ad libitum feeding applications, we provide specifically designed lick tanks. Talk to your LFI sales representative for proper equipment and installation.
Q Can I use LFI liquid supplement for dry cows?
A LFI supplements are a great addition for dry cow diets. With high forage diets becoming the norm for dry cows, LFI supplements help increase intakes and in reducing sorting in these diets. For more info on the benefits, check out our latest trial results at http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-18085.
Q Can I use LFI liquid supplement for heifers?
A LFI supplement can enhance intake of high forage diets which are becoming typical in heifer groups.
Q Does the product “gum up” pipes when blowing in forage?
A No, the application rate of 2.5% is so small in comparison to the forage blowing up the pipe that it has no effect.
Q How will our products affect the manure of cattle?
A LFI products aid fibre digestion in the rumen. Your rep will work with you and your nutritionist to match the right product to optimize your rumen available sugar and protein. In dairy diets we aim for MUN’s to run about 10 mg/dL. Our products are known to decrease sorting and increase intake which generally makes manure more consistent in the herd.
Q Does LFI product prevent sorting for sheep and goats fed with a TMR?
A Liquid Feeds stick the smaller diet particles to the larger ones. This means less sorting, better rumen efficiency and less feed waste.
Q Can I treat large round bales with Liquid Feeds product to increase quality of the hay or straw?
A Yes. Tilt the bales on their end and pour the product on top allowing time for it to pass through the bale before tilting the bale back to its original position. Advantages include raising protein, increasing forage intake, improving fibre digestibility and less feed waste.
