Research

Cow standing in a pasture with other cows around

Dairy

The profile of Dakota Gold fits naturally with that of a lactating dairy cow. Low fat, high digestibility fiber and protein are the perfect blend for optimized milk production. Learn more about Dakota Gold characteristics.

Wrinkle: Can Dakota Gold Replace Alfalfa Hay?

Published July 9, 2019

Most dairy producers know that when they feed Dakota Gold or other non-POET DDGS, they can replace ingredients like soybean meal and corn. However, very few producers realize that they can also replace a portion of the fiber coming from other sources. Fiber (as measured by NDF) comprises approximately 1/3 of the nutrients in DDGS. Furthermore, this fiber represents an extremely digestible source which provides additional energy to the dairy cow.

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Wrinkle: Research Challenges the Perception of DDGS & Milk Fat Depression

Published April 16, 2019

Feeding ingredients that contain greater amounts of unsaturated fat tend to increase the chance of milk-fat depression in lactating dairy cows. Unfortunately, many producers saw this effect when they first started feeding DDGS prior to the ethanol industry's movement towards oil extraction. As a result, many producers and nutritionists still perceive that DDGS causes cows to produce less milk fat. However, a summary of peer-reviewed data challenges this perception.

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Wrinkle: DDGS vs SoyPass - Do DDGS Provide Ample Protein?

Published December 18, 2018

What additional protein do I need to include when I’m feeding distillers?” We often get this question from producers or nutritionists because they feel additional types (ruminally available vs “bypass”) of protein will promote animal performance. To address this question, University of Nebraska researchers conducted two experiments to measure cattle response to either urea or SoyPass. Results from both studies provided additional insights on this very important question

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