DLF Fiber Energy is a forage concept from DLF offering forage grass varieties which are able to release more energy to animal. The result is an increased milk and meat production.
Increased live weight gain and higher milk yields mean a higher profit. With DLF Fiber Energy we increase digestibility of the grass to increase the rumen efficiency. The result is a higher out, meaning more milk and meat. When digestibility is increased, more energy is released to the cow.
Every 1% increase in Digestibility results in around 0.25 l more milk per cow per day or 24 grams increase in live weight per day.
With DLF Fiber Energy we improve digestibility with up to 8%. This increases the milk and meat production by up to 730 l per cow or 70 kg live weight gain per year.
Grasses bearing the DLF Fiber Energy badge give ruminants more energy from every mouthful. These highly digestible forage grasses increase your milk and meat production.
What is DLF FIber Energy?
DLF Fiber Energy is a selection of forage grasses that release more energy from their fibers.
How efficient are DLF Fiber Energy grasses?
DLF Fiber Energy grasses are up to 8% more digestible than similar forage grasses. Better digestibility provides more energy for your cows, which leads to increased milk or meat output.
How do I increase the digestibility of my grass mixtures?
Include more DLF Fiber Energy varieties in your mixture, and use best field practice to increase the quality of your feed. The more DLF Fiber Energy varieties you add to your mix, the more digestible your forage becomes.
How much more milk do I get with DLF Fiber Energy?
For every 1% increase in digestibility, your milk production rises by an average of 0,25 liters per cow per day. An 8% improvement in digestibility raises output by an average of 2 liters per cow per day.
How much more meat do I get with DLF Fiber Energy?
For every 1% increase in digestibility, your meat production rises by an average of 24 grams per cow per day. An 8% improvement in digestibility raises output by an average of 192 grams per cow per day.
How will DLF Fiber Energy increase my profits?
The effect on profitability from using DLF Fiber Energy depends on your local market prices. A small increase in grass digestibility of only 1% is enough to give you about 91 extra liters of milk and roughly 8,76 kg more meat per cow per year.
What types of grass carry the DLF Fiber Energy badge?
DLF Fiber Energy includes varieties of perennial ryegrasses, festuloliums, tall fescues and hybrid ryegrasses.
Can I improve my forage quality with DLF Fiber Energy?
Yes, if you add DLF Fiber Energy varieties to your grass-seed mixture, you will increase the quality and value of your forage.
Can I mix DLF Fiber Energy with other forage species?
Yes, you can mix DLF Fiber Energy grasses with any other grass species or varieties.
When should I use DLF Fiber Energy?
Add DLF Fiber Energy varieties to your mixture whenever you want to improve the quality of your feed.
What is the seeding rate for DLF Fiber Energy varieties?
The seeding rate is similar to that for non-fiber-energy varieties.
Can I use DLF Fiber Energy grasses for overseeding?
Yes, overseeding with DLF Fiber Energy will improve your sward and forage quality.
What is the ideal cutting height for DLF Fiber Energy?
Between 7 and 10 cm, much like any other forage grass.
When should I cut DLF Fiber Energy grasses?
The optimal cutting times are at the beginning of heading and every 25 to 30 days thereafter.
Do DLF Fiber Energy varieties yield more grass?
DLF Fiber Energy varieties do not necessarily yield more grass. Instead, they release more energy from every kilogram of feed, giving you a higher output from the same input.
Is DLF Fiber Energy better for grazing or for silage?
DLF Fiber Energy grasses are excellent for grazing and for silage.
Will my dry-matter intake increase if I use DLF Fiber Energy?
Yes, DLF Fiber Energy grasses pass through your cows faster and release more energy on the way.
Can I use DLF Fiber Energy in total mixed ratios?
Because your cows extract more energy from DLF Fiber Energy grasses, you may be able to decrease the amount of concentrates you use, without reducing yields.
Does DLF Fiber Energy affect the microbiology in the rumen of cows?
No, DLF Fiber Energy does not affect rumen microbiology. The fibers degrade faster, but they don’t produce any of the adverse effects that sugar produces.