Most dairies need no commercial fertilizer if they use manure properly. In most cases, manure can supply all the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and several other nutrients needed for forage production.
Bypass protein is an important part of the diet of lactating cattle. The National Research Council recommends that bypass protein make up 34 to 36 percent of the total crude protein consumed by lactating cattle.
The dry, or nonmilking, period late in pregnancy is critical to preparing a dairy cow for the next lactation. Dry cows have special nutritional and management needs.
Nutrients and microorganisms in manure can cause water quality problems. When you collect, handle, and land spread manure, this material can get into surface or groundwater supplies. The level of risk depends on many factors.
Faced with declining milk prices, dairy farmers in the Western States have trimmed feed costs by feeding bulk commodities and byproducts. How effective is this cost-cutting tool, and what problems does the dairy operator face in feeding bulk feeds?
People living in the suburbs and owning a small acreage often select dairy cattle or dairy goats as a means of harvesting and using their forage. Milk production can reduce the family grocery bill. Goats, especially, will help control brush and weeds and keep the area from becoming unsightly.
Published May 1993. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Revised April 2004. A more recent revision exists. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Published November 1997. A more recent revision exists. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Published April 1996. Reprinted August 1997. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog