For a better understanding of the mode of action of live years, new models have been developed that use thermodynamic calculation to explain ph stabilisation in the rumen...

Appearance is one of the most important attributes affecting consumer choice, ranking along-side freshness. Adding naturally-occurring carotenoid pigments to feed thus has cosmetic effect, but, Argue Remi Baker and Christoph Gûnther, they also benefit animals and have carry over effects to human health.

The idea of taking into account parameters such as the costs and benefits of a natural biological activator (live yeast) in formulation models is fairly new and sounds an exciting concept; as more research centres and companies follow suit, a new generation of models and formulation tools is emerging...

When John Bax looks at a cow, he sees a container for micro-organisms. Limin Kung has 30 years' experience in using microbes to improve silage quality, whilst Charlie Sniffen believes putting all this information into an effective model will help us improve ruminant nutrition. These experts met recently in Montreal to discuss how bugs will shape the future.

When it comes to modern dairy management, the heifer calf is still probably the most neglected animal on the farm. She shouldn't be, however, and international experts met recently in Nottingham to explain why.

In vitro models have long been used as screening tools for the animal feed industry. A project has highlighted a dynamic model simulating the rumen ecosystem as a cost-effective, sustainable tool for the development of rumen modifying feed additives based on plant extracts.

For a number of years now, there have been groups dedicated to educating the world about the benefits of yeast in diets for ruminants, but until recently, their efforts were hampered by a relative lack of knowledge about why it worked. In the background, however, rumen microbiologists have been working hard to accumulate the data and now they believe they have filled in many of the gaps.

Feeding fats to dairy cows has moved on over the past few years, from rumen "protected" fats to rumen stable fractionated triglycerides- and their performance has improved with them. Supplying to high yielding dairy cows has never been easier.

Emulsifiers. Nothing new, many will say. And indeed their use has long been practiced in our industry. Although their main use was to improve fat solubility in aqueous media, farmers using them were found to be adding more than was recommended- and getting better performance. Research has since confirmed what these farmers knew all along.