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Forage Resources

Collection of forage resources, mostly for Coastal Oregon regions. Includes studies on fiber digestibility, phosphoric soil, rations, and cost/benefit of growing and buying locally grown forages.

Journal Publications

Improved Understanding of Fiber Digestibility in Ryegrasses

Dairy nutritionists have long known that forages with the same laboratory analysis could produce significantly different performance in lactating cows. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) may explain much of this variation. The objectives of the study described here were to demonstrate NDFD variation between varieties of ryegrass and season of harvest and to use this information as the basis for an educational Extension program.

Troy Downing, Patrick French | Apr 2009 | Online resource

Fiber Digestibility in Ryegrasses

A look at the fiber digestibility in ryegrasses for cow diets.

Troy Downing, Patrick French | Aug 2008 | Online resource

Research Reports

Assessing Phosphorus and Potassium Feeding on Oregon Dairies

A study was conducted on Oregon dairy farms in 2002-2003 investigating the quantity of phosphorus and potassium in cow diets and in the produced urine and feces.

Troy Downing, Amy Peters, Patrick French, Kathryn Higgs, Mary French | Sep 2016 | Online resource

Extension Publications

What Are Your Forages Worth?

Designed to help dairy farmers calculate the costs of homegrown forages and compare them to the costs of purchasing forages. Presents typical per-acre costs of establishing, producing, and harvesting alfalfa or grass...

Troy Downing, Ann-Marie Chamberlin, Michael Gamroth, Amy Peters | May 2021 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Selenium Supplementation Strategies for Livestock in Oregon

Provides an overview of the role of selenium in the diet of livestock, and discusses selenium supplementation rates and supplementation methods. Lists guidelines for assessing livestock's selenium status and summarizes research useful to Oregon livestock producers.

Fara Brummer, Gene Pirelli, Jean A. Hall | Jun 2014 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Understanding Your Forage Test Results

Assists livestock producers in using forage analysis as a management tool to improve livestock nutrition. Explains the information commonly found in most laboratory forage reports: feed, protein, carbohydrates, fat, energy, ash, minerals, pH, nitrates, RFV, and RFQ.

Sergio Arispe, Shelby Filley | Oct 2020 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Other Articles

Soil pH and pasture productivity on the Oregon Coast

Producers have questioned the conventional advice to apply lime to change the pH of coastal soils. We look at one set of data on ryegrass pastures that shows the return on investment may indeed be modest.

Troy Downing | May 2009 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Estimated value of cranberries as a livestock feed

Value analysis of cranberries as a livestock feed in the U.S.

Amy Peters, Michael Gamroth, Art Poole | Aug 2001 | Article

Aug 2018
Cow's head
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Can cows find water by smell?

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Owning a Dairy Cow or Goat

People who live in the suburbs and own a small acreage often choose dairy cattle or dairy goats as a way to harvest and use their forage. Milk production can reduce the family grocery bill. Goats, ...

Troy Downing, Lisbeth Goddik | Sep 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Cleaning and sanitizing milking equipment

How to clean and sanitize milking equipment.

Jan Neilson | Jun 2012 | Article

How long until cheese spoils?

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Cheese making

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Jan Neilson | Jun 2012 | Article

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