Enhancing Dairy Operations with On-Site NIR Analysis at Wolf Creek Dairy

The Challenge of Delayed Forage Analysis

For many dairy operations, the time gap between taking a forage sample and receiving the analysis results is a persistent challenge. This delay means rations are often adjusted based on data that is several days old. Consequently, it becomes difficult to maintain a truly consistent diet for the herd. At Wolf Creek Dairy, however, they’ve tackled this problem head-on by implementing an on-site Near-Infrared (NIR) analysis program with the Phoenix 5000 from Blue Sun Scientific.

We spoke with Rochelle Schroeder, a veterinarian at Wolf Creek Dairy. She shared her insights on their journey from traditional lab testing to real-time, on-farm analysis.

Transitioning to On-Site Analysis

Before bringing the technology in-house, Wolf Creek Dairy followed a conventional process. "Samples were sent to RRL (Rock River Labs) in Visalia, California, or Watertown, Wisconsin," Schroeder explains. While effective, this method introduced an unavoidable lag.

The Motivation Behind Change

The primary motivation to establish an on-site lab was a strategic push for greater precision. "We began a program... that looked at rapid sampling to be able to adjust rations based on current data to create a more consistent diet for the cows," says Schroeder. This move from reactive to proactive management was key. They utilized what Schroeder calls a "driver program" for aggressive sampling and a "tuner program" for making fine-tuned adjustments.

Immediate Analysis: A Game-Changer

The most significant operational shift has been the elimination of the waiting period. The ability to analyze forages immediately before they are incorporated into the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) has been a game-changer. "Once your diet is adequate for your production goals, testing forages to fine-tune adjustments as you move through the piles creates a more consistent diet for the cattle," Schroeder notes.

The Impact of Real-Time Data

This immediacy has fundamentally changed their testing frequency and its utility. While they were already increasing their sampling rate, the multi-day shipping delay was a constant hurdle. "On-farm analysis allows us to know exactly what we are feeding the cows (realtime) versus a 3-4 day delay," she emphasizes.

Commitment to Process and People

Implementing an on-site NIR program is more than just purchasing a piece of equipment; it requires a commitment to process and people. Schroeder is candid about the initial steps and potential hurdles. To overcome the learning curve of sample preparation, which includes drying and grinding, their team invested time upfront. "We spent a few days working with the RRL in Visalia to learn the process," she says.

Finding the Right Personnel

Finding the right personnel is paramount. "You need someone detail-oriented to be able to trust your results," Schroeder advises. To ensure accuracy, Wolf Creek Dairy built a robust quality control system. They validate their in-house results with dual sampling sent to the lab. Additionally, all on-site results are reviewed by RRL associates before approval. This ongoing partnership with Rock River Labs for support and wet chemistry analysis remains a vital component of their program.

Financial Considerations and Team Buy-In

While the potential for improved herd health, digestibility, and milk production is significant, Schroeder stresses that the financial benefits are not automatic. Success hinges on how the data is used. "This is going to depend on your nutritionist’s ability to evaluate sampling routinely to see benefits," she states. "An NIR in conjunction with a platform to be able to utilize aggressive sampling is necessary to see benefits at the cow level."

The Importance of Team Commitment

This highlights the most critical factor: team-wide buy-in. An investment in on-site NIR is only as valuable as the commitment to act on the data it provides. "Aggressive sampling is not going to be useful if you're not bought into making fine-tuned adjustments," Schroeder says. "Everyone needs to drink the Kool-aid to appreciate the benefits."

Advice for Other Dairies

For other dairies considering this investment, Schroeder’s advice is clear: "Determine your goals, first." If the objective is to truly understand what you’re feeding and maintain a highly consistent ration, an on-site feed lab is a powerful tool. But it must be paired with the right people and a nutritional team fully committed to using real-time data to make constant, fine-tuned adjustments.

Conclusion: Aligning Technology, Process, and Philosophy

As the experience at Wolf Creek Dairy shows, when technology, process, and philosophy align, the result is a new level of precision in herd management. The integration of on-site NIR analysis not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes better health and productivity in the herd.

By embracing this innovative approach, dairies can ensure they are making informed decisions based on the most current data available. This commitment to excellence ultimately leads to improved outcomes for both the cows and the dairy operation as a whole.