Straw is a very useful feed if prepared in the right way.

• In dry cow rations it can be used to control energy intake and reduce the risk of milk fever.
  
  
• In milking cow rations it can be very useful as physically effective fibre when required.

For either group the key to feeding straw is incorperation to create a homogenous mix. Poorly processed straw will not blend which can encourage cows to sort the ration, making the problem worse rather than better. The straw should be pre-processed, and we find milled straw to provide the best results.

A farm trial was conducted to investigate the benefit of processing straw, before it is added to a total mixed ration (TMR), to increase the dry matter intake for dry cows with high straw inclusions.