FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Research on energy intake and reproduction is one of several discussions planned for the 15th annual Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, an event organizer said.

The conference is April 25-26 at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne. It is sponsored by The Ohio State University, Purdue University and Michigan State University.

“Farmers are always looking at how they can increase their cows’ comfort to get more efficiency with milk production,” said Maurice Eastridge, a professor in the department of animal sciences at OSU. “That’s the bottom line.”

The conference is geared toward feed industry personnel, veterinarians, county extension officials, dairy producers and anyone interested in the dairy industry.

Another discussion will look at regulating the amount of hours of light, and how that affects feed intake and animal performance. An increase in the number of ethanol plants makes a discussion on distillers grains very timely, Eastridge said.

Other topics include silage management, mineral deficiencies and nutrition and air quality.

“We cover some of these topics every year, but we find speakers who have information on new opportunities, or who have new research to share,” he said.

Pre-registration has closed, but registrations are still being accepted, and will be taken at the door.

Late registrations are assessed at a $25 fee, for a total cost of $155. Those registering the day of the event may pay with cash or check, but no credit cards will be accepted.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. on April 25, with the first speaker starting at 1 p.m. The conference ends at approximately 12:30 p.m. on April 26.

This farm news was published in the April 12, 2006 issue of Farm World.