The Dairy Podcast Show features Dr. Enrique Schcolnik of Progressive Dairy Solutions, who brings unique perspectives from his Argentine roots and California consulting experience to discuss the complexities of feed efficiency in modern dairy operations. Host Gale Carpenter of Iowa State University explores how Schcolnik’s diverse background—from Argentine veterinary training to co-owning both a California milk powder plant and Chicago-area gelato stores—shapes his approach to maximizing dairy profitability through strategic nutrition management.
Schcolnik emphasizes that feed efficiency must always be measured using energy-corrected milk, not fluid milk, to enable accurate comparisons across seasons and operations. He introduces the concept of “money efficiency” alongside traditional feed efficiency metrics, explaining how sometimes accepting slightly lower feed efficiency with cheaper ingredients can drive higher profits. “You may feed a feed that costs us a little bit of feed efficiency, but it’s so much cheaper than what we’re substituting that taking a little hit on feed efficiency but having a much cheaper diet may drive more profits,” he notes. Geographic variations play a major role—while Midwest operations with temperate climates and superior NDF digestibility might achieve 1.65-1.75 feed efficiency, California dairies dealing with heat stress and flood irrigation typically target 1.15 as a strong benchmark.
The conversation reveals critical management factors beyond nutrition formulation. Schcolnik stresses that preventing slug feeding, especially during summer heat stress, is essential for maintaining rumen health and efficiency. He explains how feed restriction followed by large meals triggers acidosis more consistently than high-grain diets alone, emphasizing the importance of continuous feed availability. Reproduction management emerges as another key driver—every 10-day shift in average days in milk impacts herd production by approximately 2.5 pounds per cow. For operations feeding byproducts, success requires accurate nutrient testing through wet chemistry rather than NIR analysis, consistency monitoring, and sophisticated modeling software like NDS or AMTS. For the complete discussion including Schcolnik’s insights on amino acid balancing and his book recommendation “Outlive” by Peter Attia, watch the full episode of The Dairy Podcast Show embedded below.