Pioneer Forage Forum Highlights Ruminant Starch Digestibility

Blogs, podcasts engage dairy industry on Pioneer, university research findings

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 24, 2007 - Recent findings from research on ruminant starch digestibility (STRD) will launch the upcoming series of Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts and blogs. Originated by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., these segments will draw on dairy feed studies at the Pioneer Livestock Nutrition Center, as well as trials with university cooperators.

"Pioneer has been actively investigating factors that influence STRD for over 10 years," says Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager. "The latest findings, derived from Pioneer research and published literature reviews, can help dairy producers identify new ways to measure starch digestion for better ration balancing."

The first posting in this eight-part STRD series is scheduled for May 30, with subsequent installments posted every two weeks into early September. Segments posted through November will address additional subjects, including innovative use of silage inoculants.

These new segments will be featured on the World Dairy Diary blog/podcast site . In addition, registered Pioneer customers can hear the audio files and send e-mail responses at the Pioneer GrowingPoint® website , by clicking on the Livestock Nutrition tab.

Both sites also archive the original 15 segments of Pioneer Forage Forum, introduced in 2006 to share valuable information with the dairy industry. Previous segments cover subjects related to silage harvesting and processing, crop value, and analysis and planning. Segments are presented as audio files, each approximately four minutes long. Producers, forage growers, nutritionists and those with interests in dairy animal nutrition can tap into the views of Pioneer experts as well as contribute their own experiences and opinions via e-mail or blogging.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont , is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based product and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction, communications; and transportation.

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5/24/2007

Contact:
Jerry Harrington
800-247-6803, ext. 6908