Luiz F. Ferraretto

    Ferraretto Lab

    Associate Professor & Extension Specialist - Ruminant Nutrition

    Extension, Research

    Phone

    608-265-5352

    Office Location

    1675 Observatory Dr
    934F Animal Sciences
    Madison, WI 53706

    Photo of Luiz F. Ferraretto

    Luiz Ferraretto is originally from Brazil where he earned his B.S. in Animal Science from São Paulo State University in 2008. Immediately after the completion of his B.S. Degree, Luiz joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison for an internship (2009) followed by an M.S. (2011) and Ph.D. (2015) in dairy science with a focus on applied dairy nutrition and forage quality. After the completion of his Ph.D., Luiz joined The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute as a Post-doctoral Research Associate. From 2016 to 2020, Luiz was an Assistant Professor of Livestock Nutrition at the University of Florida. Luiz joined UW-Madison in May of 2020. 

    His research and extension interests are applied ruminant nutrition and management. His program is focused on understanding and improving starch and fiber utilization by dairy cows, corn silage and high-moisture corn quality and digestibility, the use of alternative by-products as feed ingredients, supplementation of feed additives to lactating cows, and the development of on-farm and laboratory techniques for forage and feed analysis. 

    Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles

    Varela, J., L. F. Ferraretto, S. M. Kaeppler, and N. de Leon. 2023. Effect of endosperm and storage length of whole-plant corn silage on nitrogen fraction, fermentation products, zein profile and starch digestibility. J. Dairy Sci. In press

    Oyebade, A. O, S. Lee, H. Sultana, K. Arriola, E. Duvalsaint, C. N. de Guzman, I. F. Marenchino, L. M. Pacheco, F. Amaro, L. G. Ghizzi, L. Mu, H. Guan, K. V. de Almeida, B. R. Andrade, J. Zhao, P. Tian, C. Cheng, Y. Jiang, J. Driver, O. Queiroz, L. F. Ferraretto, I. M. Ogunade, A. T. Adesogan, D. Vyas. 2023. Effects of direct-fed microbial supplementation on performance and immune response of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. In press

    Piran Filho, F. A., J. M. Bragatto, C. S. Parra, S. M. S. Silva, P. J. Roco, L. F. Ferraretto, M. N. Pereira, and J. L. P. Daniel. 2023. Physical effectiveness of corn silage fractions stratified with the Penn State particle separator for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci.
    106:6041-6059.

    Souza, M. S., M. R. Pupo, E. C. Diepersloot, M. S. Akins, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2023. Effects of chemical additive and packing density on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of ensiled cocktail forage mix. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 4:255-259.

    Mirzaei, A., V. R. Merenda, L. F. Ferraretto, R. D. Shaver, F. Penagaricano, and R. C. Chebel. 2023. Individual animal variability in rumination, activity, and lying behavior during the periparturient period of dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. Comm. 4:205-209.

    Vinyard, J. R., A. Ravelo, E. Sarmikasoglou, H. F. Monteiro, J. A. Arce-Cordero, M. L. Johnson, B. C. Agustinho, R. R. Lobo, M. G. Yungmannm A. H. R. Winter, L. M.
    Gilbertson, M. N. Mills, M. Soltis, L. G. Ghizzi, J. O. Gusmão, L. F. Ferraretto, and A. P. Faciola. 2023. Effects of exogenous amylolytic and fibrolytic enzymes inclusion on in
    vitro fermentation of lactating dairy cow diets in a dual-flow continuous culture system. J. Dairy Sci. 106:1002-1012.

    Podversich, F., F. Tarnonsky, J. M. Bollatti, G. M. Silva, T. M. Schulmeister, J. J. Vargas Martinez, D. Heredia, I. R. Ipharraguerre, F. Bargo, A. Gonella-Diaza, J. C. B. Dubeux, L. F. Ferraretto, and N. DiLorenzo. 2023. Effects of Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic on
    animal performance, nutrients digestibility, and feeding behavior of backgrounding beef heifers fed with either a sorghum silage- or a byproducts-based diet. J. Anim. Sci.
    101:skac312.

    Naderi, N., G. R. Ghorbani, H. Erfani, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Feeding byproduct-based concentrates instead of human-edible feed ingredients increases net food production and improves performance of high-producing Holstein cows. Animals
    12:2977.

    Saylor, B. A., C. Heinzen Jr., E. C. Diepersloot, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Effect of microbial inoculation and storage length on fermentation profile and nutrient composition
    of high-moisture maize ensiled at two different dry matter concentrations. J. Anim. Sci. skac254

    Pech-Cervantes, A. A., L. F. Ferraretto, and I. M. Ogunade. 2022. Meta-analysis of the effect of the dietary application of exogenous alpha-amylase preparations on
    performance, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation of lactating dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. skac189

    Diepersloot, E. C., M. R. Pupo, L. G. Ghizzi, C. Heinzen Jr., and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Effect of wilting and microbial inoculation on the fermentation profile, nutrient
    composition, and aerobic stability of Bermudagrass silage. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 290:115376.

    Pupo, M. R., M. O. Wallau, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Effects of season, variety-type, and trait on dry matter yield, nutrient composition, and predicted intake and milk yield of
    whole-plant sorghum forage. J. Dairy Sci. 105:5776-5785.

    Ravelo, A. D., D. Vyas, L. F. Ferraretto, and A. P. Faciola. 2022. Effect of sucrose and lactose as a partial replacement to corn in lactating dairy cow diets. A review. Transl. Anim, Sci. 6:txac044.

    Diepersloot, E. C., C. Heinzen Jr., B. A. Saylor, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Effect of cutting height, microbial inoculation, and storage length on fermentation profile and
    nutrient composition of whole-plant maize silage. Transl. Anim. Sci. 6:txac037.

    Heinzen Jr, C., M. C. N. Agarussi, E. C. Diepersloot, and L. F. Ferraretto. 2022. Effects of microbial inoculation on dry matter losses, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of wet brewers grain stored with increasing concentrations of dry ground corn. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 286:115257.

    Selected Conference Proceedings

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2023. Corn silage fiber digestibility. Proceedings of the 19th International Symposium Forage Conservation. Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic. Pages 27- 31.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2021. Dietary fiber and starch for dairy cows: new perspectives from the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle study report. Proc. VIII SIMLEITE. Pages 49-60.

    Saylor, B., and L. Ferraretto. 2021. Factors affecting the nutritive value and fermentation of high-moisture corn. Proceedings of SIPEL-Simpósio Internacional da Pecuária Leiteira. Pages 26-41.

    Ferraretto, L. 2021. Fiber and starch digestibility in corn silage. In: Proc. of California Animal Nutrition Conference. Sacramento, CA. Pages 88-94.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2021. Feeding corn silage to dairy cows. In: Proc. 82nd Minnesota Nutrition Conference and ADM Pre-Conference. Mankato, MN. (Abstract)

    Ferraretto, L. 2020. Production and utilization of sorghum silage in dairy herds. Proc. Ifina – Nutrile – Actualizacion anual en nutricion de bovinos de leche. Argentina.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2019. Forage analysis: Challenges and solution. Proc. XIX Congreso Bienal AMENA – Forjando nuevos horizontes en nutricion animal. Puerto Vallarta,
    Jalisco, Mexico. Pages 36-39.

    Ferraretto, L. F., A. T. Adesogan, K. G. Arriola, E. M. Paula, and D. Vyas. 2019. Strategies to improve fiber digestibility of whole-plant corn silage. Proc. I Simpósio Internacional de Nutrição de Gado de Leite. Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. Pages 47-55.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2019. Length of silage storage: What does it change? Proc. IX Simfor. Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Pages 171-182.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2019. New perspectives on fiber and starch digestibility of corn silage. Proc. Four-State Dairy Nutr. & Mgmt. Conf. Dubuque, IA. Pages 164-169.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2019. Optimizing the role of starch as an energy source for dairy cows. In: Proc. 28th Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Pages 17-26.

    Adesogan, A. T., K. G. Arriola, Y. Jiang, A. Oyebade, E. M. Paula, A. A. Pech-Cervantes, J. J. Romero, L. F. Ferraretto, and D. Vyas. 2019. Technologies for improving fiber
    utilization. In: Proc. 30th Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, Gainesville, FL. Pages 96-118.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2018. Tools to maximize starch utilization in dairy cattle diets. In: Proc. Symposium sur les bovins laitiers 2018. Drummondville, Quebec, Canada.

    Ferraretto, L. F. 2018. Key steps to improve the nutritive value of corn silage. In: Proc. Silage for Beef Cattle 2018 Conference, Ithaca, NE. Pages 1-6.

    Ferraretto, L. F., E. M. Paula, C. S. Ballard, C. J. Sniffen, and I. Shinzato. 2018. Impact of essential amino acid balancing postpartum on lactation performance by dairy cows. In:Proc. 29th Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, Gainesville, FL. Pages 1-12.

    Selected Popular Press Articles

    Ferraretto, L. 2023.Are you ready for the 2023 corn silage harvest? Midwest Forage Association Forage Focus, August issue. Pg. 20-21.

    Ferraretto, L. 2023. How to maximize the nutritional value of silage in a less-than-perfect growing season. Wisconsin State Farmer July 31st, 2023. https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/opinion/columnists/2023/07/31/drought-impact-on-yield-quality-of-corn-silage-harvest-yet-unknown/70502894007/

    Ferraretto, L. 2023. Silage-specific corn hybrids for dairy cattle diets. University of Wisconsin Division of Extension – Dairy. https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/articles/silage-specific-corn-hybrids-for-dairy-cattle-diets/

    Ferraretto, L. 2023. High-quality fiber should be the focus. Hoard’s Dairyman Intel, June 8th 2023. https://hoards.com/article-33766-high-quality-fiber-should-be-the-focus.html

    Ferraretto, L. 2023. Fecal starch calculator – Background and guide. University of Wisconsin Division of Extension – Dairy. https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fecal-starch-calculator-for-farms/

    Ferraretto, L. 2023.Silage-specific corn hybrids for dairy cattle diets. Midwest Forage Association Forage Focus, May issue. Pg. 20-21.

    Ferraretto, L. 2023.New insights about corn silage fatty acids. University of Wisconsin Division of Extension – Dairy. https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/articles/new-insights-about-corn-silage-fatty-acids/

    Ferraretto, L. 2023.The importance of fatty acids in corn silage. Midwest Forage Association Forage Focus, March issue. Pg. 20-21.

    Ferraretto, L. 2023. Plant population for corn silage. Vita Plus Forage Foundation Newsletter February 21st, 2023 issue. https://www.vitaplus.com/forage-foundations/plant-density-for-silage-production/#.Y_zeQHbMJD8

    Ferraretto, L. 2022. What’s new in forage research? Hay and Forage Grower, November 16th, 2022 issue. Pages 20-21. https://hayandforage.com/article-4174-What%E2%80%99s-new-in-forage-research.html

    Ferraretto, L., and C. Diepersloot. 2022. Preparing for the 2022 corn harvest. Wisconsin State Farmer August 23rd, 2022.
    https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/opinion/columnists/2022/08/23/preparing-2022-corn-harvest/7869542001/

    Ferraretto, L. 2022. Pick an effective inoculant for your silage. Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10th 2022 issue. https://hoards.com/article-31941-pick-an-effective-inoculant-for-your-silage.html

    Ferraretto, L. 2022. Getting the most out of your high-moisture corn. Feedstuffs. April 2022 issue. Page 11. https://informamarkets.turtl.co/story/feedstuffs-april-2022/page/11/1

    Ferraretto, L. 2022. Lignin locks down cow performance. Hoard’s Dairyman, April 10th, 2022 issue. https://hoards.com/article-31773-lignin-locks-down-cow-performance.html

    Ferraretto, L. 2021. The challenges and rewards of feeding byproducts. Wisconsin State Farmer December 19th, 2021.
    https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/12/19/challenges-and-rewards-feeding-byproducts/8960874002/

    Selected Videos

    Corn silage, strong suits & compliments –

    Silage Quality – From pricing to feeding behavior –

    Maximizing nutrient digestibility of corn silage – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVMzrgD3DNg&t=1413s

    Feeding the 2020 corn silage crop – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRUMMRacWrU

    XX International Silage Conference Scientific Program Committee, member, 2023-present

    Midwest Forage Association Dairy Editor, 2023-present

    Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Animal Operations – Cattle Committee, vice-chair, 2023-present

    Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference planning committee, 2022-present

    Journal of Dairy Science Editorial Board, 2022-present

    CALS Research Advisory Committee, member, 2021-present

    Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences Extension and Outreach Committee, member, 2020-present

    CALS Ag Research Stations Committee, member, 2020-present

    Associate Editor, Brazilian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2018-present

    Reviewer, several journals related to agriculture and animal sciences

    2024 – Cargill Animal Nutrition Young Scientist Award, American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting

    2024 – Second Mile Award, Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents

    2023 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 for 2023 – JDS 104:7653-7670

    2022 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 for 2022 – JDS 102:5726-5755

    2021 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 for 2021 – JDS 101:3937-3951

    2021 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 for 2021 – JDS 101:4111-4121

    2021 – Lallemand Forward Award for Scientific Excellence in Dairy Nutrition, American Dairy Science Association

    2020 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 for 2020 – JDS 101:4111-4121

    2018 – The Professional Animal Scientist Editor’s Choice Article – PAS 34:293-298

    2016 – National Milk Producers Federation Richard M. Hoyt Award, American Dairy Science Association

    2015 – Journal of Dairy Science Editor’s Choice Article – JDS 98:2662-2675

    2015 – Journal of Dairy Science Top 100 – JDS 98:2662-2675

    2015 – Dairy Young Scholar Award, Midwest Section of American Dairy Science Association

    2012 – 3rd Place, Graduate Student Poster Contest (MS Division), American Dairy Science Association