Dairy cows are high-producing animals, and to maintain their health and productivity, it's essential to ensure a balanced nutritional diet. While diversifying feed sources and enhancing palatability is important, over-reliance on concentrates should be avoided in the pursuit of higher milk yield. A well-structured diet typically includes 3–4 types of green roughage (such as hay, silage, and pasture) and 3–4 types of concentrate feeds. The feeding strategy should be tailored to each physiological stage of the cow’s life cycle.
During the dry period—starting from the time milking stops until 15 days before calving—the goal is to gradually reduce lactation and return the udder to a normal state. In this phase, it's best to minimize the use of succulent or green feeds unless necessary for meeting basic nutritional needs. The diet should primarily consist of roughage, with a fiber content that supports rumen function. Concentrates should be limited to 3–4 kg per day, maintaining a 25:75 ratio of concentrate to roughage. For thin cows, energy levels can be increased with high-quality feeds, while overweight cows should have more roughage and less concentrate, ensuring mineral balance.
In the perinatal period—before and after calving—the dietary dry matter should make up 2.5% to 3% of body weight, with a 40:60 concentrate-to-roughage ratio. As the cow approaches calving, feed intake may decrease, but nutrient requirements increase due to fetal growth. Therefore, the concentration of protein and energy in the feed should be raised. One week before calving, gradually increase concentrate by 0.5 kg daily to help the rumen adapt. Vitamin D3 injections, exercise, and proper lighting are also recommended to prevent postpartum complications. After calving, feeding a bran soup (1–2 kg of bran, 100 g minerals, 10–15 kg warm water) helps relieve fatigue and dehydration. From day 4 post-calving, increase concentrate by 0.5 kg per day to support milk production without exceeding 10 kg total by day 11.
During early lactation (days 16–100), milk production rises rapidly, and the cow’s appetite may not keep up, leading to negative energy balance. The concentrate-to-roughage ratio should transition from 55:45 to 60:40, but never exceed 60:40. Dry matter should account for over 3.5% of body weight. High-quality feeds are crucial during this time, and vitamins, buffers like baking soda, and by-products should be included to prevent metabolic issues. Concentrate increases should be gradual, no more than 0.5 kg per day, to avoid acidosis.
In mid-lactation (days 101–200), milk production starts to decline, but the cow’s appetite peaks. Adjust concentrate amounts based on milk yield and body condition, aiming for a 40:60 ratio. Ensure access to clean water, encourage exercise, and maintain proper milking techniques to support long-term productivity.
During late lactation (days 210–305), most cows become pregnant, and milk production drops significantly. Focus on restoring body condition rather than maximizing milk output. The diet should be mainly roughage, with a 30:70 concentrate-to-roughage ratio. Dry matter should be around 3–3.2% of body weight. Feed amounts should follow milk production, with nutrition always slightly above requirements. Regular mastitis checks and proper management of the fetus are also important during this stage.
Overall, a well-managed feeding program ensures optimal health, productivity, and longevity for dairy cows throughout their reproductive cycle.
Dehydrated Evergreen,Evergreen Dehydrated Vegetables,Air Dried Evergreen,Air Dried Evergreen Vegetables
Taizhou Shubenshu Food Co.,Ltd , https://www.lvweifoods.com