There are many appropriate rations for a single dairy. “Animals at different life stages and different levels of production require a different balance of nutrients, and usually, the more specific you can get (i.e. the more groups you have) the better, within reason of course,” said Andy Fidler, instructor in the department of animal science at the University of Arkansas. “Having more groups is not necessarily advantageous with a small herd size though.”
Cows milk well on a wide variety of diets. The ration that provides every opportunity to maximize intake while providing properly adjusted protein, energy, vitamins and minerals will succeed when management and husbandry practices support it.
“In most cases, this means a total mixed ration (TMR),” Fidler said.
TMRs allow each mouthful of feed to be as close as possible to the animals’ exact nutrient requirements while minimizing sorting, resulting in maximum performance.
“A TMR isn’t right for every dairy, but the advantages nearly always outweigh the disadvantages,” Fidler said. “You can expect a 4 percent increase in feed utilization and as much as a 5 percent increase in milk yield by switching to a TMR from a conventional ration of forage and grain fed separately.”
Conducting lab analysis for nutrient content is critical in assuring quality feed. “Research has given us a good idea of a cow’s need for nutrient intake,” added Sean Cornelius, owner of 4C Dairy Consulting. “We must know what feedstuffs to put into the ration so we can provide balanced diets.”
Fidler and Cornelius recommend working with a nutritionist to develop the right ration formulation, using mixers and scales that are in proper working order and calibrated, delivering feed that is of high quality and palatable, and minimizing refusals by cleaning the feed bunk of old feed, and having appropriate housing conditions and husbandry to encourage feed intake.
Forages have a large impact on feed intake and feed efficiency. “Feeding highly digestible, high quality forages can have a significant impact because forages make up such a large part of the diet, and are the most variable part of the diet in terms of nutrient profile and digestibility,” Fidler said.
Cornelius suggested that producers take advantage of today’s forage genetics to maximize the amount of homegrown feeds you can use in the cow’s diet. “This allows you to save on purchased feed and recycle manure as fertilizer to grow the forage that should be the foundation of the ration.”
Producers should view their state extension websites and discuss rations with their area extension specialist, consult a nutritionist, and use publications to find the latest information on optimizing milk production.
