DAIRY RATIONS

I. General

A. Feeding, more than any other single factor, determines productivity of lactating dairy cows.

1. Feed represents ~50% of total cost

B. Nutrient requirements for lactation are often several times the maintenance requirement.

1. Remember that:

-more variation exists in protein content than energy among various forages and concentrates.

-in balancing dairy cow rations, use NE_L and CP, and fiber content (milk fat depression)

II. Forage Consumption

A. A producing dairy cow can not eat enough forage to meet her nutrient needs during lactation

B. Forage intake may be stimulated by feeding several times / day, and by providing a variety of forages

III. Concentrates

A. Concentrate mixture includes grains, milk feeds, protein supplements and minerals

1. The mixture fed will depend on the forage being fed (low protein forage = high protein concentrate), availability, and cost

2. Amount of concentrate fed will depend on:

-amount of forage consumed

-amount of milk produced

-composition (% fat) of milk produced

3. Limit concentrate to a maximum of 65% regardless of comparative costs; >65% conc. ==> change VFA production ==> decrease fat in milk

B. Intake affected by palatability & time available to consume conc. in the barn or milking parlor