Dairy Cows - Nutrition

Dairy Cows - Nutrition

1. Calving and Milk production

   • At parturition the cows energy requirement increases significantly due to milk production
   • Peak milk production usually occurs about 6-10 weeks after calving
   • Appetite however lags behind production so that maximum dry matter intake is not reached until about 15 weeks after calving

2. Calving cycle

   • Phase 1
     • - first 10 weeks of lactation - peak milk production - energy intake - will lose body reserves = lose weight
   • Phase 2
     • Approximately weeks 10-25 of lactation - maximum DMI - Energy intake = requirement
   • Phase 3
     • Approximately weeks 25-35 - energy intake > requirement] - body reserves restored = gaining weight
   • Phase 4
     • - first 5-6 weeks of dry period - final weight gain for cow - fetus is starting to demand more nutrients  - Energy intake>requirement
   • Phase 5
     • - Last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy - start increasing grain in the ration to prepare the rumen for high intake requirements when she starts lactating again - requirements of fetus are high - energy intake = requirements
   • Dry Period
     • - not lactating - cow is dried off so she is not producing any milk - usually last 6-8 weeks before she freshens (calves again) - allows udder to regenerate its milk producing tissue and produce colostrum

3. Pregnant Dry Cow

   • Nutritional requirements are met with goos quality forages in the beginning. Prior to calving she need grain/concentrate (high energy)
   • Watch calcium levels closesly. An imbalance of Ca, P and Mg at calving will result in the cow going down with milk fever
   • Be sure to feed enough selenium to prevent retained placentas along with enough Vitamin E to prevent weak calves with white muscle disease
   • Limit the salt intake, especially to heifer, helps prevent or at least decrease udder edema
   • Last couple weeks of pregnancy start preparing the rumen for high energy intake that is necessary after calving
   • Gradually add grain mix so by calving time she is consuming up the 1% of her body weight as grain
   • Increase grain after parturition as quickly as possible