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AGRI-NUTRITION
CONSULTING, INC.
4095 Gray Road, DeForest, Wisconsin 53532 608-846-2727 800-747-7447 FAX 608-846-3014 |
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by Russ Funke,
Regional Manager Southeast Iowa
All too often we are only concerned with balanced rations for milk cows when considering high production. We must remember the importance of quality nutrition throughout the lactation, that will lead to peak performance. However, keep in mind not all dairies operate in the same manner. Read on to learn more about the three critical stages of lactation.
Dry Cows
The minerals needed by a dry cow are much different than that of milk cows. Minerals need to be balanced around the forages that are fed. At this time it is preferred to be feeding drier, longer-stemmed forages. During the dry period it is especially important to take samples of forages on a regular basis to keep accurate records of the mineral and energy balance. Too often, dry cow rations are not kept current and lead to fresh cow problems due to rations too high in energy and too low in fiber. Pefresh Group
A prefresh program starting 21 days prior to calving is necessary to "prime" the rumen to help maximize dry matter intake which gets cows off to a healthier start after freshening. An ideal prefresh program introduces many of the milk cow ration ingredients into the diet and is about half-way between the dry cow ration and the milking cow ration in regard to protein and energy levels.
It is also necessary to carefully monitor DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference). The addition of anionic ingredients to lower cations as a percentage not only helps prevent milk fever, but in turn reduces the incidence of ketosis and displaced abomasa. A dry/prefresh mix or pellet containing anionic products along with the necessary minerals, byproducts such as soy hulls, beet pulp, and bran; along with ANC products that provide niacin, yeasts, microbials, trace minerals, and vitamins works well, either topdressed or included in TMR's.
Post Fresh RationsWe realize not all herds are set up to feed a post fresh ration. However, after calving, DMI starts out low and gradually increases over the next 2-3 months. In TMR-fed herds, a specially formulated diet for this group is best. If you cannot do this, a special mix containing ingredients similar to the prefresh without anionics and the addition of higher levels of minerals and vitamins will be quite helpful as the animal cannot consume enough TMR to meet nutritional needs. This can also be done in topdress-fed herds although in these situations we can easily feed them a little more mineral mix and protein while bringing them up slowly on grain.
In conclusion, all of these stages of lactation require different energy and mineral balances. We must stay current with the diets, by regularly sampling feeds and balancing rations around those feeds that are available. Keep in mind that no two dairies are set up the same or feed the same rations. Rations need to be balanced and fed to accommodate your own dairy!
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