That is why, in dairy farming, the feeding programme should be assessed not only according to the animal’s milk yield, but also according to which stage of lactation it is in.
Why does the start of lactation matter?
The first weeks after calving are an important period in which milk production rises rapidly.
In this period, the cow’s need for energy and nutrients rises along with milk production. Where feed intake cannot meet this need at the same pace, the animal may draw on its body reserves.
That is why a balanced feeding programme suited to the animal’s needs is important at the start of lactation.
Needs change at peak lactation
The period in which milk production reaches its highest levels is also one of the periods in which the cow’s nutrient needs are high.
At this stage, the ration needs to be balanced in energy, protein, amino acids, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The aim is not only to support high milk production, but also to create a balanced feeding programme that helps maintain the animal’s appropriate body condition.
What changes in mid and late lactation?
As lactation progresses, milk yield usually changes gradually and the animal’s nutrient needs change accordingly.
Reassessing the feeding programme in this period is important for sustaining milk production, maintaining body condition and preparing the animal for the next production period.
So rather than continuing the same feeding approach unchanged throughout lactation, assessing according to the animal’s current period is a more correct approach.
Choosing a feed is not enough on its own
A dairy cow’s nutrition is not determined only by the type of feed used.
The whole ration should be built by assessing roughage, concentrates, feed raw materials, energy and protein sources, and vitamin and mineral needs together.
The animal’s live weight, milk yield, milk composition, body condition and the general characteristics of the herd can also be taken into account in assessing the feeding programme.
Organic dairy farming also needs a period-based approach
Feeds used in organic production must comply with the relevant organic production rules. But using organic feed does not mean the animal’s period-based needs can be overlooked.
In organic dairy farming, too, the changing needs from the post-calving period to peak lactation and on to mid and late lactation must be taken into account.
At Bioyem, we offer organic feed options for the different lactation periods of dairy cows.
Correct feeding in dairy animals is not just giving more feed; it is correctly understanding the animal’s changing needs in its current period and creating a feeding programme to match.
