After calving, during the period of rising milk yield and in the later stages of lactation, the animal’s need for energy, protein, fibre, minerals and other nutrients changes.
For this reason, the feeding programme in dairy cattle is adjusted according to the production period the animal is in.
Early Lactation
In the first period after calving, milk production rises rapidly.
However, the animal’s feed intake may not increase at the same rate. As a result, an imbalance can arise between energy needs and feed intake.
In this period, the energy density of the ration, protein quality and sufficient fibre content are important.
The aim is to create a balanced ration that supports high milk production while also protecting the animal’s health and rumen function.
Peak Lactation
The period in which milk yield reaches its highest levels is regarded as peak lactation.
At this stage, the animal’s need for energy and nutrients is high.
In the ration, the balance between:
- Energy
- Protein
- Digestible nutrients
- Effective fibre
- Minerals and vitamins
becomes important.
In the Bioyem dairy cow feed programme, feeds for the peak lactation period are prepared taking into account the needs of this high production period.
Mid Lactation
As lactation progresses, milk yield usually begins to fall, and the animal’s feed intake and energy balance change.
In this period, the energy and protein density of the ration is reassessed.
The aim is to support the animal’s current milk yield while avoiding feeding more nutrients than necessary, and to manage the ration economically.
Late Lactation
In the later periods of lactation, milk production falls to lower levels.
At this stage, the animal’s nutrient needs differ from those of early and peak lactation.
The energy and protein level of the ration can be readjusted to the animal’s production level. Preparation for the next lactation is also taken into account.
Why Not Use a Single Dairy Feed?
A dairy cow’s nutrient needs immediately after calving are not the same as in the final period of lactation.
Using the same feed formulation throughout lactation may therefore not be suitable for every animal and every production period.
Changing the feed programme according to the animal’s production period helps manage the ration more accurately.
Is Protein Content Enough When Choosing a Feed?
No.
When assessing a dairy feed, many parameters are assessed together with the crude protein content, such as energy density, protein quality, fibre, starch, and mineral and vitamin levels.
The characteristics of the roughage used also directly affect the value of the total ration.
Compound feed should therefore not be assessed on its own, but as part of the total ration.
Organic Dairy Cattle Feeds
In organic dairy cattle feeds, in addition to meeting the animal’s nutrient needs, the feed raw materials used and the production process must comply with the relevant organic production rules.
When choosing an organic feed, both the nutritional values and the organic status of the raw materials used should therefore be taken into account.
The Bioyem Dairy Cow Feed Programme
Bioyem dairy cow feeds basically use different feeding groups according to the lactation period:
- Peak Lactation: 0–100 days
- Mid Lactation: 101–200 days
- Late Lactation: day 201 onwards
These periods should be assessed together with the animal’s actual milk yield, roughage quality, live weight and the farm’s overall ration programme.
Summary
Feeding dairy cows is not just a matter of choosing a suitable feed for the animal.
The animal’s lactation period, milk yield, roughage quality and the nutrient balance of the total ration should be assessed together.
A feed programme suited to the changing needs of early, peak, mid and late lactation is one of the cornerstones of dairy cattle feeding.