Feeding management
Published:
3/17/2011
Feeding programs that minimize costs while meeting the dairy cow’s nutritional needs are basic to attaining the cow’s genetic potential to produce milk.
Furthermore, those diets must optimize the health and reproductive performance of cows. In addition, these rations are formulated for the environment (to meet the nitrogen and phosphorus needs of the cow) without feeding them excess amounts. These days, achieving these goals, which do not result in immediate financial rewards, is a tall task.
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Transition cows
Published:
5/17/2006
Written by:
Thomas R. Overton
Two group feeding systems are recommended during traditional length (60 days) dry periods to best meet the cow's nutritional needs
Maximizing dry matter intake in the dry period is important; however, careful attention to various nutrients is required to prevent dramatic drops in intake just prior to calving.
As shortened dry periods (30-45 days) become more common, single group feeding programs may be necessary.
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