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Dairy milk feeding management
To ensure optimal milk production and health in dairy cows, feeding strategies must be carefully adjusted according to the stages of lactation. During the early lactation period, which typically lasts from day 16 to day 100 post-calving, milk yield increases rapidly. This is known as the "milk rising phase." During this time, it's essential to provide a balanced diet with high-quality, palatable, and easily digestible feed. The roughage should be available at all times, while concentrate feed should be added based on milk output. For example, when daily milk production is around 20 kg, 10–20 kg of concentrate per day is recommended. As milk output increases to 30 kg, feeding can go up to 8.5–10 kg/day. For higher yields, such as 40 kg of milk per day, 10–12 kg of concentrate is advised.
In the middle lactation phase, from day 100 to day 210 postpartum, milk production gradually declines. At this stage, the amount of concentrate feed should be reduced to about 6–7 kg per day. The late lactation period, from day 210 until dry-off, allows for more flexibility in feeding. The concentrate amount can be adjusted based on the cow’s body condition and milk yield. Generally, for every kilogram of milk produced, one kilogram of concentrate is fed.
The concentrate formula should be well-balanced. A typical reference formula includes: 48.5% corn, 25% wheat bran, 10.5% peanut meal, 10% soybean meal, 1% salt, 2% sodium bicarbonate, 2% bone meal, and 1% premix. Adding 2% sodium bicarbonate helps prevent ruminal acidosis and ketosis.
Feeding methods should also be optimized. It's recommended to feed cows two times a day, with three milkings. After the first roughage is consumed, small amounts of ground feed can be provided. Additionally, setting up a feeding trough in the grazing area with silage or hay powder allows cows to eat freely, promoting better digestion and comfort.
Diet diversity is important too. In addition to standard concentrates and roughages, root-based feeds like potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets should be included. By-products such as starch residue, tofu residue, and vinasse can also be used to boost milk yield. These by-products are best used together, and each cow should receive 10–15 kg of fresh dregs daily. Root feeds should be cut into moderate pieces to avoid esophageal blockage.
Finally, maintaining a stable routine is crucial. The “three stables†principle applies: stable feeding times, stable feed types, and stable feeding amounts. Keeping the environment calm and stress-free helps maintain productivity and overall well-being.