Early Lactation 22 - 80 days

Early Lactation

Milk production increases rapidly during the early weeks of lactation, and peaks at around 6 to 8 weeks. On average, high producing cows produce 85 to 100 lbs of milk per day. The cow increases her dry matter intake but does not consume enough energy to meet the needs of milk production. She mobilizes body stores to meet production needs, is in negative energy balance, and loses body weight.

The cow makes milk and loses weight because she can't eat enough to meet her energy requirement.

Maximum nutrient density to meet energy requirement but fiber content must be maintained.

A trench silo is below the ground. It is used to produce silage to feed the herd.

A high producing cow can produce an average of 85 to 100 lbs of milk per day.

  • 101.50 Total (as fed)

A total mixed ration (TMR) contains a mix of all dietary feedstuffs. Feeding the cow a TMR is a good way to ensure each mouthful of feed is similar and provides a uniform diet. Dairy cattle are usually fed in groups. The amount of each feedstuff listed here is the amount per cow for the  target  cow. This value is multiplied by the number of cows that will be fed. The total amount of each feedstuff needed is transferred to a mixer wagon equipped with a scale and mixed before feeding. Silage has relatively low dry matter concentration. Silage samples should be taken weekly and analyzed for dry matter concentration to adjust the diet and maintain the proper nutrient concentration.

  • 100.00 Total DM (%)

The energy density of the diet is increased. Fiber is provided by forages and other feed ingredients such as whole cottonseed. Including adequate peNDF is important. Soybean hulls are less effective in stimulating rumination than the silages in the diet. The soybean hulls are high in NDF but not peNDF. Rumination stimulates salivation and adds buffers to the rumen. Sodium bicarbonate is included in the diet to buffer acids produced in the rumen. Buffers are important to maintain ruminal pH and prevent acidosis. A source of bypass fat such as Energy Booster can be added. Fat in the diet should be kept below 7 to 8%. Porcine blood meal is added as a source of RUP. Limestone adds calcium to the diet.

The NDF of the diet should be maintained at 25 to 28% and the ADF% of the diet should be maintained at about 18 to 19% to reduce rumen disorders. The optimal NDF will vary depending on the specific feedstuffs and the peNDF they provide. Dietary protein is maintained at a high level around 16 to 18%. The cow needs adequate amounts of RDP and RUP. The RUP should be around 40% of total protein. Added fat in the diet (ether extract) helps the cow meet her energy requirements. A source of rumen by pass fat is added to avoid problems with rumen fermentation. This is particularly important for high producing cows. A supply of clean water is critical for milk production.