Feed is the largest expense on a dairy farm, and it is also the factor with the greatest effect on production. A good ration meets the cow's needs while preventing waste. The basic approach is summarized step by step below.
1. Start with dry matter (DM) intake
A cow can consume dry matter equal to approximately 3% of her body weight each day. For example, a 600 kg cow eats about 18 kg of dry matter per day. This figure is the starting point for ration planning because it reflects how much the animal can digest.
2. Balancing forage and concentrates
The foundation of the ration is forage (corn silage, hay, straw and alfalfa). Forage is essential for rumen health and generally makes up more than half of the ration. Concentrate feed (dairy feed/commercial feed) provides additional energy and protein according to milk yield. Too much concentrate and too little forage disrupts rumen health and can cause acidosis.
3. Protein and energy
Milk production requires protein and energy. Dairy feeds generally contain 18–21% protein. The more milk a cow produces, the greater her energy and protein requirements, so higher-producing cows receive more concentrate feed.
4. A sample daily ration
A general starting example for a moderately producing dairy cow is about 18 kg of corn silage, about 5 kg of dry forage (straw/hay) and about 11–12 kg of dairy feed (about 21% protein). Mineral and vitamin supplements and unrestricted access to water are added to this.
These values are examples only. The ration should be calculated for the individual animal according to her body weight, stage of lactation, milk yield and the quality of the available feeds. Seek support from a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist to achieve the right balance.
5. Do not forget water
Milk is approximately 87% water. No ration can deliver its full potential without 24-hour access to clean, unrestricted water. When water intake falls, milk production falls as well.
6. Monitor cost and production together
Monitoring the cost and results of a ration is just as important as formulating it correctly. By recording monthly feed costs and the milk produced in return, you can use the numbers to see which ration is genuinely profitable.
Track feed costs and milk with Alprivo
Record rations and feed costs in Alprivo Herd Management, view milk income and track the periods in which you made a profit from a single screen.