Whether raising beef cattle or dairy cows, the old saying “you are what you eat” rings just as true. According to the experts at Energy Feeds International, the quality of the cow-cattle feed consumed has a direct impact on animal health, productivity, and profitability. From forage to grain rations, getting nutrition dialed in is job one.
Forages: The Foundation
The core of any good dairy ration is high-quality forage like hay, haylage and silages made from grasses like alfalfa, corn, and small grains. These bulky feeds provide the fiber that rumen microbes need to thrive and nourish the cow.
Forage quality depends on factors like:
- Plant nutrient levels and digestibility.
- Proper harvesting timing and techniques.
- Appropriate fermentation and storage methods.
Even small decreases in forage quality can require higher grain feeding rates to maintain production, which negatively impact cow health and feed efficiency.
Energy Drivers
After accounting for forage needs, nutritionists formulate concentrated grain mixes to ensure the herd receives adequate energy (carbohydrates/fats) from readily digestible sources. Common energy ingredients are corn, barley, wheat and byproducts like distiller’s grains or soy hulls.
Getting grain mixes balanced with the right starch, fiber, and fat levels optimizes rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization by the cow. Improper grain ratios can disrupt the rumen environment, depress components like butterfat and trigger metabolic issues.
Protein Building Blocks
High-quality protein is also critical for sustaining peak milk production. Not just total protein matters, but the specific amino acid profile available to the cow for protein synthesis.
Strategic use of protein sources like soybean meal, canola meal and rumen-bypass protein supplements provide an ideal amino acid array. Deficiencies in essential amino acids like lysine and methionine can limit component yields despite adequate total protein intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are the micronutrient spark plugs that power hundreds of metabolic processes in the dairy cow, from immune function and reproductive performance to structural integrity and butterfat synthesis.
While forages and grains contribute some vitamins and minerals, targeted supplement packs ensure sufficient levels of bioavailable calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A and E and others. Micronutrient shortfalls manifest in decreased health and productivity.
Feed Quality Control
Of course, purchasing high-quality ingredients is only the first step. Proper intake, mixing and delivery of balanced rations on the farm are equally vital.
Key practices include:
- Analyzing nutrient levels of all commodities.
- Monitoring forage dry matter variations.
- Using proven ration formulation software.
- Maintaining mixer scales and standards.
- Implementing strict feed delivery schedules.
Even high-quality feed is rendered ineffective if mishandled or inconsistently delivered to the cow. That is why most dairy farms now use advanced feed management systems and oversight by qualified nutritionists.
The Triple-Impact
Ultimately, feed quality affects dairy cows and producers in three key areas:
- Milk Production and Components – Diets lacking in energy, effective protein, amino acids or other nutrients directly suppress the sheer volume of milk produced and valuable components like milk-fat and protein.
- Herd Health – Nutrient deficiencies and imbalances contribute to devastating production diseases like ketosis, acidosis, and milk fevers. Cows on subpar rations are also more prone to secondary infections and reproductive issues.
- Feed Efficiency – Low feed quality equals wasted money as more must be fed to achieve the same production while generating excess manure output. High-quality diets optimize nutrient utilization and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
Modern dairy farms simply cannot afford to let feed quality slide. Only by leveraging high-quality forage, refined grain mixes and precision nutrition can producers unlock every cow’s full genetic potential for production, health, and longevity.
