Technical articles about livestock and agriculture
Feed costs in dairy rations are undoubtedly the single largest expense related to milk production. They generally account for more than 50% of average production costs. Feed efficiency is used as a criterion for benchmark herds in terms of relative profitability.
Feed efficiency can be defined as the milk produced per unit of dry matter intake. In some programs, this calculation can be verified by the solids content of the milk. If you are using this calculation, it is important to know the dry matter intake of the herd or group.
Our colleagues in the cattle and poultry sectors have been successfully using feed efficiency calculations as a benchmarking tool. Recently, scientists have approached the measurement and evaluation of feed efficiency in dairy operations from a different perspective.
One benefit is that by feeding close to the cow's nutritional requirements, the cost per unit of milk produced will be lower. Another benefit is that it will reduce excess nutrient excretion. Feed efficiency can increase with higher milk production, or greater solids content in the milk will improve your efficiency.
Daily milk yield, age, growth, body condition score changes, walking distance, body weight, forage quality, feed additives, and environmental factors all affect feed efficiency values.
| Group | Daily milk yield | Feed efficiency (kg milk / kg DM intake) |
|---|---|---|
| All cows in one group | 150 to 225 | 1.4 to 1.6 |
| 1st lactation (<90 days) | <90 | 1.5 to 1.6 |
| 1st lactation (>200 days) | >200 | 1.2 to 1.3 |
| 2nd+ Lactation (<90 days) | <90 | 1.6 to 1.8 |
| 2nd+ Lactation (>200 days) | >200 | 1.3 to 1.2 |
| Problem herds | 150 to 200 | <1.3 |
A breeding program should be managed to reduce average daily milk yield. A properly balanced ration should be provided to improve forage digestion. NDF digestibility should be improved. Adequate effective fiber should be provided. Rumen fermentation should be stimulated. Ration sorting should be minimized. Feed additives should be utilized. The effects of excessive heat should be minimized. Cow stress should be minimized. Fresh and late-stage cows should be closely monitored.
According to field estimation reports, if sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA) occurs in a cow, feed efficiency can drop by 0.1 units. Feeding with an effective rumen buffer will help maintain rumen pH within the optimum range.
If forage NDF digestibility increases by 1%, milk yield increases by 0.25 kg and dry matter intake increases by 0.1. ANC's new product Amaferm is a feed additive that enhances fiber digestion in the rumen.
At the beginning of the grazing season, the risk of mineral deficiency should be considered in cattle fed with fresh grasses. Micro-minerals in the ration are needed for cattle and dairy cows to perform various functions in their bodies: enzymes, hormones, tissue development, immunity, etc.
| Micro-Element | Function in the body | In case of deficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Iodine (I) | Required for the formation of T3 and T4 hormones | Respiratory difficulties in calves, insufficient organ development |
| Cobalt (Co) | Essential for rumen fiber-digesting bacteria and vitamin B12 | Decreased DM intake, reduced immunity, dull coat |
| Copper (Cu) | Essential element in 250 enzyme systems | Discoloration of coat and eyes, reduced immunity |
| Manganese (Mn) | Bone development, sex hormones, energy metabolism | Skeletal abnormalities, decreased conception rates |
| Zinc (Zn) | Role in metabolic, immunological, and hormonal processes | Flaky skin, excessive bleeding, reduced immunity |
| Selenium (Se) | Very important for immunity (antioxidant) | Reduced immunity and conception rates |
Dairy and beef cattle should receive extra minerals and micro-elements. Mineral buckets are the best way to provide extra minerals, as they are easy to use, weather-resistant, and allow animals to freely meet their own needs.