The importance of feeding
Feed optimization
Right feeding strategy, better results
The importance of a balanced ration
A good ration is tailored to the individual needs of the cow and support efficient feed utilisation. Rumen synchronization is the ultimate goal: every bite should be balanced in terms of energy, protein, and structure. To achieve this, focus on feed quality and proper mixing, feeding frequency, and feed efficiency. In this way, you optimize the milk production of your cows and minimize waste. Good feeding is an investment in cow health and the sustainability of the dairy farm.
Feed optimization
Getting the most out of the available ration
Formulating the right ration
Formulating the right ration is essential for stable feed intake and a healthy rumen. By aligning the amount of energy, protein, fiber, and minerals in each bite with the cow’s needs, digestion is supported and milk production is maintained. A well-balanced ration also helps prevent metabolic disorders such as ketosis and milk fever.
Preventing rumen acidosis
A healthy rumen is essential for optimal digestion and feed efficiency. A balanced ration with sufficient structure supports a proper pH balance in the rumen. However, even with an appropriate ration, there remains a risk of subacute rumen acidosis if cows do not receive the feed at the right time, in the right form, or in the right place.
Feed efficiency
A well-balanced ration helps cows consume and utilize feed optimally. Precision feeding plays an important role in this: by aligning the ration exactly with the cow’s needs, waste is prevented and feed intake remains stable. Proper management of eating patterns helps detect small deviations quickly. Data from the Lely Horizon management program provide insight into requirements and feed intake, enabling timely intervention.
Smooth dry period
During the dry period, cows have an increased energy demand. This calls for a specific ration, preferably one that is provided twice a day. Consistent feed intake and the right ration are essential. If the ration and/or feeding frequency do not match the cow’s needs, there is a risk of negative energy balance. This increases the risk of ketosis and other metabolic conditions. Analyzing rumination activity and feeding behavior can help detect early signals of stress or imbalance.
Healthy cows produce more
Feed intake and feed efficiency: maximum utilisation of the ration
Feed efficiency is an important indicator of the effectiveness of your feeding strategy. Lely Horizon supports this by calculating feed efficiency. The management app shows how much milk production your cows achieve per kilogram of dry matter intake. Improving feed efficiency results in better feed utilisation and lower feed costs per liter of milk.
Feed efficiency depends, among other things, on:
- The quality and digestibility of the ration. Precision feeding ensures proper alignment with individual needs.
- The number of feeding moments per day. Frequent feeding leads to higher feed intake, which directly affects feed efficiency.
- The degree of sorting at the feed fence. Properly mixed feed prevents selection.
- The health of the herd. Healthy animals produce more efficiently.
Drinking behavior of cows
The importance of drinking water
To be able to consume enough feed, a cow must also be able to drink sufficient water. Does the drinking water supply on your farm receive enough attention? Dairy cows drink approximately 4 to 4.5 liters of water per kilogram of milk produced. If water intake is insufficient, milk production declines and the risk of metabolic disorders increases.
For proper water intake, both accessibility of drinking water and water quality (hygiene) are important.
- Check water quality and flow daily.
- Provide sufficient drinking points with easy access.
- Clean troughs regularly to prevent contamination.
- Monitor water temperature, especially during heat stress.
Metabolic disorders
Frequent feeding helps reduce metabolic disorders
The main causes of metabolic disorders are a ration that does not match the cows’ needs and inadequate or uneven feed intake. Dry cows are especially sensitive to this due to advanced pregnancy. In practice, it can be challenging to formulate a suitable ration daily for this small group. As a result, the choice is often made to feed less frequently and with a less appropriate ration. Automatic feeding with the Lely Vector makes it possible to feed all groups, no matter how small, frequently with a tailor-made ration.
Farming insights
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about feed optimization
A properly mixed ration prevents feed sorting at the feed fence. When cows have the opportunity to pick out the most palatable parts of the ration, they do not ingest the correct balance or the full range of nutrients. The ration calculated by the farmer is therefore not consumed as intended by the cow, which can result in deficiencies of certain nutrients.
Another disadvantage of feed sorting at the feed fence is increased claw load. Cows spend more time standing at the feed fence, and there is more competition to be the first to access the palatable components. Prolonged standing also reduces lying time, which in turn negatively affects blood circulation to the udder.
Rumen synchronization means that every bite a cow takes is balanced in terms of nutrients. In other words, each bite contains sufficient protein, energy, and structure. This is achieved by formulating a ration that contains these nutrients in the right proportions and by mixing it thoroughly. Proper mixing prevents cows from sorting at the feed fence. Feed sorting can also be reduced by feeding frequently. When feed does not remain on the feed alley for too long, cows have less opportunity to select specific components.
In addition to a well-formulated ration, it is therefore important to offer the ration in the right way: frequently and well mixed.
When a cow consumes a large portion in one go, the pH level in the rumen drops significantly. This increases the risk of (subclinical) rumen acidosis and damage to the rumen wall. Often this goes unnoticed, but it does have a real impact on both the cow’s health and milk production. Eating smaller portions regularly also better matches the cow’s natural behavior.
Feeding frequency also has a major influence on behavior in the barn. When cows receive a fresh ration only once a day, they all want to reach the feed fence as quickly as possible. This leads to unrest in the barn and rank-related conflicts at the feed fence. This can be prevented by feeding more frequently during the day or at least by pushing up the feed more often.
Ketosis is primarily prevented by maintaining a good balance between energy requirements and feed intake in dry cows. Make sure cows do not enter the dry period too fat and calve at the correct body condition. Stimulate high and consistent feed intake with palatable, fresh, and well-mixed feed, combined with sufficient feeding moments (at least once per day, preferably twice). Monitor high risk cows more closely and intervene early if feed intake declines.
Those who use Lely’s Horizon farm management app have tools available to gain insight into the results of their feeding strategy. When Lely Horizon is used in combination with the Astronaut milking robot, Horizon estimates feed intake. If you also use the automatic Vector feeding robot, the average feed intake is known as well, making margin calculations more accurate.
In addition, Horizon tracks whether the animals achieve the desired feed intake based on the calculated ration. In other words: are the cows actually consuming the kilograms of dry matter calculated by the feed advisor? With conventional feeding systems, this often remains insufficiently visible.
Discover Lely Vector
The right ration at all times
To keep dairy cows healthy and productive, it is important that the herd receives a ration that matches their nutritional needs, while minimizing costs and feed waste. A feeding robot automatically supplies small, well-mixed, tailor-made portions. Because the Lely Vector feeds frequently, fresh feed is available day and night. This increases feed intake, reduces waste, and creates rest in the barn.