Best feeding plans for different dairy herd stages

A successful dairy operation depends on providing tailored nutrition to cattle at different stages of their lives. A one-size-fits-all approach is inefficient and can harm both milk production and animal health.
Here are the best feeding plans for different herd stages:

Calves (Birth to 6 months)

The goal is to ensure healthy growth and develop a strong immune system.

• Colostrum: The most critical step is feeding the newborn calf colostrum (the mother's first milk) within the first 2-3 hours of birth. It's rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity.
• Milk Replacer/Whole Milk: Calves are fed milk or a high-quality milk replacer for the first 6-8 weeks.
• Calf Starter: A grain-based, high-protein calf starter feed should be introduced in the first week to help develop the rumen.
• Forage: High-quality hay or fodder should be offered from the second week onwards to further stimulate rumen development.

Heifers (6 months to first calving)

The aim is to achieve optimal growth for breeding without allowing the heifer to become overweight, which can affect future milk production.

• High-Quality Forage: The diet should be primarily based on high-quality roughage like fodder, silage, and hay.
• Balanced Concentrates: Supplement the forage with a balanced concentrate mix that provides the necessary protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support steady growth. The amount is adjusted based on the heifer's age and weight.

Lactating Cows (Milking Stage)

This stage has the highest nutritional demand. The goal is to maximize milk production while maintaining the cow's body condition.

• Total Mixed Ration (TMR): The best practice is to provide a TMR, which is a perfectly balanced mix of forages, grains, protein sources (like oil cakes), minerals, and vitamins.
• Phase Feeding: The ration is adjusted based on the stage of lactation:
  • Early Lactation (first 100 days): Highest protein and energy diet to support peak milk production.
  • Mid-Lactation (100-200 days): Diet is adjusted to maintain production and begin regaining body weight.
  • Late Lactation (200+ days): Energy content is reduced to prevent the cow from becoming overweight.

Dry Cows (Non-milking stage, 60 days before calving)

This is a crucial resting period for the cow to recover and prepare for the next lactation.

• High-Fibre Diet: The diet should consist mainly of high-quality forage to keep the rumen healthy.
• Reduced Energy: Energy and protein levels are significantly lower than for lactating cows to prevent excessive weight gain.
• Transition Feed: In the last three weeks before calving, a special "transition feed" is introduced. It helps the cow's digestive system adapt to the high-energy diet she will receive after giving birth, preventing metabolic disorders like milk fever.