Improving feeding efficiencies in the dairy herd

Cwmcowddu is a mixed farm that consists of a 120 dairy cow herd, 550 breeding ewes and a 32,000 poultry layers unit. The dairy enterprise has seen an increase in numbers over the last two years and a new 20/40 De Laval milking parlour has been installed.

Comparisons with the top third of farms on the Farm Business Survey Data show that feed use (kg/litre) and feed cost per litre is high. Working on a 7,000 litre per cow average yield, the current purchased feed use works out to be 2.7 tonnes of concentrate/cow.

This project will aim to improve feed efficiency in the dairy herd with particular focus on balancing the forages available with appropriate levels of the right bought in feeds rationed accurately. Blood metabolic profiling will be carried out on dry cows and post calving to establish that rations are meeting requirements at all stages of lactation, and monitored against milk yield and quality, cow condition and key fertility performance indicators.  

Being a mixed farm with access to poultry and cattle manures to grow crops, the project will also aim to produce more home-grown feeds to improve sustainability and resilience. Depending on least cost ration formulations for this winter, replacing a bought in component of the ration will be a focus for spring 2024 by growing a new crop and decreasing the dependence on purchased feeds. 

Through driving improvements in feed efficiency, the project will contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes by:

• Reducing the farms greenhouse gas emissions
• Support improvement in maximising carbon storage and sequestration whilst reducing the whole-farm carbon footprint
• Maintaining and enhancing the ecosystem at Cwmcowddu
• Contributing to high herd health and welfare

Final update

Key Results

• Improved feed efficiency and milk production resulted in better cost management and reducing feed wastage by improving dry matter intakes.
• Cows averaged 26-27 litres per day during a challenging grazing season.

Background:

In the winter of 2023-24, the project focused on improving Cwmcowddu’s dairy herd milk production, particularly by adjusting their ration to manage feed costs. The main challenge was to lower feed rates without compromising milk yield. The project emphasised maximising dry matter intake during early lactation and improving peak yields and lactation persistence. Metabolic profiling of cows highlighted concerns related to late pregnancy and fatty liver, which could lead to health issues affecting production. The goal was to implement a strategy that would improve both yield and cow health while controlling feed costs.

Purpose of the Work:

1. Optimise Feed Efficiency: Improve milk production while reducing feed costs per litre.
2. Enhance Cow Health: Focus on preventing metabolic issues and improving transition cow management.
3. Increase Milk Yield: Focus on improving peak yields and lactation persistence through nutritional adjustments.

What We Did:

The methodology combined several strategies to optimise herd performance:

• Rationing and Feed Adjustments: Focused on reducing feed rates while improving milk yield by increasing energy density and starch levels, including introducing maize at 13.5 kg per cow.
• Metabolic Profiling: Conducted metabolic tests on a cross-section of cows to identify health issues, such as fatty liver, which were managed by adjusting the transition cow ration.
• Improved Cow Health: Introduced dry cow rolls and Mag Chloride to support energy levels and reduce the risk of milk fever. The focus was on ensuring cows were well-prepared for early lactation.
• Grazing Management: During the summer, cows were fed only concentrate through the milking parlour, and grazing was maximized to support milk production during a challenging season.

Outcomes:

• Milk Production: Cows averaged 26-27 litres per day during a challenging grazing season.
  Feed Efficiency: The introduction of maize and protein adjustments boosted milk production and milk protein levels while managing feed costs.
• Cow Health: By addressing metabolic issues and improving the transition period, the risks of periparturient diseases were reduced and will support better fertility.
• Feed Intake: Higher dry matter intake was achieved through mixed forages, leading to better overall cow contentment.
• Late Spring Challenges: Late turnout and lower-quality silage highlighted the need for better grass silage management during winter months.

How to Apply on Your Farm:

1. Adjust Cow Rations: Implement a feed strategy with energy-dense and cost-effective options like maize silage to support milk production.
2. Monitor Metabolic Health: Conduct metabolic profiles regularly to identify and manage potential health issues like fatty liver.
3. Support Transition Period: Introduce dry cow rolls and use Mag Chloride in the final weeks of pregnancy to reduce risks of milk fever.
4. Maximize Grazing: During summer, focus on grazing and adjust concentrates based on available grass quality to minimize feed costs.
5. Ensure High-Quality Silage: Produce and store high-quality grass silage to avoid shortages and ensure continuous milk production in the winter.

• December 2024
• April 2024
• December 2023