Having the best diet for milking cows is essential if you want to produce high quality milk. However, there are several factors that you need to take into account to ensure that your cattle are getting the most out of their diet. This article will go over some of the most important factors, including protein, grain, and water. You will also learn about the importance of the rumen microbiota.
Contents
Water
Having clean drinking water is important to a dairy cow’s health and performance. Water is the single most important nutrient for a cow and is an important part of the cow’s total diet. A dairy cow drinks about 30 to 50 gallons of water daily.
Water intake is dependent on a number of factors, including environmental conditions, the social interactions of the animals, and the physiological state of the animal. A lactating dairy cow will consume between 30 and 60 percent of her total daily water needs just after milking.
Water consumption may be up to 1.2 times higher during periods of heat stress. Water intake is also dependent on a number of other factors, including ration moisture content, air temperature, and respiratory rate.
Total Mixed Ration (TMR)
Using a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for milking cows has several advantages. It promotes efficient feed intake, provides an adequate environment for rumen microbes, reduces selective feeding, and reduces metabolic disorders.
The ration should contain an adequate amount of fiber to promote good rumen function. A protein level of 3.0-4.0 kg/cow/day should be included in the ration. This helps to maintain adequate milk production.
The amount of concentrate and forage to be included in the TMR should be determined by the type of crop year. The forage particles should be at least 1 1/2″ (4 cm) in length.
Particle size should be checked on a regular basis. If the particle size changes, the feed mixture should be reformulated. Overmixing the TMR can cause low cud chewing and rumen upsets.
Grain
Grass is the basis of most dairy cow rations. However, grains may be incorporated into a mixed ration for maximum forage nutrition.
Grains are usually more expensive than hay, but they are more economical when in short supply. They also have a high nutritional value. They are a source of carbohydrates and protein. They can also be used to partially replace roughage when in short supply. The best grain diet for milking cows is the one that will suit the needs of your herd.
Grains have the potential to improve rumen health and increase feed efficiency. However, rumen health can be compromised by the presence of mold in grain. It is also possible that mold growth can lead to adverse health effects in some animals.
Protein
Using a protein-rich diet for milking cows can help you increase milk production, improve body condition, and improve fertility. However, the quality of the protein you feed your animals may depend on the quality of the feeds you purchase. A better formulated diet can reduce protein overages and improve protein conversion.
Protein is essential for several body functions, including growth, maintenance, and antigenic factors. Protein influences the immune system. It is necessary to understand how protein is utilized in the body to avoid problems such as ketosis. It is also important to understand how to maintain an energy to protein ratio, which will optimize the use of protein.
In recent years, the protein supply in feeds has become a public concern. More research and development is needed to improve the quality of animal feeds. For example, a better understanding of how to calculate the rumen undegraded protein (RUP) level may improve protein efficiency. It may also lead to better formulated diets and reduce waste streams.
Rumen microbiota
Among the many effects of the rumen microbiota, diet may have a significant effect on the production of milk and milk products. Rumen microbiota are complex and contain about 1 x 10 3 bacteria per milliliter. Several studies have investigated the role of diet in the composition of rumen microbiota.
In a study of 21 Holstein dairy cows, a metagenomics trial was conducted to monitor the rumen microbiota during the first month of lactation. A total of more than 100 bacteria types were identified. The bacterial taxa were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing.
The results indicated that the dominant microflora in the rumen are Firmicutes. The Clostridiales order contributed 29% to the total community. The Methanobacteriaceae family accounted for 6% of the total community.
