The lactation period refers to the time following calving, typically starting 15 days postpartum and lasting up to 100 days. This phase is crucial for maximizing milk production and maintaining the cow’s overall health throughout the entire lactation cycle. The goal during this period is not just to increase milk yield quickly but also to extend and stabilize the peak of milk production, ensuring the cow reaches its full potential.
After calving, as the cow recovers from the birthing process, milk production gradually increases. To support this rise, a feeding strategy known as “prepayment†is often used, beginning around day 15 post-calving. Prepayment involves adding 1 to 2 kg of high-quality concentrate feed on top of the standard ration, based on the cow’s current milk output. This helps meet the growing energy demands and supports continued milk production. If milk yields continue to rise within 10 days, the prepayment should be maintained until the production plateaus, at which point it can be gradually reduced.
Modern research has evolved this approach into a more structured method called the “guided feeding system.†This strategy begins earlier, around two weeks before calving, and continues through the peak of lactation. During this time, cows are fed high-energy diets to reduce the risk of ketosis and help maintain body condition. The principle is to maximize the intake of concentrates while minimizing roughage, under controlled conditions. For example, starting with 1.8 kg of concentrate per day, increasing by 0.45 kg every day until the cow consumes 1.0 to 1.5 kg of concentrate per 100 kg of body weight. After calving, the concentrate levels continue to increase daily until the lactation peak is reached. Post-peak, the amount is adjusted based on milk yield, fat content, and body weight.
Throughout this period, high-quality forages should always be available for free-choice feeding, along with clean, fresh water. This helps prevent digestive issues and supports overall health. With guided feeding, many cows experience a second milk peak, leading to a steady increase in production over the entire lactation period. However, this method is not recommended for cows with subclinical mastitis or those recovering from treatment.
The lactation period is one of the most challenging times for dairy cows due to the high energy demands of milk production, which often exceed their feed intake. This leads to a negative energy balance, causing the cow to mobilize body fat, which can result in weight loss. If too much fat is used, especially when glucose levels are low, incomplete fat metabolism can lead to ketosis, characterized by loss of appetite and a sharp drop in milk production. To prevent this, high-energy feeds like corn and molasses are essential, and cows should be encouraged to eat as much dry matter as possible. However, overfeeding concentrates can cause rumen acidosis, so the total concentrate intake should not exceed 15 kg per day. When concentrates make up more than 65% of the dry matter, it can lead to digestive issues, such as rumen acidosis, displaced abomasum, and reproductive problems. To counteract this, sodium bicarbonate (100–150 g) and magnesium oxide (250 g) can be added to the diet to buffer the rumen pH.
Protein is also vital during this period, as it supports milk production and the efficient utilization of forage. However, excessive protein can lead to ketosis and waste, so it should be provided according to nutritional guidelines. In areas where soybean products are abundant, some farms may overfeed protein, leading to health issues. Studies show that a balanced diet with high energy and protein-friendly components is ideal. Rumen-degradable protein should make up about 48% of the total dietary protein. Feeds like blood meal, fish meal, and soybean meal are rich in protein and should be included carefully. Adding methionine can further enhance milk yield.
Calcium and phosphorus are also critical during this time. The calcium content in the diet should be between 0.6% and 0.8% of the total dry matter, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1.
High-quality roughage must be a key component of the diet, making up at least 1% of the cow's body weight to support normal rumen function. Juicy feeds like carrots and beets can be added in winter, with 15 kg per day. Supplementing vitamins A, D, and E, or beta-carotene, can improve ovarian recovery and fertility after calving.
Feed management should include alternating concentrates and forages to maintain high appetites and ensure complete feed consumption. Increasing the number of feedings can help promote healthy rumen microflora, reducing the risk of digestive disorders and ketosis. Grains should not be overly finely ground, as this can lead to rapid fermentation and acid buildup in the rumen. Instead, they should be crushed or pelleted to maintain a stable pH.
According to nutritional standards, the lactation diet should contain 3.5% dry matter of body weight, 2.4 NND, 16–18% crude protein, 0.7% calcium, 0.45% phosphorus, and at least 15% crude fiber, with a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 60:40.
Breast care and milking practices are equally important. Proper milking techniques, including thorough teat disinfection and avoiding residual milk, help prevent mastitis. High-producing cows may benefit from double milking, and clean, soft bedding should be provided to support rest and protect udder health.
Finally, water management is essential. In winter, water should be warm (above 16°C), while in summer, cool or even icy water can help keep cows comfortable and maintain milk production. Regular monitoring of body condition, milk yield, and reproductive performance allows for timely adjustments to the feeding program, ensuring optimal health and productivity.
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