Dairy - Lactation and milk production

Factors impacting milk production

Genetics: (main factor) determines potential for milk yield, milk composition, length of lactation

Feeding and management: determines whether potential is attained

Proper management: contributes to high levels of production (ex. times milked per day)

Production: influenced by the health of the female

• Dams with male offspring produce more milk than dams with female offspring

• females with multiple births usually produce more total milk

Age of the female: affects milk yield with younger and older females producing less milk compared to females that have several lactation (3rd lactation peak production)

Lactation cycle - Early lactation

• First 100 days of lactation (0-100 post calving)

• Milk production begins at a high rate and continues to increase for 3-6 weeks

• Peak milk production: occurs 6-8 weeks post calving

• Negative energy balance: feed intake starts to lag and begin to lose weight due to their rapid milk yield compared to dry matter intake

  • Leads to metabolic disorders (milk fever, ketosis)

  • once peak dry matter intake is achieved the cow will stop losing weight

• Cows are fed high energy diets, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E are important to prevent metabolic diseases

• Rebred around day 60-70 postpartum

Lactation cycle - Mid lactation

• Day 100-200 post calving

• Goal is to maintain peak production for as long as possible and maximize dry matter intake

• Cows should be eating 4% their body weight

• Protein requirements are reduced during this time

• Feeding high quality forage is important

• Cows should be pregnant during this time and their body condition should stabilize or recover from early lactation losses

Lactation cycle - Late lactation

• Day 200-305 post calving

• Milk production gradually declines

• Feed intake declines as well

• Nutritional needs are lower compared to early and mid lactation

Lactation cycle - Dry period

• Day 305 to calving (45-60 days before birth)

• Break in lactation

• Important for udder recovery, fetal development, preparing the cow for next lactation cycle

• Dry matter intake 2% of body weight