on farm nutrition summary

how can we maximise dmi

• ration

• face feed design

• others

how can we use th ration to incrs dmi

• Increase palatability

  • Improve taste e.g. molasses

  • Open” ration

  • Approximately 50% dry matter

• Allow 10% refusals (left over) for true ad lib feeding

• Remove left over feed

• Make ration fresh daily

• “Push up” regularly

• Keep feed face/trough clean

how can we use the feed face deign to incrs dmi

• Adequate feed face (length)

• Ensure neck rail not pushing on neck

• Shiny feed surface

• Good access to feedface

• Dividers to reduce bullying (must be comfortable)

what other things need to be considered to incrs dmi

·        Ensure adequate water access

·        Maintain appropriate body condition

Maintain appropriate environment (e.g. avoid heat stress

how can we reduce sorting

• Cows may “sort” the ration

• Compare before and after

• Avoid with short chop length for long fibre

how is dry cow ration different

• Dry cows are not lactating so require less energy

• Maximising intakes is still important

• The ration contains a much higher proportion of straw

why do we want to maximise intake

• Maximising intake can help meet nutrient requirements without increasing energy density of the ration

what is a mixed ration

o Forage: Grass silage, maize silage, whole crop (wheat) silage, straw

o Protein blend (e.g. rapeseed meal, or soya meal)

• These were combined into a mixed ration