Conception Rate (%)
PHOTO: JAN WILLEM SCHOUTEN
NUTRITION ▶▶▶
Three key factors for optimal herd health and performance
Numerous factors can impact dairy herd health and performance, including genetics, management, housing and stress. However, the most fundamental factor in ensuring herd success is nutrition. Here we discuss three key areas of dairy cow nutrition that should be considered in order to get the most from your herd.
BY DAVID WILDE, GLOBAL RUMINANT TECHNICAL MANAGER, ANPARIO PLC
1. Adequate dry matter intake While the link between maximising dry matter intake (DMI) and greater milk yields to result in increased profits is under- stood, it is important to remember that maximising DMI also offers many other advantages for dairy cow performance. The milk yield of the modern dairy cow has increased substantial- ly; if DMI is inadequate, this can be associated with a nutri- tional energy deficit. Not only will this deficit impact body condition, which can impair a cow’s ability to produce the milk yields possible in terms of its genetic potential, it can also reduce successful conception rates and increase risk of metabolic disease. Therefore, ensuring adequate DMI is
stet al., 2018).
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1st Service
Control Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) +10%
crucial to ensuring dairy cows’ performance and number of lactations within the herd. One key factor in driving DMI is the palatability and presenta- tion of the ration. Palatability of the feed is influenced by nu- merous factors, including freshness, presence of mould, spoil- age of raw materials or silage, moisture and temperature. Cows are particularly sensitive to unpalatable feed and will actively avoid consumption of such feed. Therefore, ensuring that high quality feed is presented to the herd is essential in maximising DMI and feed intakes.
2nd Service
2. Excess soluble dietary protein Ensuring provision of the correct balance of rumen degrada- ble protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) is fundamental in supporting all areas of cow maintenance, re- production and milk production. Low levels of RDP can nega- tively affect rumen fermentation, reducing feed efficiency; however, the issues surrounding excess dietary soluble pro- tein can be equally problematic. Provision of excessive protein can have a negative effect on dairy cow fertility. This is due to the impact that excess pro- teins have on uterine pH, resulting in an unhospitable envi- ronment for the developing embryo. Excess proteins can also exacerbate the energy deficit seen in high-yielding dairy cows as previously mentioned, because the additional pro- tein must be broken down. This process requires additional energy that could be used by the cow for other metabolic functions. Improvement of nitrogen efficiency is a key target associated with the reduction of greenhouse gases. Nitrogen efficiency is calculated by dividing protein intake by protein output in the milk. It is important to remember that more protein in the diet does not always result in a higher level in the milk. In- stead it can result in higher levels being excreted in urine and manure, leading to increased nitrous oxide and ammonia in the environment. Therefore improving nitrogen efficiency is incredibly important. Finally, overfeeding of protein can be detrimental to profit margins because as protein levels in the dietary rations
12 ▶DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 7, No. 3, 2020
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