Focus on ration detail to reduce feed costs per litre
Incorrectly designed or presented rations could be increasing total feed costs by as much as 1.5-2.5ppl, warns KW nutritionist Dr Matt Witt.
“For 200 cows averaging 30 litres/day, that’s worth £15,000 during the first 100 days of lactation alone,” he said.
“The most efficient Holstein Friesian herds have total feed costs below 10ppl, yet the more typical range is 12-15ppl. That’s a lot of lost profitability, and a significant portion comes from incorrect ration design and presentation.”
The result is less efficient digestion, poor nutrient utilisation and reductions in milk yield, milk quality and fertility. What’s needed, claims Dr Witt, is much greater attention to detail.
“Start by prioritising the best quality forage for the most efficient converters of feed into milk – early lactation cows. Drive energy intakes by fine tuning ration dry matter, palatability and energy density, using moist or liquid feeds like Traffordgold and Molale.
“Improving the balance of protein and energy supply will cut waste, reduce costs per litre and avoid the negative effects of excess nitrogen on fertility. And don’t overlook the importance of easy access to clean drinking water and good ration structure, both of which can have a big impact on overall efficiency.”
