Feeding
Evaluation
The cut-off values suggested are based on recommendations in Sweden. Find out which recommendations apply in your country.
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Acclimatisation feeding of starch after calving (up to 21 DIM), g/kg DM
The number in brackets indicates values for feed rations with more starch sources (e.g. maize) and where the feed rations are mixed.
180 (200)
More than 220
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Starch ration during lactation, g/kg DM
The number in brackets indicates values for feed rations with more starch sources (e.g. maize) and where the feed rations are mixed.
200 (220) – high yielding
More than 250
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Fibre content (NDF) (3 weeks before calving to calving), g/kg DM
350
Less than 320
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Fibre content (NDF) (newly calved, up to 30 DIM), g/kg DM
280–360
Less than 280
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Cows with low rumen fill
The rumen fill is low when the area under the transverse processes is deeply sunken and the skin under the transverse processes goes inward.
5% or less
15% or more
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Cows per feeding space (with free access to feed)
A feeding space corresponds to 75–90 cm depending on the size of the cows.
No more than 1.5
3 or more
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Cows per drinking place
A drinking place corresponds to one water bowl or a 0.75 m water trough.
6 or fewer
More than 10
For best results
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Analyse the nutritional content and hygiene of homegrown feeds.
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Adapt the feed ration according to the nutritional demands of cows in different ages and different stages of lactation: young animals, lactating cows and dry cows.
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At least 2 kg DM feed per cow must be on the feeding table 23 hours per day.
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Avoid feed containing insufficient fibre or too finely chopped fibre with poor structure.
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Avoid sudden changes of the feed rations.
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Review the stocking density (see building block “Stocking density”).
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Sufficient feeding spaces (see Evaluation).
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Sufficient drinking places (see Evaluation).
Tips!
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Vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are good for horn quality include biotin, manganese and zinc. Vitamin E and selenium strengthen the immune system.
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The feeds need to contain enough efficient fibre to reduce the risk of ruminal acidosis, which in turn is associated with laminitis.