An easy-to-use capsule containing a source of l …

Buffer Feeding Rotational grazing gives greater …

Complementary Feed for Pre-Weaned Calves

Complementary Feed for Pre-Weaned Calves

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Grass is recovering in supply but is very green, the protein percent is high and the dry matter percent and sugar per cent is down. This is reflected in the milk lactose readings over the month of September as can be seen in Table 1 below.

In fertilising the grazing sward until close out it is important to not apply the 27 to 35 units per acre as straight nitrogen. This will result in protein readings of 22% to 27% which a significant excess of the requirements for 16 to 23 litres of milk per cow per day.

Heat Stress Update Over the past week temperatures have risen to 28ᵒC on farm. Cows are just lying down and not grazing in the afternoon resulting in a drop in dry matter intake and milk yield. The issue: the cows need shade, where cows are brought in at 2pm the observation is that cows are taking up to 20 minutes to cool down and then graze the buffer. Leave them have access to the cubicles to lie down and ruminate. They are grazing out their full buffer allocation, where they are brought in around 4 pm they are only grazing approximately 1/3 of buffer allocation before evening milking.

The weather for the last four weeks is impacting on grass growth where adequate covers per hectare are creating a management challenge. Farmers are trying to maintain rotations of 16 to 19 depending on the soil type, moisture and the dry matter intake for the production. To maintain this buffer, feeding has started with 4Kg DM to 7Kg DM preferably fed before evening milking indoors as the cows will have shade and will consume more. Water availability is critical in keeping the cow cool and maintaining dry matter intake.

The target for every dairy farmer is to maximise productivity for the lactating dairy cow while controlling production costs. Many management factors are involved in successful production including worming of the dairy cow.