Feeding management plays a vital role in dairy cow health, productivity, and welfare. Even when cows are provided with the same diet, milk yield and feed intake can vary significantly due to non-dietary factors such as overcrowding, feeding frequency, and feed access. This article outlines strategies dairy farmers can use to improve feed management and optimize cow performance across different life stages.
Why Feeding Management Matters
Cows that are not able to access enough feed may experience hunger, weakened immunity, and reduced productivity. To maintain optimal health and performance, it’s important to consider more than just the diet itself. Factors such as bunk space, feeding frequency, and cow comfort directly influence feed intake and digestion.
Feed Access Strategies
Improving how cows access feed is a simple but effective way to boost intake and performance. Consider the following:
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Reduce overcrowding: Lower stocking density to minimize competition at the feed bunk.
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Increase feed quantity: Ensure feed is available ad libitum (as much as cows want to eat).
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Widen bunk space: Provide enough linear bunk space per cow.
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Install physical dividers: Reduce competition by separating cows as they eat.
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Feed more often: Aim for at least two feedings per day to reduce sorting and improve diet consistency.
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Push up feed regularly: Keep feed within reach throughout the day.
Rumination and Cow Comfort
Rumination is essential for digestion and maintaining a healthy rumen. It stimulates saliva production, which helps regulate rumen pH. Cows are more likely to ruminate while lying down, so comfortable resting areas are key.
Changes in rumination behavior can signal early signs of illness or stress. Monitoring rumination activity—especially before and after calving—can help prevent metabolic issues and improve post-calving feed intake and milk yield.
Best Practices:
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Monitor rumination times and look for sudden changes.
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Use automated rumination sensors where possible.
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Provide soft, clean bedding to encourage longer lying times.
Feed Program Recommendations
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Consult a qualified nutritionist to design a feeding plan tailored to cow group, stage of lactation, and environmental conditions.
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Regularly test feed ingredients and ensure they are high-quality and free of spoilage.
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Provide diets with enough fiber to promote chewing and saliva production.
Heifer Nutrition: Supporting Growth and Future Productivity
Heifers have unique nutritional needs based on their age, size, and growth stage. Balanced diets help ensure adequate frame development and reproductive success.
Heifer Nutrition Tips:
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Group heifers by size and age to minimize feed competition.
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Track weight, hip and wither height, and daily gain regularly.
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Target daily gains of 0.6 kg (1.3 lb) for small breeds and 0.9 kg (2.0 lb) for large breeds.
Transition Cow Considerations
Transition cows (around the time of calving) face increased nutritional demands. Proper feeding during this period helps prevent health issues like ketosis, milk fever, and fatty liver—conditions that can limit productivity and increase culling risk.
Feeding Tips for Transition Cows:
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Monitor for metabolic disorders and adjust diets accordingly.
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Feed lower-potassium forages and consider adding anionic salts to reduce the risk of milk fever.
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Avoid feeding large amounts of grain at once; instead, increase concentrate intake gradually.
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Include effective fiber to reduce the risk of sub-acute ruminal acidosis.
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Track dry matter intake, rumen fill, and body temperature during this critical period.
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Use additives like propylene glycol and rumen-protected choline to support liver function.
Final Thoughts
Feeding management is more than just what’s in the ration—it’s how feed is delivered, accessed, and consumed. By fine-tuning feed access, monitoring behavior, and customizing diets by group and life stage, dairy producers can improve both animal welfare and farm profitability.
