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Milk cows feeding

The change of feeding from winter one – based on ensilage, to spring one – based on green fodder causes problems to a great number of breeders, especially in the situation when we deal with the high productivity cows.

Often, it is assumed that during spring and later on, summer, it is easier to breed cattle than in the time of winter, which is based on ensilage feeding. Breeders often forget about the fact that the single volume fodder (in this case the green fodder) is not enough to create a well-balanced food dose. Even with the best planning of pasturing and the most careful attention to the quality of the green fodder, it is very difficult to maintain the optimal ratio between protein and energy. The main cause for it, is a variable pace at which the grasses grow back and correspondingly, the variable content of nutrients and the possibility of absorbing dry mass. In the initial period of pasture ripeness (regrowth of about 15 cm) there is an excess of a protein (more of the protein BTJN than the protein BTJE) with a low dry mass constitution, fibre and energy – energy deficiency increases greatly with the rich nitrogen fertilisation. During the later regrowth (regrowth of about 25 cm) the protein and energy is better balanced and the absorption of dry mass is better as well. However, when the grasses are higher, there is too much fibre and palatability deteriorates – thus resulting in the necessity of complementing all of the missing components. Summing up, we have to remember that together with the length of pasturing with green fodder, there is a change in the ratio between BTJN and BTJE (the INRA system).

It is crucial to remember that:

• with fresh meadows, pastures and with high palatability, there is a frequent problem of too high level of urea in milk. It is an alarming signal that the liver may be overloaded, which may lead to reproduction problems.
  
• lower level of fat in milk may occur frequently as well, it is caused by too low level of raw fibre in dry mass; diarrhoeas may follow
  
• with too low energy level in green fodder, the decrease of protein level in milk may also occur. It is especially noticeable during the subsequent pasturing, when raw fibre (ADF and NDF) level increases. It is the single best time for dried-off cows to utilize a pasture.

To utilize optimally the pasture period, we have to present a few tips and remarks. These are the ones:

• an invaluable and beneficial possibility that we should take advantage of during pasture period, is the movement of cattle in the open air. Through movement and access to easily absorbed mineral ingredients and vitamins we improve the health state of a herd.
  
• we have to gradually make a transition from feeding cattle with ensilage to green fodder one or pasturing. The very transition to pasturing or green fodder feeding should happen over 2-3 weeks since the moment of having fed the cattle with 2-3 kg of fresh mass, until the amount reaches about 20 kg
  
• it is necessary to replenish the energy level (JPM – INRA system) – with corn ensilage, a fodder – Dossche recommendation – Lacto Plus No. 320 or Lactomax No. 325, or with beet pulps
  
• it is necessary to monitor the level of urea, protein and fat in milk
  
• it is necessary to supplement a food dose with appropriate nutritive fodder of lower protein content resulting from balance and pasture quality. Dossche recommends the following fodders: Krowa L 15 No.386 and Bovilac No. 390 and 394, and later on the regulators Bovilux No. 340 and No. 350
  
• at least two volume fodders should be used as far as possible, balancing the levels of BTJN and BTJE, e.g. green fodder and corn ensilage
  
• mineral and vitamin supplements should be used for the whole time, with a distinction for lactation period and production size. (Rumi, Rumica for milk cows; Rumifos for dried-off cows)
  
• starting springtime feeding, it is necessary to remember about implementing the additional amount of magnesium, using the mineral and vitamin preparation Rumimag 480, which prevents pasture tetany, is the best option in this case
  
• it is necessary to provide access to water and shady places at any time
  
• it is necessary to monitor the fibre level in volume fodders
  
• volume fodder should be given first, and then nutritive fodder, in an amount which do not exceed 3 kg at one time
  
• it is necessary to utilize grazing sites accordingly
  
• cows, directly after calving, should be pastured at the nearest grazing sites
  
• along with an aging pasture, the nutritive fodder dose should be increased
  
• we need to remember about disinfestations of a herd twice a year.