Minimising Body condition loss

[Eminus]

Just wondered what's the best way to add extra energy to the diet to minimise condition loss without feeding extra sugars or starch. The last time we added Megalac we had a drop in milk. We don't feed tmr.

Thanks in advance

 

[More to life]

Best way imo is to delay and reduce the peak go for a flatter lactation.

 

[Eminus]

Tend to get them up to max conc quickly to try and avoid ketosis

 

[Beef farmer]

What bcs are we talking?

 

[More to life]

What bcs are we talking?

And yields

 

[Durry cows]

Get something that doesn't what to milk as hard (like a friesian or Monty) Sorry I couldn't resist but seriously some Holsteins nowadays it's catch 22 you throw more corn at them to try and put condition on but they just milk harder and strip more off

 

[bovine]

You need good transition management. It's all about having big rumens capable of eating a lot after calving. You will need to feed some very low quality silage or even chopped straw. I'd be aiming for a shorter dry period as the danger is you will put weight on if dry too long. Manage BCS so they dry off and end dry period the same. Minimise lameness, bullying and maximise access to food.

Its not something you can 'fix' by throwing extra energy in easily.

We need to know more about breed, yield, milking cow diet and dry period/transition management.

 

[More to life]

One non specific tip is it's easier to keep weight on a thin cow than a fat one calve them lean and hungry.

 

[Eminus]

Looking at the dairy co fact sheet they would score a 2.-2.25 that's the older cows 4+ lactations yielding around 45ltr. Younger ones seem to be holding condition better. Just thought maybe missing a diet supplement for them.

 

[More to life]

Looking at the dairy co fact sheet they would score a 2.-2.25 that's the older cows 4+ lactations yielding around 45ltr. Younger ones seem to be holding condition better. Just thought maybe missing a diet supplement for them.

Lower protein cake if they are already milking

 

[Hotspur]

Kexxtone bolus is the one thing I find maintains condition if they are fat or thin pre calving.

 

[Beef farmer]

Eminus have you not stopped the feeder wagon and gone for a simple system?

 

[More to life]

Eminus have you not stopped the feeder wagon and gone for a simple system?

I think he forgot to tell his cows

 

[Headless chicken]

I think he forgot to tell his cows

That's the most important part. Just like no letting them see someone else have a bottle of calcium they will all get ideas otherwise