Profitable feeding programs for dairy cattleARTICLE
The overall goal of a sound, profitable dairy feeding program is to convert homegrown forages into milk.
With our heifer-rearing programs, we are looking for efficient growth of heifers so that they can become profitable milk-producing units.
Grain mixes are formulated to complement these forages and provide the nutrients which are not supplied by the forages themselves.
Several steps are involved in developing a sound and practical nutritional program for a dairy business. These steps include:
• Step 1: Testing forages to determine their nutrient content
• Step 2: Balancing rations for heifers, dry cows, and milking cows
• Step 3: Implementing the balanced ration
• Step 4: Evaluating how well the feeding program has worked and implement changes to improve the program, if necessary.