Feeding Facts
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A dairy cow should consume 4% of her body weight daily as total dry matter (forage + grain).
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Three pounds of silage or 2 to 2.5 lbs. haylage are equal to 1 Ib. forage dry matter.
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A dairy cow will eat 1.5 to 2% of body weight daily as forage (hay equivalent).
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Fifteen to 20 lbs. of hay or equivalent from other forages will keep a cow's rumen functioning normally.
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Feed some grain -- up to 1.5% of body weight) during the last 7 to 10 days of the dry period – to lead cows into production.
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Challenge cows with high nutrient intakes during early lactation for maximum efficiency. For each 1-lb. increase in peak production, you will get about 225 more pounds milk per lactation.
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Mature dairy cows will drink approximately 15 to 35 gallons of water per head daily.
Grain Feeding Guideline
After calving, gradually increase grain feeding by 1 lb. per day. When milk production peaks and levels off, attempt to feed the level of grain indicated below and hold at that level for 45 to 60 days. As milk production declines, reduce grain feeding accordingly.
Pounds of Dairy Grain Needed
|
% Butterfat
|
30
|
40
|
50
|
60
|
70
|
80
|
90
|
|
3.0
|
8
|
12
|
15
|
21
|
27
|
32
|
36
|
|
3.5
|
9
|
13
|
17
|
23
|
29
|
35
|
39
|
|
4.0
|
10
|
15
|
18
|
24
|
31
|
36
|
42
|
|
4.5
|
11
|
16
|
19
|
26
|
32
|
38
|
45
|
|
5.0
|
78
|
17
|
21
|
28
|
35
|
40
|
45
|
|
5.0
|
12
|
17
|
21
|
28
|
35
|
40
|
45
|
For more information, contact Janice Spears at jspears@www.mfa-inc.com.
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