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Optimum Rations for Group Feeding¹

Department of Dairy Science, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801

ABSTRACT

Feeding lactating cows which are housed and handled in groups is a special problem because the manager neither controls nor is able to determine feed consumption by individual cows. To achieve maximum income above feed cost the rations should be consumed in large quantities, contain a high concentration of utilizable nutrients, contain sufficient fiber to avoid depressed milk fat percentage, and contain feed ingredients formulated on least cost. The advantages and limitations of feeding a single mix or feeding multiple mixes of feeds are discussed. Specifications for rations and sample ingredient mixes for various stages of lactation and yields of daily milk are presented. Rations designed for group feeding of cows with marginal appetites in early lactation should be based on dry matter consumption of 3.0 to 3.2% of body weight. Exceptionally high daily producers (>35 kg of milk daily) will perform well when fed rations containing 1.91 Meal of net energy per kg of dry matter (approximately 56% concentrates and 44% forage) by consuming greater than average quantities of feed. Blending the ingredients will reduce the individual cow variation in feed consumption and result in better balance of nutrients among individual cows than feeding the same ingredients separately.

¹ Supported by the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station as part of NC-119, Improving Management Practices in Large Dairy Herds.