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Effect of Mixed Ration Nutrient Density on Milk of Cows Transferred from High Production Group

Agway Inc., Syracuse, NY 13221
Cooperative Research Farms, Charlotteville, NY 12036

ABSTRACT

Sixty cows beyond peak production were fed individually total mixed rations balanced for 31.8 kg of milk. Cows were changed abruptly when their average milk production for 6 days dropped below 27.2 kg to one of the following treatments (20 cows/each) for 4 wk: high ration balanced for 27.2 kg; medium, 22.7 kg; or low, 18.2 kg of milk production. After 4 wk all groups were changed abruptly to a total mixed ration balanced for 22.7 kg of milk production (medium) for an additional 4 wk.

When switched from a ration for 31.8 kg of milk, cows fed for 27.2 kg consumed more dry matter than cows receiving medium or low and reduced dry matter intake less 1 wk after the abrupt change. Yields of milk were higher for cows switched from 31.8 kg to high and when all treatment groups were switched back to medium ration.

Milk fat or protein percentage did not differ; however, yields of fat and protein were highest for cows receiving high ration. Income over feed cost during the 8-wk experimental period was $8.40 and $3.36 higher for cows fed low and high rations than for those fed medium. To maintain a consistent decline of milk in switching from a group fed a ration balanced for 31.8 kg production, nutrient density should not be decreased more than 15%.