Seven Main Principles in Dairy Herd Management
Dairy Herd Management is an important factor for dairy farms that maintain long-term high production. They need to successfully manage several key factors: cow nutrition, reproduction, comfort, and milking. Alongside these essentials, all dairy farms must deal with the logistics of weather, transportation, and expenses. Proper planning and thoughtful utilization of the latest dairy farm training and technology make it possible to balance these factors.
This article outlines the principles of properly managing a dairy herd to maintain high milk production and happy cows.
NUTRITION AND FEEDING
*How Much to Feed*
The first step of planning nutrition is to know how much to feed your cows. Your cows always need to be taking in more nutrients than they are producing in milk. When planning feed consumption, the industry standard measures food based on its dry matter content.
- Non-pregnant adult cows: 1.2% of body weight
- Pregnant, non-lactating cows: 2% of body weight
- Milking cows: 1.2% of body weight plus 5 kg per 10 liters of milk produced
*The Principles of Food Nutrition*
Cows need sufficient energy, which they’ll get through starch and fats. Depending on what kind of feed is available in your region, that starch may come in the form of wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, or other grains. Cows also need fat – up to 6% of their ration. Sources of fat include cottonseed, brewers grain, and oils.
Selecting Forage
Feed management consists of two main parts: maintaining forage and storing silage. For most dairy farms, grass is the cheapest and one of the highest-quality forages available. The goal is to keep pastures in a young vegetative state when it contains the most nutrients.
Feeding Management
Cows need constant access to high-quality feed and clean water. Milking cows each need 60-70 liters of water a day, plus an additional 4-5 liters per liter of milk produced.
*BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION*
*Goals and Planning*
Effective reproduction management requires effective planning. Each dairy farm should have a detailed routine for monitoring cows. Regular farm records will also help you to predict when cows will be in heat.
*Heat Detection*
Determining when cows are in heat is the cornerstone of maximizing reproduction. Activity monitors can track how much a cow walks. Peaks in activity can indicate a cow in heat.
*Calf Health*
The biggest factor that affects calf health in the first few weeks is whether they are kept in a clean environment. Calves need to consume about 15% of their body weight in milk each day.
*MILK*
*Milking Tips*
- Cows are susceptible to stress – farm staff should try to maintain a calm, quiet environment.
- Teats should be clean and dry before being connected to milking equipment.
- Milking equipment should be checked daily.
Managing Milk Quality
The milk is chilled immediately after milking. Large farms usually chill it in on-site refrigeration units, while smaller farms immediately transport the milk to a refrigerated collection center.
COW WELFARE
Principles of Cow Comfort
Cows need to be comfortable in order to have high production. A comfortable environment must provide:
- Clean, dry bedding
- Room to lie down
- Shade in the heat
- Non-slip flooring indoors
Shed Design Options
The ideal dairy barn depends on the region, particularly the weather. Compost barns feature sawdust or other bedding material spread out in a large shed. Free-stall barns feature individual cubicles along the sides with a wider open space in the middle.
DAIRY INDUSTRY INNOVATORS
Technology can help your farm decrease running costs and increase productivity over time. Company like Delaval is leader in the dairy industry and develop innovative technology for effective dairy herd management.
HERD MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
In Pakistan, herd management tools are a very important factor, and most dairy farmers use herd management tools in their farms, Companies produce automated modular systems for intensive dairy farm management, cow pedometers, and advanced management software.
Summary
Mastering key principles is pivotal for achieving excellence in dairy herd management. From nutrition and feeding to breeding and reproduction, every detail plays a significant role. Staying abreast of the latest developments is essential for success in the dairy industry.
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