Dairy managers have ways to reduce feed costs, maximise returns

Feeding programs that minimise their costs while meeting the dairy cow’s nutritional needs are basic to attaining the cow’s genetic potential to produce milk. Furthermore, those diets must optimise the health and reproductive performance of cows.

In addition, these rations are formulated for the environment (to meet the nitrogen and phosphorus needs of the cow) without feeding them excess amounts. These days, achieving these goals, which do not result in immediate financial rewards, is a tall task.

As dairy managers evaluate the costs of the diets during times of escalating feed costs, they need to base those decisions on income over feed costs, not feed costs alone. Spending a little more in feed cost may improve profit if the cows produce more milk, re-breed more quickly and remain healthy. Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine from Perendale Publishers.