The Cutting Edge - Article 18 - Dietary Management of Inefficient Cows to Improve Dairy Economics

Operators To OWNERS

Dietary restriction improved feed efficiency of inefficient lactating cows

Link: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(19)30641-1/fulltext

Big Take Away #1: We need to facilitate a mental shift from total lbs of milk shipped or average per cow on our operations to improving efficiency. This is an important transition that I think we will see producers thinking about more in the current economy. It seems we are finally seeing people paying more attention the economic inputs of feed cost, even in home grown feeds. Hopefully, this will open up some avenues for us to consult in areas with HUGE potential upside for our clients.

Big Take Away #2: There is an economic breakeven point at which it may make sense to reduce feed offered to inefficient cattle and still come out money ahead even with the reduction in production. Targeting this point and understanding where it is will be key for providing clients advise about attempting this strategy.

Big Take Away #3: Inefficient cows fed the same TMR as efficient cows have a 25% higher DMI which is driven by a 23% faster eating rate and 23% bigger meal size. This leads to inefficient cows consuming DM and digestible energy beyond their energy needs resulting in excess energy losses and reduced feed efficiency.

Ultimate Message: While not always economically feasible; the monitoring, identification and alternative management of inefficient cows can have positive impacts on dairies. While continued research is done on the genetic components of this, it is important to note that more aggressive management of our current efficient cows can provide positive results in the meantime.

Dietary restriction improved feed efficiency of inefficient lactating cows

Published by Y.A. Ben Meir, M. Nikbachat, Y. Portnik, S. Jacoby, H. Levit, D. Bikel, G. Adin, U. Moallem, J. Miron, S.J. Mabjeesh, I. Halachmi

Location: Israel

Objective: The objective of this study was to reduce voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) to increase feeding efficiency of preclassified inefficient (INE) dairy cows through restricted feeding.

Location: Israel

Methods: We studied the effects of dietary restriction on eating behavior, milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) production, in vivo digestibility, energy balance, and measures of feed efficiency [residual feed intake (RFI) and ECM/DMI]. Before the experiment, 12 pairs of cows were classified as INE. The 2 dietary treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding versus restricted feeding of the same total mixed ration containing 36.5% roughage. Inefficient cows fed the restricted total mixed ration had a shorter eating time and lower meal and visit frequency, but a similar rate of eating, meal size, and meal duration compared with INE cows fed ad libitum.

Outcomes: Compared with the INE cows fed ad libitum, restricted INE cows had 12.8% lower intake, their dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility remained similar, and their ECM yield was 5.3% lower. Feed efficiency, measured as RFI, ECM/DMI, and net energy retained divided by digestible energy intake, was improved in the restricted INE cows as compared with the ad libitum cows. Our results show that moderate DMI restriction has the potential to improve feed efficiency of preclassified INE cows.

Carry on OTO'ers