In Part 1, we looked at the advantages of using LeadFeed with BioChlor™ to maintain a cow’s condition during the final stages of gestation. This combination proves crucial in preserving a cow’s condition, especially given the impact of calving. Calving can leave a cow in a depleted state, significantly affecting her milk yield throughout the lactation period.
Here in Part 2 we’ll examine how Milne Feeds’ dairy feed range, with our unique Hyfibe® technology, enables a safe re-introduction to grain-based pellets. Without the need for an adaptation period, feed can be added quickly and safely enough to halt and reverse condition loss, resulting in larger volumes of milk production throughout the entire lactation period.
It used to be standard practice to ‘put the girls on springer pellets’, then slowly introduce them back to a higher grain pellet. However, this practice meant they were losing critical condition whilst their rumen adjusted to the grain-based feed gradually, in order to minimise the risk of complications, including acidosis.
Many of Milne Feeds’ customers are forging new strategies by simply taking advantage of the technology used in our dairy rations, which enable the cow to be re-introduced to the dairy quickly post calving. Our feeds ensure the maintenance of optimum body condition, as heifers can eat and process much higher levels of feed right from day 1, with minimal risk of acidosis, and without the requirement to slowly introduce feed. Higher energy intake results in a much higher yield over the entire lactation period. Therefore, carefully managing this critical time, 3-6 weeks after calving, with sound nutrition can put more profit directly on your bottom line.
A long-time Milne Feeds customer who has been successfully using this strategy is Denmark dairy farmer, Mal Hick. Mal, who milks his herd 3 times per day, is a staunch advocate of Milne’s dairy feed range and freely shares his method and experience. He says: “Fresh cows start on 12kg of Milne’s Maximize® or MaximizePLUS®, per day on day ONE back in the dairy, post-calving. I work up or down from there depending on the cow. You cannot do that on grain, it’ll just bowl them over. I work on 12kg for 35-40L, and more for the high producers. Every cow goes on to LeadFeed with Biochlor ™ for 14-20 days and I don’t think I’ve had even one case of milk fever in over 12 months. I only have the odd cow go down, if at all.“
Many Milne customers are coming around to this new methodology and reaping the rewards.
Dairy farming is hard enough, with may complications and challenges standing in the way of higher production. The animal welfare and work safety issues resulting from milk fever and acidosis are not a welcome addition to already long and busy days. Why not try this winning combination around calving to improve your yields and provide benefits you’ll reap for the whole year?
Speak to our Beef & Dairy sales manager, Jonathan Langan, today. Call 0407 766 444.
