Achieving a peak beyond 30 litres
There are many herds in the district that peak beyond 30 litres, or above 2.0kg of milk solids. This was once regarded as an achievement only reached by high genetic potential cows. To reach this level of production is not simply a matter of having lower stocking rates, or a good start to the season. It is a combination of a number of management strategies that are implemented with precision and regularly monitored.
What are some of these management strategies?
- Condition score of at least 5 at drying off
- First calvers of above average size
- Provision of at least 10kg per day (100mj) of dry cow feed daily
- Introduction of concentrates to the pre calving diet at least 2 weeks before calving
- Use of anionic salts in the lead feed
- Efficient handling of fresh cows such that they are never without feed
- A grazing management system that avoids cows needing to work hard to consume pastures. This means that pastures are grazed only to 1600 - 1800kg DM.
- Provision of over 20kg dry matter of feed daily. Depending on stocking rate and seasonal conditions, cows may be offered 5-10kg of concentrates (as fed) per day.
- Use of Eskalin( to reduce the effects of subclinical acidosis from highly soluble carbohydrates in pastures and grains.
- Provision of at least 2kg of hay or straw per day to improve rumen function given the low fibre content of fresh pastures and grain.
- Addition of magnesium and calcium (magnesium oxide and lime) to the concentrates.
Invariably farmers with high producing herds have been achieving better than average cow performance for many years. They will most likely be affective managers in many aspects of farming including pasture management and animal health. There are likely to be few lower PI cows in these herds since a long term culling programs will have been in place.
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