Practical nutrition

Question 1

Give examples of feeding systems for lactating cows

Answer 1

Grazing vs housing
Traditional - silage at barrier, cake in parlour (grazing in Summer)
Total mixed ration (TMR) - all food at barrier ad lib 24/7
Hybrid - partial mixed ration at barrier and cake in parlour
Butter feeding - TMR supplement to grazing in Summer

Question 2

Which feeding system for lactating cows encourages maximal DMI?

Answer 2

Total mixed ration (TMR)

Question 3

In a traditional feeding system (silage at barrier, cake in parlour), when is the peak rumen acidity?

Answer 3

After milking

Question 4

Does a TMR (total mixed ratio) diet cause a consistent or varying rumen pH?

Answer 4

Consistent rumen pH

Question 5

How can nutritional status be monitored?

Answer 5

BCS and observation
Production
Milk quality
Biochemistry - metabolic profiles, selected parameters

Question 6

What amount of DMI should a lactating cow eat per day? (As % of BW)

Answer 6

3% - lactating

4% peak yield

Question 7

How much feed barrier/trough space do cows need?

Answer 7

60cm for milkers
80cm for dry (late pregnancy)
90cm close to calving