Feeding a Lactating Cow Accurately: Getting the Nutrition Right for Optimal Milk Production

Feeding a lactating cow accurately is one of the most important factors in achieving high milk yield, maintaining good cow health, and improving farm profitability. To determine how much and what to feed, you need to understand the cow’s stage of lactation and body weight; these are the key factors that drive feed requirements.

1️⃣ Understand the Stage of Lactation

A cow’s milk production follows a natural curve after calving.

• Early lactation (0–70 days): Milk production peaks, and the cow’s nutrient demand is highest.

• Mid-lactation (70–150 days): Milk yield starts to decline gradually, but the cow’s appetite increases.

• Late lactation (150+ days): Milk production continues to drop, and feed can be adjusted to prevent overfeeding.

💡 Note: Milk production typically starts decreasing about two and a half months after calving.

2️⃣ Know Your Feeds and Their Dry Matter (DM) Content

Different feeds have varying levels of dry matter, the actual nutrients after removing water. Understanding DM helps ensure the cow receives enough nutrients without under- or overfeeding.

Approximate dry matter contents:

• 🌽 Maize stovers: >90%

• 🐄 Dairy meal: >85%

• 🌿 Napier grass (wilted): ~40%

• 🍠 Sweet potato vines: ~20%

3️⃣ Nutritional Requirements for a 450kg Cow in Early Lactation

A typical cow weighing around 450kg in early lactation requires approximately:

• 13% Dry Matter Intake (DMI) of body weight

• 20% Crude Protein (CP) in the total diet

• 1.67 MCal Net Energy for Lactation (NEL) per kg of dry matter

4️⃣ Example Feeding Plan

Here’s a sample ratio to meet the above requirements:

• 3 kg Maize stovers

• 5 kg Dairy meal

• 7.5 kg Napier grass (wilted)

• 15 kg Sweet potato vines

🔁 If Calliandra is available, substitute 7.5 kg sweet potato vines with 3 kg Calliandra. This improves protein intake and overall feed balance.

5️⃣ Don’t Forget Water and Minerals

Always provide clean, fresh water and free-choice mineral licks to all cows. Hydration plays a crucial role in milk synthesis, while minerals support reproduction, bone strength, and immunity.

6️⃣ Monitor and Adjust

Observe your cow’s body condition, milk yield, and feeding behavior regularly. Adjust rations if you notice changes in appetite, milk output, or health status. Remember, every cow is unique, and feed efficiency varies.

🍼 Feeding Calves (0–4 Months)

Young calves need proper nutrition for healthy growth and development.

• Birth to 3 days: Feed high-quality colostrum (at least 4 liters within 12 hours).

• Up to 4 months: Provide milk or milk replacer, calf starter feed, and access to hay or pasture to encourage early rumen development.
  Feeding rates should increase gradually with age and growth.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Always base feeding on the stage of lactation and body weight.

• Use dry matter content to calculate accurate rations.

• Provide adequate water and mineral licks daily.

• Continuously monitor performance and adjust feeds accordingly.

By feeding your lactating cows accurately, you not only boost milk yield but also enhance fertility, reduce health problems, and increase farm profitability.