why cows eat more but produce less...

-Improper management, stress, stage of lactation and poor diet are among the causes of reduced milk production in cows, besides diseases.

-A cow may consume more feeds, but they may not be well-balanced to sustain milk production as well as her growth.

-proper feeding by ensuring adequate balance of nutrients is essential for lactating cows to remain healthy, grow and sustain milk production.

-Lactation stage can also be a factor responsible for this reduction of milk, in that after calving down, there is a steady rise in milk production levels up to the peak, and, thereafter, production starts to drop in the order of early lactation, mid lactation and late lactation.

-To enhance peak production as long as possible and maximise milk production while maintaining good health, feeding high levels of concentrates is necessary.

-Diets high in protein are also important as the body cannot mobilise all the required protein and microbial protein synthesised in the rumen by microbes can only meet requirements partially.

-concentrates high in digestible fibre like maize bran can be used as an energy source. 

-Try to minimise stress factors like heat stress by providing adequate shed for the cow to rest when not feeding and provide water with free access to cool her body.

-Water also contributes to milk volume. 

-The bedding material should also be kept clean and dry. 

-For management, ensure that you control parasites regularly as they lead to slow buildup of diseases which might not be noted early but affect the production output.

-Practice good milk production techniques such as using clean milking equipment, ensuring quietness while milking and correct handling of teats during milking since anything contrary to these might cause slow development of mastitis, which slowly interfere with milk system and reduce milk production in the long run.