Early lactation, spanning both calving and mating, is a stressful time for cows, as energy demand is very high while they may struggle to eat enough to meet that demand. It is critical to ensure optimal rumen performance to meet the energy needs of production and reproduction while, at the same time, maintaining body condition. Without a balanced nutrition plan during this critical period, deficiencies in key nutrients can also become an issue, affecting peak production, ongoing lactation and, later, reproductive performance.
Rumen function in early lactation
It’s not rocket science, nor is it a secret – well-fed cows hold better condition through lactation. Provided the cow has been transitioned well (fed the correct balance of minerals and feeds), she will come into lactation with higher rumen performance and a lowered risk of developing metabolic diseases, such as milk fever and ketosis.
Superior rumen capacity will enable her to eat a full quota of grass each day and efficiently convert the nutrients obtained into the energy required to support higher milk production while achieving better health outcomes.
Increased milk production causes nutrient demand to rise rapidly. It is important that this demand is met through good-quality feed. A cow must eat as much feed as possible during this period to maintain body condition, produce milk and support the hormonal processes required to become pregnant again in the coming weeks.
Ideally, this feed provides the correct levels of quality protein, sugar, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. In reality, with most feed production these days focused on quantity rather than quality, much of the available feed provides inadequate levels of protein, fibre and minerals. The most common mineral deficiencies we see during early lactation are calcium and phosphorus. Both minerals are vital for feed intake, feed conversion, milk production and the maintenance of body condition.
Identifying nutrient deficiencies in early lactation
A detailed picture of a cow’s nutritional status can help identify nutrient deficiencies and determine where energy absorption and distribution may be compromised. By examining cow nutrition more closely and applying current research, we can address gaps in nutrient levels and remedy them before they become serious and long-lasting problems.
Supplementation is an easy, cost-effective and efficient way to ensure that a cow receives the correct levels of essential vitamins and minerals to meet the demands of milk production and reproduction during this period. The right supplement for early lactation should include a comprehensive formulation that is high in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus while also supplying adequate levels of trace elements. Rumen buffers can also be useful for stabilising rumen pH during this period, helping to support rumen function without increasing the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis, a common problem in early lactation. Feed and soil tests are helpful for building a picture of the cow’s nutritional status, while research on nutrient requirements at different levels of production can help determine the most effective supplementation programme.
Early lactation presents a critical period for both the cow and the farmer, with cow health influencing the success of the entire season and ongoing farm profitability. Fortunately, there is now an accessible bank of knowledge and technology to help ensure that your herd remains on track for optimal production, reproduction and overall performance at every stage of lactation.
SOURCE LINKS
- Relationships Between Energy Balance and Health Traits of Dairy Cattle in Early Lactation
- Phosphorus Partitioning During Early Lactation in Dairy Cows Fed Diets Varying in Phosphorus Content
- Inducing Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Lactating Dairy Cows
First published in Dairy Farmer
