Bestelomgeving

Lactation

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Stage 1
Droge periode
Stage 2
Kalveren- en ooienopfok
Stage 3
Lactation
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Main target in this stage
Optimal milk production by a healthy herd
Lactation is the period when the cow is actively producing milk, with peak production occurring in the first few months. Key targets during this stage include maximizing milk yield, maintaining optimal cow health including claw health, preventing diseases like mastitis, and managing body condition to support continuous milk production. Ensuring proper nutrition and minimizing stress are essential for long-term productivity and maintaining reproductive health for future lactations.

The rumen is key for optimal milk production and milk quality

Efficient rumen functionality is key to improving milk production and quality. When cows experience optimal fermentation, they can better digest and utilize fiber from roughage, leading to higher milk yields. This process also improves milk solids, such as fat and protein. By enhancing rumen efficiency and maximizing nutrient absorption, cows produce more and better-quality milk, ensuring better overall performance and higher returns.
Read about SFOS for optimal Rumen function

Heat stress: When the heat is on, your cow is off

The more intense the heat stress, the more noticeable the symptoms become. For instance, cows may stand more, eat less and begin panting. Reduced feed intake disrupts the rumen, causing significant discomfort for the cow. This not only affects milk production but also impacts hoof or claw health and fertility causing longer term effects. Taking timely action to minimize heat stress is beneficial.
Check out these tips to minimize the effects of heat stress

How to obtain the highest ration efficiency?

Feed is the biggest expense in milk production, so accurate ration calculation is key. A balanced ration keeps cows healthy and ensures a high ration efficiency: a maximum amount of liters per kg of feed consumed. Using a good calculation program and getting advice from a specialist helps achieve the right nutrient balance, reducing waste and improving results.
Optimize your rations with your DH specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the lactation stage

Even with the best ration, achieving optimal efficiency also depends on effective farm management. Work with your specialist to address critical factors, such as proper feed loading and mixing to prevent errors, ensuring the feed is appetizing and fully consumed without waste or selection. Additionally, focus on digestion and effective nutrient absorption. By optimizing these management practices, you can significantly improve overall efficiency and performance. 

Make an appointment with your specialist for a farm walk through

Adjusting feed rations with new raw materials or silage requires precise nutrient calculations. Balancing protein, fiber, and energy is crucial, as small changes significantly affect digestion, milk production, and cow health. Accurate and frequent analysis of raw materials for their nutrient contents is essential to ensure optimal nutrition, maximize milk yield, and maintain productivity. 

Send your roughage for analysis to De Heus (laboexpert)

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Talk to our beef experts

Need support to optimize the post-partum stage? Our specialists are here to help you tackle challenges and achieve top performance at every life stage.

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Joost Belt

Dairy cow lifecycle
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Dairy cows go through key life stages: the dry period, the rearing period and the lactation. Proper nutrition and management during each stage are crucial for optimal health, milk production and longevity. A well-managed dry period aids recovery, balanced calf nutrition supports growth and effective care during lactation maximizes milk yield. Good nutrition and management at every stage lead to a productive, healthy herd and improved farm profitability.
Explore the stages in the interactive wheel