At present, many dairy farmers express concerns about the low efficiency of their breeding practices and the poor condition of their cows. Some still claim that raising cows is profitable, but when we take a closer look at their breeding conditions, feeding routines, and management techniques, it becomes clear that the successful farmers have focused on the small details. On the other hand, less successful farmers tend to overlook these critical aspects, assuming that simply feeding cows grass and
Corn stalks is enough. This mindset is no longer sustainable in today’s competitive market. We urge dairy farmers to recognize that the future of their dairy cows depends on attention to detail and proper management.
Choosing the right dairy cow breed is essential for maximizing returns. There are two key steps: selecting the breed and then choosing the individual animal. Different breeds have varying milk production capacities. The most commonly chosen breed is the Holstein, also known as the black-and-white dairy cow. Under optimal conditions, Holsteins can produce up to 5,000 to 7,000 kg of milk annually, with some high-yielding cows reaching 10,000 kg. Other breeds like the Simmental, Danish Red, and Jersey also offer good milk production, though they are less common.
Once the breed is selected, the next step is to choose the best individual cow. A good dairy cow should have a tall, angular body with a well-proportioned frame. She should have a strong, sturdy build, with a broad chest and abdomen, firm udders, and properly shaped teats. The udder should be deep and symmetrical, with no extra teats. The cow's overall appearance should reflect health and vitality. It's also important to consider the milk yield of both the mother and father when selecting an animal.
Feeding is another crucial aspect of dairy farming. A balanced diet includes green feed, roughage, and concentrate. Green feed consists of pasture, green straw, and silage. Due to seasonal limitations, silage is often the best option for long-term supply. To make silage, dig a pit, line it with bricks, and ensure it's sealed tightly. Fill it layer by layer, pressing down firmly to remove air pockets. After about a month, the silage can be used during winter. When feeding, only give what the cow can eat in one day to avoid waste.
Roughage, such as hay and dry straw, is also essential. Hay provides more nutrition than dry straw, so it's better to store more hay during summer and autumn for use in winter and spring. Concentrate feed can be purchased or made at home. Making your own mix can reduce costs and improve profitability. A typical homemade mix contains 70-75% energy feeds like corn and bran, 20% protein sources like soybean meal, and 5-10% minerals, salt, and additives.
During the dry period, which lasts 60 days before calving, proper feeding is vital. Cows should be gradually weaned off milk, and their diet should be adjusted to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding can lead to complications like mastitis and ketosis. Water should be clean and warm in winter to prevent miscarriages. Daily exercise is also recommended.
During the perinatal period, cows need special care. They should be moved to a clean, disinfected area 14 days before birth. High-quality hay should be provided, and concentrate should be limited to 1% of the total feed. A low-calcium diet helps prevent issues like constipation. After birth, milking should start within two hours, and calves should receive colostrum immediately. A hot herbal tea made from Motherwort and brown sugar can help speed up recovery.
In the late perinatal period, the cow’s diet should gradually increase in concentrate and silage, but not exceed 1.5% of her body weight per day. Proper feeding and management during this time are crucial for the cow’s health and future milk production.
Tomato
Dried Tomato,Air-Dried Tomato Flakes,Dried Tomato Flakes,Sun Dried Tomato Flakes
Jiangsu Tiankang Food Co., Ltd. , https://www.tiankangfood.com