Feeding Dairy Cattle - 6 Step By Step Guide In A Small Farm

Once the dairy farm has been set up, it is
important to consider the safety of the dairy
cattle. Provide fences and gates which should
separate and group the cattle from the other
farm animals, since they are given different
kinds of feeds.

The following are the steps to start feeding
cattle:

Step 1: Find the right kind of feed. If farmers
would like to have high-quality cattle, then
they must start feeding dairy cattle with good
quality feeds. Such feeds include grains or
grain mixtures that contain fiber, energy and
protein-rich ruminant feeds.

Step 2: Know when to feed the cows. The best
time to be feeding dairy cattle is when they
have just finished being milked. This is when
they are in the best mood to be fed and demand
higher levels of energy and protein. Hay and
grains should be fed at different times; the hay
first and then the grain which are both usually
given in the mornings.

Step 3: Forage are feeds that contain the most
fiber and should be checked regularly.
Therefore, combine all kinds of forage during
feeding time instead of feeding them separately
to provide the cattle with the most fiber.

Step 4: Know the frequency of feeding dairy
cattle. Cattle should be fed at least 12 times a
day, where the forages are fed to them first
followed by the grains or grain mixture.

Step 5: Make sure the cows are getting the right
kind of nutrients they need in order to produce a
great amount of milk. Some of the nutrients that
lactating cows need, which should be present in
their grain mix, would be:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Fat
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Vitamins A, D, and E

Step 6: Watch for the different stages of
lactation. When feeding dairy cattle, the
different stages of lactation are also taken
into consideration. There are three main stages
which include Early Lactation, Mid to Late
Lactation, and the Dry Period, wherein the
calf's body weight and energy balance are
directly related. In the early lactation where
milk yield is at its peak, cattle experience
body weight loss. As they get into the middle to
late lactation, their milk yield goes down as
their dry matter intake goes up as well as their
body weight. By the time they reach the dry
period, they have already gained back the weight
that they lost.

Timing the periods of feeding dairy cattle to
their lactation stages during cow farming will
benefit not only the cows but also the
production of milk in the farm.

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Are you planning to learn more tips about feeding
dairy cattle? Raising cattle can improve quality
of life and provide great satisfaction and
responsibility for families. Explore your
options and then decide. If you would like more
tips on how to raise cattle, click here:
http://www.howtoraisecattle.com

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