The data provides information on feeding as well as possible optimisation approaches. It is also useful for monitoring the metabolism in individual animals and the herd as a whole. Of course, the data also provides information on the herd’s productivity and records the current level of performance. Cell counts and fertility information also provide important information for herd management.
Milk per cow and day / course of lactation
When looking at the milk yield value per cow per day, the way this value in the current test looks compared to the previous month or months is crucial. The expected lactation yield is approximately 240 times the average daily output of the first two to three tests.
Then consider, are there factors or possibly a major factor that could limit the herd’s productivity? It is also necessary to check how the effects of changes can be documented.
Nutrients found in milk
The nutrients and their relationship to each other are indicators to assess rumen function and health. When assessing individual animals, it is important to always observe the stage of lactation in parallel in order to assess the values correctly.
Protein content
The protein content provides information about the animals’ energy supply. If the protein content is low, the available energy for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen is too low. If the protein content is too low, it is advisable to check the supply of easily soluble carbohydrates and protein digestibility. Furthermore, feeding Undegradable Dietary Protein (UDP) can influence the protein content of the milk.
| Protein % | urea (mg/l) | Protein and energy supply | Possible consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 3,3 | < 150 | Energy and crude protein deficiency | Liver strain, ketosis, fertility disorders |
| 150 – 300 | Feed intake that is too low | Hoof problems, urine drinking, milk yield loss, increased cell counts, liver strain | |
| > 300 | Energy deficiency and protein surplus | Liver strain, fertility disorders, hoof problems | |
| 3,3 – 3,8 | < 150 | Crude protein deficiency | Fertility disorders (ovary), milk yield losses, increased cell counts |
| 150 – 300 | Feeding alright | ||
| > 300 | Crude protein excess | Fertility disorders (cysts), liver strain | |
| > 3,8 | < 150 | Energy surplus and crude protein deficiency | Risk of fatty degeneration, fatty faeces, milk yield loss, difficult calving, acetonemia, increased cell counts, fertility disorders |
| 150 – 300 | Energy excess | Risk of fatty degeneration, fatty faeces, milk yield loss, difficult calving, acetonemia, increased cell counts, fertility disorders | |
| > 300 | Energy excess and crude protein excess | Delayed retraction of the uterus, metritis, udder oedema, fertility disorder (ovary), liver strain, reduced appetite |
