During the dry period, which spans 15 days before milking stops and up to 15 days before calving, cows should be fed a diet primarily composed of high-quality green hay. It is important to provide an appropriate amount of green forage, root crops, and finely processed feeds. The concentrate mix should not be too concentrated, with a general recommendation of around 2.5 kg per day. As the dry period progresses, especially in its later stages, the nutritional value of the diet should be increased while reducing calcium content in the concentrate to better support the cow’s needs after calving. At this stage, the ratio of fine to coarse feed is typically maintained at around 3:7.
In the perinatal period—15 days before and after calving—the concentrate feeding should be gradually increased for cows approaching calving. However, the total feed should not exceed 1% of the cow's body weight. For cows experiencing severe udder edema, it’s advisable to limit concentrate intake. Salt should also be reduced during this time to prevent constipation. After calving, cows should be given a warm bran and salt-calcium soup (10–20 kg), made with 500 g of bran, 50 g of salt, and 50 g of calcium carbonate, to help restore their energy and assist in the expulsion of the placenta. Within one week of calving, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be adjusted to 3:1 to support the cow’s recovery.
During the early lactation phase, from day 16 to day 100 post-calving, the cow’s nutritional needs are critical for both recovery and milk production. Peak milk yield usually occurs between 4 to 6 weeks after calving. At this point, guided feeding can begin, starting from the 5th day postpartum. Cows should receive high-quality hay and plenty of clean water. The concentrate ration should be increased by 0.5 kg daily, aiming for a feeding level of 1.2 times the maintenance requirement until milk yield plateaus. At that point, normal feeding can resume. Typically, the base concentrate is around 2.5 kg, with an additional 1 kg of concentrate added for every 2.5 kg of milk produced. The fine-to-coarse feed ratio should be 5:5 during this time.
In mid-lactation, from day 101 to day 200 post-calving, the cow’s appetite increases, and the amount of concentrate should be slightly reduced compared to the early lactation phase. The fine-to-coarse feed ratio should be adjusted to 4:6, and the dry matter intake should range between 3.5% to 4.5% of the cow’s body weight. During this time, milk production gradually declines by about 5% to 7% per month, so effective management strategies should be implemented to maintain productivity as much as possible.
In late lactation, from day 201 until the start of the dry period, milk production drops significantly, decreasing by 8% to 12% each month. At this stage, the concentrate feeding should be reduced appropriately, with a fine-to-coarse feed ratio of around 35:65 being ideal. However, approximately 1 kg of concentrate should be added about one month before the dry period begins to ensure the calf receives sufficient nutrients for healthy development. This helps prepare the cow for the next lactation cycle and supports the growth of the unborn calf.
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