Dealership query

Lactation

Peak performance, healthy cows

Stage 1
Dry period
Stage 2
Calf and heifer rearing
Stage 3
Lactation
Next stage
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, 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.

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. With the right nutrition, cows produce more and better quality milk.
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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.
Contact your DH specialist and the SFOS FeedSelector

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. 

Arrange a farm walk through with your DH sales advisor

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 lab

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DE HEUS ADVANCED NUTRITION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH & FERTILITY OF COWS

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DE HEUS ADVANCED NUTRITION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH & FERTILITY OF COWS

Synchrolac Super

DE HEUS ADVANCED NUTRITION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH & FERTILITY OF COWS
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Talk to our dairy 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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Dairy cow lifecycle
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 reproduction. 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 interactive wheel to find customized insights and recommended actions tailored to each life stage, supporting your unique farming needs and goals for each of these stages.