Common feeding mistakes on dairy farms

Rations formulated by experienced nutritionists using modern rationing software are rarely poorly constructed on paper. However, performance of animals on farm is commonly not as predicted by the nutritional model; with resultant poor production or compromised health and welfare. There are multiple potential causes for this incongruity and the farm veterinarian is paramount in identifying those areas of management that limit animal performance.

Critical areas to consider are:

• Production, provision and analysis of high quality forages
• Consistency diet preparation, delivery and consumption
• Management imposed constraints on cow behaviour

This paper provides an overview of common points where mistakes are made and an approach to on farm investigation of animal performance that is inconsistent with ration formulation.