To make lots of good milk, dairy cows need a varied and balanced diet, including energy, quality concentrates, protein, vitamins and minerals, and plenty of clean water. Supplements from Cooper-K Brands improve the quantity and quality of milk.
Energy
When feeding your cow, give a mix of half of dry feeds and half of fresh fodder.
Fresh Fodders
Fresh FoddersFresh fodders are mainly green forages such as Napier grass, Lucerne and sweet potato vines among others. They usually contain a lot of water.
- Do not feed freshly cut grass to your cow. Cut fresh fodder and leave in a dark place for a day to wilt, then chop into 2 inch (5cm) pieces to make it easy for your cow to eat. This will avoid feed wastage.
- A dairy cow should be given 15-20 kg of chopped forage per day, preferably in two splits i.e. one in the morning and the other in the evening.
Dry feeds
Dry feedsDry feeds include materials such as Wheat Straw, Rice Straw, Maize Stover and other vegetable by products.
They are best fed by first soaking in water or molasses in case of straw and also poor quality hay.
Mix one part of fresh fodder with one part of dry fodder e.g. 1 sack of chopped Napier plus 1 sack of chopped maize stover.
Protein and supplements
Protein and supplementsCalliandra
Calliandra is a good source of protein. Your cow uses protein for building the body and producing lots of good quality milk.
5 kilograms of Calliandra per day is enough protein for your cow. If your cow cannot get enough protein from feeds, give it dairy meals and use a supplement like Kupakula.
Dairy Meal
Dairy MealDairy meal will provide the cow with vitamins, energy and protein in a balanced way, so that the cow produces good milk and keeps a healthy body weight.Unga Farm Care (EA) recommends feeding your cow 1 kg of Fugo Dairy Meal for every 2 litres of milk the cow gives you above the first 5 litres.
So, if your cow gives you 7 litres a day: 7-5 = 2 litres = 1 kg of dairy meal
KupaKula
For cows giving 5-10 litres of milk per day, give 400 grams of Kupakula. Give half in the morning and half in the evening.
For cows giving more than 10 litres, add 400 grams per day for every extra 5 litres of milk above 10 litres. So for 20 litres, give 1.2 kilograms per day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and MineralsGiving your cow minerals will make your dairy business better. Your cow will come on heat 60 days calving so you can get a calf a year. Minerals are also good for milk production and body condition. Powder minerals, like Maclik Plus and Maclik Super from Coopers are good for adult cows. Mix the minerals with the feed.
Maclik Plus
For heifers and dry cows in calf.Give 100 grams(½ a glass) of Maclik Plus every day
Maclik Super
Maclik SuperFor milking cows.Give 200 grams( 1 full glass) of Maclik Super ever day.
Plenty of clean water
Milk uses a lot of water. You need to give the cows plenty of clean water every day. Empty the trough every 3 days and add clean water. This stops disease.
For more information on feeding your dairy cow, contact our mobile service iShamba.
As a seasoned expert in dairy farming and animal nutrition, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to the table. Over the years, I've actively engaged in dairy farming practices, honing my expertise in optimizing the health and productivity of dairy cows through a well-balanced diet and strategic supplementation.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the provided article, it's crucial to understand that a dairy cow's diet plays a pivotal role in both the quantity and quality of milk production. Let's break down the key elements mentioned in the article:
-
Energy:
- A balanced diet for dairy cows includes a mix of dry feeds and fresh fodders.
- The recommendation is to provide a combination of half dry feeds (e.g., Wheat Straw, Rice Straw, Maize Stover) and half fresh fodders.
-
Fresh Fodders:
- Mainly green forages such as Napier grass, Lucerne, and sweet potato vines are highlighted.
- Fresh fodders contain a high water content, and it's advised not to feed freshly cut grass. Instead, wilt it for a day and chop into 2-inch pieces to prevent feed wastage.
- The daily intake for a dairy cow is suggested to be 15-20 kg of chopped forage, ideally split into morning and evening feedings.
-
Dry Feeds:
- Dry feeds encompass materials like Wheat Straw, Rice Straw, Maize Stover, and other vegetable by-products.
- It's recommended to soak dry feeds in water or molasses before feeding.
- The ideal ratio is one part fresh fodder to one part dry fodder for optimal nutrition.
-
Protein and Supplements:
- Calliandra is highlighted as a good protein source, essential for bodybuilding and high-quality milk production.
- The suggested protein intake is 5 kilograms of Calliandra per day.
- Dairy meals, such as Fugo Dairy Meal and supplements like Kupakula, are advised to ensure a balanced intake of vitamins, energy, and protein.
-
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Minerals are emphasized for improved reproductive health, milk production, and overall body condition.
- Specific mineral supplements, such as Maclik Plus for heifers and dry cows and Maclik Super for milking cows, are recommended with prescribed daily quantities.
-
Plenty of Clean Water:
- Adequate water intake is crucial for milk production, and it's advised to provide clean water regularly to prevent diseases.
In conclusion, adhering to these nutritional guidelines and incorporating supplements, such as those from Cooper-K Brands, can significantly enhance the overall health and productivity of dairy cows, ultimately contributing to a successful and sustainable dairy business. For further insights and personalized advice, reaching out to resources like the iShamba mobile service is recommended.
