Adapting the food at the beginning of lactation

Each liter of milk lost at the beginning of lactation is not recovered. The feeding strategy at that time is essential to achieve their potential, particularly in farms using corn silage and in mixed herds (Montbeliarde + Holstein).

Less energy, more nitrogen !

Several studies and experiments conducted by INRA conclude as follows : the Montbeliarde, compared to the Holstein, needs a slightly richer ration in nitrogen, with the same production : that is to say 300 to 500g of additional nitrogen corrector for a 30 to 40 liter a day production. Without this recommendation, due to the Montbeliarde’s double capacity to produce both milk and meat, it will not achieve the maximum of its dairy potential.

The main concept to remember is that the nitrogen in the ration, particularly the soluble nitrogen, will boost the dairy production by improving the ingestion and digestion efficiency. In Montbeliarde herds fed with corn silage, a lack of soluble nitrogen during the early lactation induces a strong decrease of the dairy production along with a higher protein level, an excessive fattening and a risk of acidosis : a real economic loss.

And in mixed herds…

A study conveyed in 30 mixed herds from Vosges and Haute-Marne (published in 2001 at the « 3R » - Meetings about Ruminant Research) claim that in case of feeding adapted to each breed, the difference in potential per cow is nearly nil, whereas it is over 1.000 kg with the same food.

Starting lactation : markers

• A PDIE/UFL ratio of 100 to 105 allows a good valorization of the base ration’s energy by soluble nitrogen = optimum food efficiency
• The intake of PDIN must be superior to that of PDIE by 5 to 10 per kg of dry matter, that is to say 105 g of PDIE for 110g of PDIN per kg or dry matter