The quantity and quality of milk that a dairy cow produces is directly proportional to the quantity and quality of feeds given. Dairy feeds should be rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. On average, a dairy cow should be fed on 12kg-18kg of dry matter, which depends on the body weight of the cow and moisture content of the feeds. Feeds such as Napier and Rhodes grass, Lucerne, Desmodium, and Vetch are recommended and provide 80 per cent of the animal needs.
For a balanced diet, supplement the feeds with dairy meal, which boosts milk production. Give dairy meal after milking to keep the cow standing until the teat canal closes. This prevents infections such as mastitis.
Also, provide your dairy cow with clean drinking water, one of the components that make milk and affect the cows’ consumption of dry matter.
Conserve fodder
The last thing you want to deal with is decreased milk production in times of drought when there is a scarcity of forage. Fodder conservation should be ongoing. It is important to learn basic fodder conservation techniques such as making silage or hay (Read more about conserving fodder in the September issue of TOF).
Animal health
Dairy animals should be healthy, disease-free and well looked after. Have an effective health care programme, which is more preventive than curative. Consult a veterinary officer if you notice a change in your cow’s behaviour.
Animal welfare
Cows require a safe, comfortable, and clean shed. Dirty surfaces are breeding grounds for pathogens that can cause illnesses, which lead to reduced milk production, and losses due to the treatment of diseases.
Milking and hygiene
A dairy cow should be milked two or three times a day depending on the breed. Ensure that your animal is comfortable, as a stressed cow will hardly produce to its potential.
Maintain high standards of hygiene to avoid milk contamination, which results in losses. Keep all cleaning materials clean. After milking, store the milk in a cool place and dispatch to the customer or milk depot within the shortest time possible.