The addition of fat to the ration at one-half to two pounds per head per day improves milk production and bodyweight gain in high producing cows. Some dairy producers claim to have better milk production during hot weather, when feeding Vitamin A at twice the NRC minimum requirement or up to 150,000 units daily per cow. Increasing mineral consumption also may be beneficial. Feed complete mineral mixes with higher potassium and sodium levels only to the milking cows. If fed to dry cows, these mineral mixes may cause increased udder edema.
Buffers can partially offset the effects of low fiber rations.
Frequently buffers are mixed in equal parts of magnesium oxide, limestone and sodium bicarbonate. Feed the mixture according to production. Cows tend to eat more feed in the cool of the night than during the day. Adjust the feeding rate so less is fed during the day and more at night, thus reducing feed spoilage and improving dry matter intake. Make sure the feed area is lighted.