Analyze forages and grains prior to storage. Define and inventory forages as they are stored. Evaluate storage systems for their ability to isolate and store forages adequately for subsequent feedout to specific groups of animals. In short, maintain and analyze your forage records as intensively as your DHIA or other milk production records. Group cattle to maximize efficiency of production.
Cattle perform at higher levels if they are free of stress related to improper grouping or housing.
Cows should be grouped and housed in a way that limits time spent in holding areas to no more than three hours daily. Try to separate first calf heifers from mature cows, if at all possible, due to their smaller frame size, higher growth requirements and higher persistency of lactation. Table III summarizes some of the most important things to consider in troubleshooting feeding-related problems. The section on milk quality calculates the amount of income under item C.1. The figure for C.1. will give an indication of the income you could generate strictly from the sale of increased milk.