Monitor dry matter intake, especially when reducing ration crude protein to reduce feed costs. Intake will usually drop before milk production if dietary crude or escape protein becomes inadequate. NebGuide G91-1027 Protein and Carbohydrate Nutrition of High Producing Dairy Cows discusses the proper methods of feeding protein supplements to the dairy herd. When excessive fat is fed, production and herd health invariably suffer, along with the pocketbook. Most rations require no more than six percent fat, even for high levels of milk production.
Farmers often feed excessive levels of minerals hoping to improve reproductive performance.
If the problem does not exist in a herd, however, mineral levels should be reduced to recommended levels. Phosphorus is probably the most commonly overfed mineral. Recommended requirements for minerals and vitamins are described in NebGuide G92-1111 Mineral and Vitamin Requirements for Dairy Cattle . Use feed additives sparingly and wisely . Buffers, yeast, mineral chelates, and niacin all have fairly high benefit to cost ratios and have sound research data to show their efficacy.