Service is critical to profitability and must be evaluated. Introduction Profitability can be defined as income minus expenses. Maximum milk yield is not always most profitable, but nutrient costs for maintenance are the same if cows produce 20 or 40 kg of milk. Generally, higher producing cows will increase profits, but at a diminishing rate. Dairy managers should compare their partitioned feed costs to herds in their area and at similar levels of milk production.
Energy is the first limiting nutrient in most dairy rations.
Two practical approaches to increasing energy intake are available to dairy managers and nutritionists. Increase energy concentration per unit of DMI using higher quality forage, feeding more grain, lowering fiber levels, and adding fat or oils to the ration. Dry matter intake guidelines are outlined below which illustrate factors that impact intake and management. Producers and nutritionists must refine and adjust these values based on farm situations. Transition dry cow rations can improve DMI postpartum by increasing rumen papilla surface area, expanding rumen area, and minimizing metabolic disorders such as acidosis and displaced abomasum.