Yearly feed cost for maintenance varies only with body size and is not dependent on level of production. Cows convert feed into milk more efficiently as yearly production increases. Each dairy producer needs to market a certain volume of milk yearly to justify the capital investment. Table 3 compares the effect of RHA and the number of cows required if the herd's goal were 1 million lb milk annually. All factors considered, especially time in the parlor and profit, the fewer cows needed to reach the herd's goal, the better.
Profit is defined as the return for management.
At higher levels of yearly production, cows are more efficient in converting feed into milk, and fewer cows are needed to meet the herd's goal. Likewise, milking fewer cows at higher levels of production is the logical solution to the surplus problem. Feed 10-15 lb of grain by calving time. Move cow to the milking string within 24 hr. 4. Increase grain intake to offer full feed by the end of the second week.