Even a one to two pound decrease in dry matter intake could limit peak milk yield by two to five pounds. Keep in mind that a one pound increase in peak milk yield translates into a 200 pound increase in milk production over the complete lactation. Grouping and Feeding Grouping strategy should promote maximum feed intake and aggressive eating behavior as soon after calving as possible. All groups of cows should be homogeneous to facilitate ration formulation and feeding. Group size is dictated by feeding facilities, total herd size, and the maximum number of cows that can be handled given the milking, feeding, and housing facilities and personnel available.
Group heifers separately within several weeks of calving.
This allows the heifer to adapt to the postpartum environment, improves feeding behavior, and reduces metabolic disorders. Following calving, separate grouping of heifers has resulted in higher feed intake and milk yield. Field observations suggest that the beneficial effects of separate grouping is most pronounced in the transition cow. For both first-calf and older cows, a separate group with low cow density and ample bunk space should reduce postpartum stress and competition. In summary, consider the following checklist to ensure that you have put together the most profitable feeding system for your dairy herd.