The dairyman has more control over the feeding program. All forages grains, protein supplements, minerals and vitamins are thoroughly mixed. Therefore, the cow can do very little sorting for individual ration ingredients. Cows should be grouped by production levels. If not grouped according to production, cows in late lactation are likely to get too fat.
Special equipment is needed.
The equipment must have the capability to thoroughly blend the feed ingredients. The mixer, preferably mobile, must be capable of accurately weighing each ingredient. A minimum of two and preferably three production groups should be arranged. Dry cows should be separated from the lactating strings. Some grain feeding in the parlor can, in effect, make grouping possible, but this practice is losing popularity.