Seasonal systems match the reproductive cycle of the cows to availability of forage. In seasonal dairying, since all the cows dry off at once, it is not necessary to milk for a couple of months during the year. The idea is to avoid the period of highest cost milk production. Many dairy producers appreciate this rare opportunity for time off from milking, but all must adjust to a period of no income from milk. As more dairies have become seasonal, milk processors have begun indicating that they may dock these producers, especially in certain parts of the country, where there is already an oversupply of milk in the spring of the year.
Synchronized breeding is critical to the seasonal dairy.
The goal is for all cows to calve within a 6 to 8 week period. Success depends on body condition, adequate nutrition, and good all-round reproductive management. Getting cows bred in a short time period may be the biggest challenge in a seasonal dairy program. Producers are finding that getting cows off concrete and into pasture aids in detecting estrus in cows. Unfortunately, producers are also learning that vegetative forages are very high in rumen degradable protein and low in energy.