Five strict controls are key to raising dairy cows through the winter

Although dairy cows are cold-tolerant and not heat-tolerant by nature, the extreme cold and dry climate of winter, improper feeding and management, and a shortage of green fodder can easily lead to a drop in milk production and even affect the normal growth and development of dairy cows. In my view, the following "five controls" should be strictly applied when raising dairy cows in winter: Control cold protection and warmth well. In winter, the temperature inside the cow shed should generally be kept at 8°C-17°C; too high a temperature will also have adverse effects on the cows. When the nighttime temperature drops below 0°C, dairy cows should be driven into the shed to spend the night, to prevent frostbite of the teats or excessive physical exhaustion. When cold air invades and the temperature suddenly drops, the rear windows and ventilation holes should be blocked in time, and insulation of the shed should be done well. In particular, the sheds for periparturient cows, newborn calves, and high-yielding cows should be properly heated, ensuring the shed temperature is 15°C-17°C. In addition, dairy cows should not spend more than 6 hours a day moving around in the exercise yard; preferably 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.

Control humidity regulation well. After all the dairy cows have entered the shed, ensure good ventilation inside the shed and that humidity is not too high; relative humidity should not exceed 55%. Excessive humidity will produce strong external stimulation in dairy cows, affecting their milk production, and in severe cases they may even become infected with some fungal diseases. At the same time, manure and urine should be removed promptly to keep the shed clean and dry.

Control feed formulation well. After winter begins, the feed ratio should be adjusted in time and made as varied as possible. In terms of concentrate supply, the protein feed remains unchanged, while the corn supply should be increased by 20%-50%, thereby increasing the proportion of energy feed; in terms of roughage, it is best to feed silage, micro-storage feed, or brewer's grains, etc., to replace the green, juicy feed that dairy cows eat in summer and autumn. The forage composition for dairy cows is relatively simple, so an appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus can be added to their feed, generally 5-15 grams per day. Urea is an effective source for supplementing protein and can be fed in an appropriate amount. Generally, calves over 6 months old can be fed 30-50 grams per day, young cattle 70-90 grams per day, and adult cows about 150 grams per day. However, urea has poor palatability, so it can be mixed with concentrate at 1% and then mixed with grass for feeding; within half an hour after feeding, they should not drink water.

Control drinking water heating well. Unheated tap water and well water easily freeze in winter, and after dairy cows drink them, indigestion often results, thereby inducing digestive tract diseases. Therefore, when giving dairy cows water, it is best to heat the water to 15°C-25°C. If a little salt and bean powder are added to the warm water, it will not only increase the cows' desire to drink, but also have the effect of reducing internal heat and reducing inflammation.

Control brushing of the cow's body well. Brushing the cow's body can not only keep the dairy cow's body surface clean, but also promote skin blood circulation and metabolism, help regulate body temperature, and enhance disease resistance. Therefore, brushing should be done twice a day, morning and evening, for 3-6 minutes each time, thoroughly brushing all parts of the body without omission. In addition, the cow shed and exercise yard should be disinfected regularly, and vaccinations should be carried out according to the immunization program. Diseases should be treated early when discovered, ensuring the health of the dairy cows and ensuring high milk production.