Strictly adhere to five key points in winter feeding and management of dairy cows
Five key points must be strictly observed for dairy cows to winter over
(Agricultural Wealth Network) Although dairy cows are cold-tolerant and not heat-tolerant by nature, winter is extremely cold with a dry climate. If feeding and management are improper, combined with a shortage of green feed, it can easily lead to a decline in milk production and even affect the normal growth and development of dairy cows. The author believes that the following "five key points" should be strictly observed when raising dairy cows in winter:
Do a good job of cold prevention and warmth retention In winter, the temperature inside the cowshed should generally be maintained at 8°C-17°C; excessively high temperatures can also have adverse effects on cattle. 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 energy consumption. When cold air intrudes and the temperature drops suddenly, 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 appropriately heated, ensuring the cowshed temperature is 15°C-17°C. In addition, the time dairy cows spend moving around in the exercise yard during the day should not exceed 6 hours; preferably 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.
Do a good job of humidity regulation After all dairy cows have entered the shed, attention should be paid to ensuring good ventilation inside the cowshed. Humidity must not be too high, and relative humidity should not exceed 55%. Excessive humidity will produce strong external stimulation on dairy cows, affecting their milk production, and in severe cases may also lead to infection with some fungal diseases. At the same time, manure and urine should be removed in time to keep the shed clean and dry.
Do a good job of feed formulation After entering winter, the feed ratio should be adjusted in time, striving for diversity. In terms of concentrate supply, the protein feed remains unchanged, and 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 consume 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 are 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.
Do a good job of warming drinking water Tap water and well water that have not been heated are prone to freezing in winter. After dairy cows drink them, indigestion often occurs, 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 enhance the cattle's desire to drink, but also have the effect of reducing internal heat and reducing inflammation.
Do a good job of brushing the cow's body Brushing the cow's body can not only keep the dairy cow's body surface clean, but also promote skin blood circulation and metabolism, helping to regulate body temperature and enhance disease resistance. Therefore, brushing should be done twice a day, morning and evening, 3-6 minutes each time, carefully brushing all parts of the body without omission. In addition, the cowshed and exercise yard should be disinfected regularly, and vaccinations should be carried out according to epidemic prevention procedures. Diseases should be treated early to ensure the health of dairy cows and ensure high milk production.
Do a good job of cold prevention and warmth retention In winter, the temperature inside the cowshed should generally be maintained at 8°C-17°C; excessively high temperatures can also have adverse effects on cattle. 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 energy consumption. When cold air intrudes and the temperature drops suddenly, 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 appropriately heated, ensuring the cowshed temperature is 15°C-17°C. In addition, the time dairy cows spend moving around in the exercise yard during the day should not exceed 6 hours; preferably 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.
Do a good job of humidity regulation After all dairy cows have entered the shed, attention should be paid to ensuring good ventilation inside the cowshed. Humidity must not be too high, and relative humidity should not exceed 55%. Excessive humidity will produce strong external stimulation on dairy cows, affecting their milk production, and in severe cases may also lead to infection with some fungal diseases. At the same time, manure and urine should be removed in time to keep the shed clean and dry.
Do a good job of feed formulation After entering winter, the feed ratio should be adjusted in time, striving for diversity. In terms of concentrate supply, the protein feed remains unchanged, and 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 consume 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 are 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.
Do a good job of warming drinking water Tap water and well water that have not been heated are prone to freezing in winter. After dairy cows drink them, indigestion often occurs, 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 enhance the cattle's desire to drink, but also have the effect of reducing internal heat and reducing inflammation.
Do a good job of brushing the cow's body Brushing the cow's body can not only keep the dairy cow's body surface clean, but also promote skin blood circulation and metabolism, helping to regulate body temperature and enhance disease resistance. Therefore, brushing should be done twice a day, morning and evening, 3-6 minutes each time, carefully brushing all parts of the body without omission. In addition, the cowshed and exercise yard should be disinfected regularly, and vaccinations should be carried out according to epidemic prevention procedures. Diseases should be treated early to ensure the health of dairy cows and ensure high milk production.