Scientific Feeding Methods and Daily Management Tips for Dairy Cattle

Dairy farming is a livestock production activity whose main purpose is obtaining milk, involving multiple aspects such as breed selection, feed formulation, daily management and disease prevention and control. The dairy cattle rearing cycle is relatively long and the initial investment is relatively large, but as long as management is done properly, relatively stable returns can be obtained, so mastering scientific feeding methods is very important.

At present, the most widely raised breed in China is the Chinese Holstein, commonly known as the black-and-white dairy cow, which has the characteristics of good milk production performance and relatively strong adaptability. When purchasing dairy cattle, one should carefully observe body structure, udder development and the health of the limbs, and select individuals with a robust physique and a well-developed lactation system, so as to lay a good foundation for high yield later.

In terms of feeding, attention should be paid to a reasonable combination of roughage and concentrate, with appropriate supplementation of succulent feeds such as silage and carrots, which helps increase milk production. When winter temperatures are low, dairy cattle should be given warm water to drink and the amount of energy feed should be appropriately increased; in high-temperature summer weather, heat protection and cooling measures should be taken to avoid a drop in milk production caused by heat stress.

Hygiene and disease prevention should likewise not be neglected. The cowshed should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, vaccination and deworming should be carried out on schedule, and any abnormal individuals found should be isolated and handled promptly. In addition, attention should be paid to reproduction management, mastering the timing of mating, and doing a good job of care for cows during pregnancy and after calving, so that the herd can develop continuously and steadily.