Articles

Dairy Sense: Getting Those Extra Pounds of Milk

Focus on the first 100 days of lactation to find and fix bottlenecks that are limiting milk production.

Save for later Print

Updated:

March 8, 2023

Skip to the end of the images gallery

Dairy Sense: Getting Those Extra Pounds of Milk

Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

August 2018

Production Perspective

Achieving those elusive extra few pounds of milk does not happen overnight. The first step is to find out where the bottleneck is and develop a plan forward. Dairy operations have a wealth of data on their cows, but even in today's high-technology environment, there are still some key metrics that are being overlooked. Most producers know the herd's somatic cell count, pregnancy rate, cull rate, and average milk production, but very few can convey how their animals are peaking or how their first lactation animals are performing. Even herds that are extremely well managed can have problems during the first 40 days in milk or that period between 41 and 100 days in milk. Feeding management and cow comfort problems can play an integral role on overall herd production when fresh and peak milk are compromised.

An achievable minimal metric for Holstein herds are a bulk tank average milk production of 75 pounds on 2 times a day milking and 85 pounds on 3 times a day milking. The average peak milk for first lactation animals should be greater than 80 pounds, and mature cows greater than 110 pounds. The Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS) has a 202 report that evaluates key performance indicators. There is a table titled “Stage of Lactation Profile" that contains very pertinent information based on days in milk, stage of lactation, number of animals in each category, milk fat and protein percent, and somatic cell count. This table is underutilized and yet provides critical information on why a herd may not be performing to expectations.

Two herds working with Penn State Extension have been challenged with moving milk production past a bulk tank average of 70 pounds. Based on recent tests, Herd 1's performance in the first 40 days and then at peak respectively, were first lactation animals 55 and 72 pounds, second lactation 106 and 82 pounds and third plus lactations 65 and 84 pounds. One of the first places to investigate would be the heifer program evaluating weight, height, and body condition prior to calving. The second lactation animals are exhibiting sophomore slump; they are starting out well and then losing steam. The mature cows are starting off extremely weak and a lot of milk is being left on the table. This herd is challenged with limited facilities for the dry cows and post fresh animals. Feeding management and compliance in the mixing protocol have been detected as bottlenecks. This herd could achieve a consistent 75-pound bulk tank average by implementing the necessary changes to improve how animals perform at the start of their lactation.

Herd 2 has a similar performance issue to Herd 1, but different symptoms. Their animals start off strong in the first 40 days: lactation 1 – 70 pounds; lactation 2 – 85 pounds; and lactation 3 plus – 95 pounds. Their problems start in the 41 to 100 days in milk range: lactation 1 – 55 pounds; lactation 2 – 86 pounds; and lactation 3 plus – 89 pounds. This herd has minimal metabolic problems, but their heifer raising program could be improved. The first lactation animals are small, and they are struggling to grow and milk at the same time. Feeding management could be improved as cows are going long stretches without feed. There has also been a lot of variability in the hay-crop forage, especially the protein content. This has resulted in the ration testing much lower in protein than what is formulated.

Another key aspect in using this type of data is examining performance historically based on lactation number and days in milk. Both herds are trending in the wrong direction compared to the past three years. This is evidence that the problem is not new, and if it is going to be solved, management must change. These are just two of many examples reflecting a similar obstacle. Nutrition or ration formulation is not the culprit, but rather labor and facilities. There are some extra pounds of milk waiting to be realized.

Action Plan for Achieving 75 Plus Pounds of Milk on 2 Times a Day Milking

Goal – Develop an action plan for achieving and maintaining a bulk tank average of 75 pounds or greater.

Step 1: If the herd is not currently maintaining a 75-pound average, evaluate herd data to determine the problem areas as well as historic information.
Step 2: Benchmark herd performance for production, peak milk, reproduction, milk quality, culling, and age at first calving.
Step 3: Utilizing the appropriate advisors, evaluate the problem areas and discuss strategies for correcting the problem.
Step 4: Implement recommended strategies and monitor the appropriate metrics for change or improvements.
Step 5: Continue dialogue with the appropriate advisors to adjust or confirm that progress is being made.

Economic Perspective

Monitoring must include an economic component to determine if a management strategy is working or not. For the lactating cows, income over feed costs is a good way to check that feed costs are in line for the level of milk production. Starting with July 2014's milk price, income over feed costs was calculated using average intake and production for the last six years from the Penn State dairy herd. The ration contained 63% forage consisting of corn silage, haylage, and hay. The concentrate portion included corn grain, candy meal, sugar, canola meal, roasted soybeans, Optigen, and a mineral-vitamin mix. All market prices were used.

Also included are the feed costs for dry cows, springing heifers, pregnant heifers, and growing heifers. The rations reflect what has been fed to these animal groups at the Penn State dairy herd. All market prices were used.