Evaluating Milk Peak and Persistency Using DHIA Data Part 4

The milk peak and persistency measures from the 202 Herd Summary or PC DART herd Management Software are dairy herd production metrics worth monitoring monthly. They give a quick overview to benchmark the herd performance changes. The peak milk is a sensitive metric, and it quickly reflects nutritional changes in the feeding program.

To improve milk peak and persistency, producers are advised to take simple management steps and efforts to focus on dry and transition periods, four weeks before and four weeks after freshening.

Management Areas to Maximize Milk Peak and Persistency

• Implement basic management strategies such as optimize dry matter intake, use feed additives to improve rumen health, improve cow comfort, evaluate body condition scores on a regular basis, and use antioxidants to increase the efficiency of immune system function. These strategies will not only increase peak milk values but will also increase the whole lactation production and improve farm profitability. 

• Review the cows’ environment and management for possible stressors such as sufficient bunk space, cow comfort, overcrowding, overall hygiene, grouping, etc. (Table 3). These stressors should be minimized as they limit DMI, rumination time, and cause inflammations that are precursors to metabolic disorders such as metritis, ketosis, displaced abomasum, milk fever, and retained placenta. Research clearly shows that cows that suffer from metabolic disorders never make a good peak and are not persistent in their milk yield.

• Maintain udder health to achieve milk peak and persistency. Udder infections damage the milk-secreting tissue, and the cow loses her ability to produce her genetic potential forever. 

• Feed antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, to prevent the impact of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress decreases the efficiency of the immune system function. It can be caused by many environmental factors, such as too much fat mobilization, low comfort, poor air quality or injury, and not enough water or feed. Recent research suggests that immune stress could be a key element of periparturient disorders (Horst, 2021). 

• Implement a feeding program for heifers to achieve an optimal body weight and height at calving (Table 3).

¹ Stocking density calculated based on headlocks.
² Recommended close-up dry cows' stocking density varies depending on breed and demographics of the pen. A lower stocking density (i.e., 80%) is beneficial for Holstein cattle and in herds where multiparous and primiparous animals are housed together. Higher stocking density (i.e., 100%) can be used in Jersey cattle herds without negative effects on health and performance postpartum.
³ DIM = days in milk

Conversely, high stress, heat stress, toxins in feed, incomplete milking, inadequate nutrition, postpartum disorders, short photoperiod, and mastitis cause lower milk peak and persistency.

By implementing the recommended management practices and closely monitoring the peak milk and persistency in the 202 Herd Summary or PC DART, producers can maximize the potential for their herd’s milk production and profitability.

References

Caixate, L.S., Omontese, B.O. 2021. Monitoring and improving the metabolic health of dairy cows during the transition period. animals. 11(2):352. 2021.

Horst E. A., Kvidera S. K, and Baumgard L. H. 2021. The influence of immune activation on transition cow health and performance—A critical evaluation of traditional dogmas. J. Dairy Sci. 104:8380–8410.