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Cows speak #13 : feeding transition

News30/10/2020

Optimising feed transitions thanks to the feeding behaviour of the animals

Feeding transitions are critical periods with impacts on animals that should be limited.

In this first example, when the new maize silage was fed, rumination fell sharply below the recommended thresholds. The impact was notable on the tank with a loss of one litre of milk (herd with an initial average production of 20 kg of milk).

In view of these impacts, the farmer decided to introduce a little more fibre and buffer substances in the ration of his dairy cows. The positive impact of this action is noticeable (increase in rumination time) but feeding behaviour will take timeto return to normal because of this imbalance.

In this second example, the initial rumination was above the recommended thresholds.

The addition of a new maize with a higher starch content led to an increase in feed intake time and a decrease in rumination time. This time the reduction in rumination time, linked to a less bulky ration, was positive with gains in milk and rates.

Each herd will therefore react differently to changes in rations. Therefore, optimising the animals' feeding behaviour makes it possible to increase their performance and limit health risks.