As farm gate milk prices face a downward trend, feed efficiency is more critical than ever for dairy farmers aiming to maintain margins this winter. With feed representing the largest variable cost on most farms, making smart, informed decisions can help safeguard both cow performance and farm profitability.
Start with Forage Analysis
Your forage is the cornerstone of your winter-feeding strategy. Conducting a forage analysis is essential to understand its true nutritional value. Without this, it is impossible to accurately balance the diet and optimise performance. Good-quality forage can reduce the level of concentrate feed required, but only if its feed value is known and appropriately utilised.
Target Feed Where It Pays
Not every cow in the herd will return on investment from high levels of concentrate. Feeding to yield allows you to tailor concentrate inputs to the cows that will justify it – particularly freshly calved and high yielding cows, in early lactation. These animals are more likely to respond positively to additional nutrients, supporting both production and fertility. Avoid overfeeding late lactation or lower-yielding cows that won’t convert extra feed into milk efficiently. These are often the “passenger” cows that quietly drain profits. Consider whether these animals are worth carrying through the winter or if it’s more economical to dry them off early or cull with the good prices being received from factories.
Know Your Feed Costs and Breakeven Point
Understanding your breakeven milk yield is crucial. Calculate the litres needed per cow to cover feed and other variable costs, then compare this with current milk prices. Use this insight to shape your feeding strategy and make informed decisions about culling, drying off or changing feeding rates. The Fane Valley Feeds Technical Team can provide on farm support to calculate monthly feed costs and help make these informed decisions.
Maximise Forage Use
Ensure the best quality forage is prioritised for the milking herd, particularly those in early lactation. Lower-quality forages can be directed to dry cows or youngstock. Pay attention to clamp management and feed out techniques to minimise waste and preserve feed quality.
It is also beneficial to calibrate feeders in the parlour, robot and out of parlour feeders to ensure these are all working and not over or underfeeding.
Work with Your Nutritionist
A tailored feed plan developed with your nutritionist will help make the most of the available on – farm resources. This plan should aim to balance cost with performance, ensuring cows get what they need without overfeeding. Nutritionists can also help identify cost-effective feed solutions to balance the diet and maximise animal performance.
Don’t Cut Corners on Fresh Cows
While cost-cutting is tempting, it’s vital not to compromise the performance of fresh calvers and early lactation cows. These animals set the tone for the rest of the lactation – poor nutrition now can lead to fertility issues, longer calving intervals and reduced lifetime yield. Ensuring they are fed well supports peak milk production and long-term herd profitability.
In Summary
This winter, improving feed efficiency starts with good data: analyse your forage, know your cow performance, understand your costs. Prioritise feeding cows that will deliver a return and be prepared to make tough decisions about low-producing animals. With input from your nutritionist, you can develop a feeding strategy that makes the best use of your resources without compromising future performance. For advice on improving efficiency on your farm, contact your local Fane Valley Feeds Advisor or call 028 8224 3221.
