Milk Protein in a Freefall

Milk protein % has turned negative.  This is a sign of poor energy nutrition or poor grassland management.

The week of extreme heat won’t have helped. When heat stressed, cows lie down in the shade more, intakes drop dramatically.

In extreme heat, adjust up concentrate feeding by 2kg.

From a grass standpoint we have 2 differing scenarios:

1. where growth is exceeding demand and grass quality is gone poor
2. where soil moisture deficit is an issue and growth is slow leading to low grass supply

both these scenarios will lead to poor energy intake and low milk proteins

How to deal with it:

1. Excessive pre-grazing covers = lower intake potential, DMD and UFL. Every 5% drop in DMD = 3ltrs lower milk.

Top, pre-mow, close fields for reseeding.  Do everything possible to maintain pre- and post-grazing sward heights and covers.

2. Ensure cows intakes are being met.  Buffer feed with concentrates and silage where required to maintain intakes

For best advice contact your Dairygold ASM today