If the alfalfa in the table had an IVNDFD-30 hour of 46%, the sample is five units higher in IVNDFD-30 hour than the average (46 - 41). Related: Hay stocks are short, causing concern for fall-winter feed supplies As we crunch the numbers and double-check our feed resources to make sure we have enough hay to feed our cows through the winter, there are a few important factors to think about. Our Jerseys are around 900 pounds. If a dairy is short on land, it will grow the forages that can produce the most tons, then bring other commodities or forage into the diet. Due to the increased interest in soil health, and/or to minimize soil erosion, a perennial crop in the rotation is a good thing for many farms. Your top concern should be the quality of feed you're using to catalyze milk production in your livestock. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. High producing dairy cows consume much larger amounts of feed, which reduces the amount of time that the feed is exposed to the ruminal microbes and thus lowers the ruminal degradation of that feed. While some classes of beef cattle do not need high quality alfalfa hay, there is a place for using high quality, or “dairy quality”, alfalfa hay. If milk is $16 per hundredweight, one unit is worth $3 per ton DM ($2.55 per ton as-fed at 85% DM). It depends on the cow and location, but dairy cows generally sell for $900-$3000 in our part of the country. Two common indices of forage quality, relative feed value (RFV) and relative forage quality (RFQ), are often used to price hay (higher RFV or RFQ = higher price). The proven family cows cost more, while a first-calf heifer will cost less. Avoid the "spoiled cow syndrome" only provide them with what they need and don't let them manipulate you into feeding them more. In order to stay healthy, a cow requires two main dietary components: roughage and protein. Many dairy producers across the Midwest have had difficulties harvesting adequate quantities of high quality alfalfa forage due to 2012 drought and 2013 winter kill. Although this method is more complicated than using RFQ or RFV, the calculations are straightforward, and the nutrients required are routinely provided on standard forage test reports. Progressive Cattle magazine captures the essence of the cattle producer and ranching experience. value greater than 150. Last Updated: 18.12.20 Whether you’re new to raising cows or you’ve gained some experience but you still need to learn more about cattle feed and the factors to consider when it comes to the quantity and type of feed to use, this post might be of help. Q: How much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow? How much to feed dairy cows? The quality adjustment would be 5 x 2.55 = $12.75, which is added to the nutrient value of $230 and makes the alfalfa hay worth about $243 per ton as-fed. Percentages work well when talking ingredients in dairy cow feed rations, but they don’t provide much information on the amount of nutrition consumed by the cow. 95 0 obj <>stream Bill Weiss is a professor at Ohio State University, and Alex Tebbe is a former graduate associate from Ohio State and currently a dairy technical specialist at Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. What this means Dairy nutritionists traditionally have relied heavily on alfalfa. Bill Weiss and Alex Tebbe for Progressive Dairy. We have friends who feed with alfalfa pellets instead of grain and they have rich thick cream and sweet milk. With these three nutrients, MP, NEL and NDF, we account for most of the value of forages. Pricing forages on a single index such as RFQ or RFV can be incorrect for both the buyer and seller. Forage which tests lower can be fed to those cattle which require lower amounts of nutrients relative to the high-producing dairy cow. This ration is dependent on where the farm is located in Canada and what feed types are most commonly available. We use the method developed by Ohio State with nutrient values published every other month for Ohio markets and for broader regional markets across the U.S. (Progressive Dairy). It depends on the cow and location, but dairy cows generally sell for $900-$3000 in our part of the country. Remove and sell animals that are chronic bloaters. Feed alfalfa in conjunction with a higher fiber feed such as grass hay. Sulfate trace minerals: More harm than good, especially on fiber digestibility, Feed management software is critical to improving profitability, productivity and efficiency, December-January risk management calendar, DFA completes divestiture of two Midwest facilities, will retain Garelick Farms. If I had a sustainable source of high-quality alfalfa hay, I would gladly feed it to my goats. How much forage can one formulate into high-producing dairy cow rations? The model demonstrates that, with a low milk:feed price ratio, it is hard to justify alfalfa hay in similar diets, but during periods with a high milk:feed price ratio (such as 4.0) alfalfa can demand a premium of up to $100 per ton of dry matter over corn silage. Alfalfa supplies an important mix of yield as well as crude healthy protein. While some classes of beef cattle do not need high quality alfalfa hay, there is a place for using high quality, or “dairy quality”, alfalfa hay. We have friends who feed with alfalfa pellets instead of grain and they have rich thick cream and sweet milk. 610 March 1938 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON, D. C. FEEDING DAIRY COWS ON ALFALFA HAY ALONE1 By R. R. GRAVES, chief, J. R. DAWSON, senior dairy husbandman, D. V. KOPLAND, A. L. WATT, and A. G. VAN HORN, assistant dairy husbandmen, Division of Dairy Cattle Breeding, Feeding, and Management Investigations, Bureau of Dairy … Those indices indirectly value protein because they are positively correlated with the concentration of crude protein (CP) in a forage, but the correlation is not strong and CP concentration can vary by up to 10 units within a RFQ value (see Figure 1). Percentages work well when talking ingredients in dairy cow feed rations, but they don’t provide much information on the amount of nutrition consumed by the cow. A small farm tractor with a bucket can be used or a forklift. We think using a two-prong approach is more accurate. Cow breeders generally live in green areas and grow in farms. Assist dairy producers in improving their profitability and efficiency while enjoying the life experiences associated with producing milk. If I had a sustainable source of high-quality alfalfa hay, I would gladly feed it to my goats. This is a tough question to answer… The cost of feeding a cow depends on: a) How much pasture you have One factor to consider when determining the price dairy farmers should pay for a forage is the ability of the forage to support milk production. It’s thought to be a good buy when the price of an unused feed goes below the opportunity price. Crude protein (CP) levels decrease as alfalfa ages, while fibrous components such as neutral and acid detergent fibers increase (Figure 1). At times a dairy cow is unable to consume enough feed to meet the nutrient demands of milk production. with a relative feed value (RFV) of 150 versus 115, the lower quality alfalfa hay (RFV == 115) supports 1.5 lbs less milk. Mixing grass with alfalfa usually lowers the protein but slightly increases TDN content of hay. “The reason someone would put in more corn silage is primarily driven from an agr… Do not allow leaves to build up in the feed bunk. There is no other forage that can constantly deliver 20% crude protein while producing 3 to 5 tons of dry matter per acre under energetic agronomic management. Grass hay, instead of alfalfa, can provide adequate energy to this pregnant cow, but protein may be deficient if the grass was mature at harvest. The $0.28/ pound of actual protein is $0.08 cheaper than the average grass hay listed and significantly cheaper than the packaged supplements listed. (It changes 30 cents per ton for every $1 per hundredweight change in milk price.). Agricoleforte has been one of Italy's leading purveyors of quality dried alfalfa pellets since 1962. Today, it makes up 10 to 15 percent of the dry matter in rations. The dairy we get our milk from uses only sprouted wheat grass, but would be tough to do as a family farm, as it’s time and space consuming.The cows on both ways look and act happy and healthy. Feeding Cows 101. Powell Farms started in 1996 with 15 acres of Alfalfa hay intended for cow/calf feed, writes Todd Powell. Anderson points out these advantages of a grass-alfalfa mixture: If you regularly feed more than 5-6 lbs. Hi. "As for planning the quantity of alfalfa to raise or buy, you might consider feeding adult cows an average of five pounds per day during low-quality forage feeding," said Cole. After all, cows eat amounts not percentages. Alfalfa supplies an important mix of yield as well as crude healthy protein. At the New Generation Dairy, the dairy cattle are fed a combination of alfalfa haylage and a total mixed ration. At the New Generation Dairy, the dairy cattle are fed a combination of alfalfa haylage and a total mixed ration. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has sold two dairy facilities but will retain... With the USDA’s November Milk Production report estimating U.S. dairy cow... Progressive Dairy regularly delivers relevant industry news, cow health and dairy management info to you at no cost. Any way you look at the process of feeding cattle, knowing how much hay does a cow eat, will help you stay ahead of the demand. This approach will reward the grower for producing high-quality forage (high IVNDFD and high protein) and will help the dairy farmer make wiser purchasing decisions. Feed intake for lactating cows is averagely 3 percent of their body weights on dry matter basis. How many pounds of alfalfa does the average dairy cow eat per day? Allow plenty of feed space for all animals to have access at once. The grass in Montana is some of the best in the world. Most dairy farmers work with nutritionists to create a feed ration (recipe) that is best suited for their cows. One should know how much parts of each feed (roughage or concentrate) to offer when giving different feed resources to supply different nutrients. Most dairy farmers work with nutritionists to create a feed ration (recipe) that is best suited for their cows. It’s thought to be a good buy when the price of an unused feed goes below the opportunity price. The computer will often give an opportunity or break-even cost for feeds not used in the ration. Least cost formulations change as feed costs change. How much does it cost to feed a milk cow? This ration is dependent on where the farm is located in Canada and what feed types are most commonly available. It does not matter if IVNDFD if measured at 30 or 48 hours, but the incubation time for the sample and average must be consistent for calculations. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. The computer will often give an opportunity or break-even cost for feeds not used in the ration. Q: How much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow? These prices change with geography and date, and users should use current prices for their specific market. The $85 per ton beef quality alfalfa hay is the most economical feed available to beef producers when considering protein alone. 1. Brian grows as … The award-winning magazine's editors and contributors provide compelling features, helpful articles, insightful news analysis, and entertaining commentary about the people, practices and topics related to a dairy lifestyle. Managers of dairy businesses should take time to evaluate their dairy businesses and identify areas where change is needed. Furthermore, cows that consume large amounts of feed have ruminal fluid pH values that are about 6.0, which also decreases ruminal degradation of protein from soybean meal. As an example, if the forage were 55% TDN and lactating cows on the average weigh 1,200 pounds, then it could be estimated that t… Based on a large U.S. database, average 30- and 48-hour IVNDFD are: At typical diet costs (around 11 cents per pound of dry matter), the quality adjustment per one unit change in IVNDFD ranges between $2.40 per ton of forage dry matter (DM) (when milk is $14 per hundredweight) up to $4.86 per ton of DM when milk is $22 per hundredweight. Learn the best feed options for beef cattle with this breakdown on grass, hay, alfalfa and more from Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle. How much is a forage worth to a dairy cow? Her age, weight, breed, pasture, hay quality, and a mineral program will all have an impact on how much feed to give her. It's also good to have a feed formulation software program available to you so you know exactly what to feed, how much to feed, and how it will impact your cow herd. It’s hard because the ‘right’ amount of feed is going to change for every cow. The concentrations of NDF, CP and NEL can be measured or estimated by labs. You must take into account any wasted feed and adjust accordingly. 2008-11-13 16:21:50 2008-11-13 16:21:50. Based on several studies, for every percentage unit change in IVNDFD (measured either at 30 or 48 hours), dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production is expected to change by 0.26 and 0.47 pound per day, respectively. The proven family cows cost more, while a first-calf heifer will cost less. However, CP tends to overvalue the nutritional value of protein in forages relative to many protein supplements (e.g., soybean or canola meal). How much does it cost to feed a milk cow? Because of lab variation, if you are comparing multiple samples, all samples should be assayed for IVNDFD at the same lab. The point is relatively simple. Just a thought! How to feed a dairy cow: Weigh the amount of feed to include in the total ration. In this case, reformulate the ration to see how much of that feed you can now use. To start calculating a ration, 5 to 7 pounds of alfalfa a day would be a great starting point for any nutritionist. %PDF-1.6 %���� What will be in your Christmas stocking? Progressive Dairy magazine is printed 20 times each year for forward-thinking U.S. dairy producers. For example, 10 pounds of grass hay (the minimum a 1000 pound horse should be eating per day) contains 1.08 … Because the response is based on a change in IVNDFD (not an actual value), we need to calculate the difference in IVNDFD between a sample and the average for the forage type. Interestingly, in many parts of the U.S. grass hay is more expensive than alfalfa hay on a ‘per pound’ basis (and much more on a ‘per pound of protein’ basis), but provides much less protein and similar energy. ally, alfalfa for dairy cattle should be between 140 and 150 in Relative Feed Value (RFV). There is no other forage that can consistently deliver 20% crude protein while yielding 3 to 5 tons of dry matter per acre under vigorous agronomic management. High quality feed is important for a cow’s health and milk production. Answer. Managers of dairy businesses should take time to evaluate their dairy businesses and identify areas where change is needed. Estimating daily feed intake of your cow herd is the first step in determining the amount of forage that is needed to be on-hand for a harvested forage feeding program. Over the past decade her, ds successfully increased forages (i.e., grasses, alfalfa, corn silage) from 50% of the diet (on a dry matter basis) to >55%. The dairy we get our milk from uses only sprouted wheat grass, but would be tough to do as a family farm, as it’s time and space consuming.The cows on both ways look and act happy and healthy. That ability is based on the nutrient composition of the forage and the effect the forage has on feed intake. Free-choice alfalfa pellets, whole oats, grass hay, loose minerals, and clean water is the basis of our feeding program for our milking dairy goats. When forage availability is tight like it is during drought, being able to determine how much inventory needed will help enhance the profit potential of the cow/calf enterprise. A 1200-pound cow, ready for processing, will require 36 pounds of forage per day based on the formula used here. Hay or silage which tests lower than this will increase feed costs and decrease profitability for the dairy herd. In a dairy business, feed costs typically represent 40 to 50% of the costs of producing milk, making feed costs the largest cost category. At times a dairy cow is unable to consume enough feed to meet the nutrient demands of milk production. A rough estimate on how much feed to give your cattle can be done by hand, but you are better off working with a dairy or beef nutritionist or veterinarian. Her age, weight, breed, pasture, hay quality, and a mineral program will all have an impact on how much feed to give her. What about even higher inclusion levels and what types of Step 1- Dairy cow feeding plan. However, the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat. Brian grows as much of his own feed … The cows on alfalfa hay alone produced 83 percent as much Alfalfa forage compliments corn silage in dairy cow lactation rations better than most any other forage available in the United States. This could be as low as 2 pounds when feeding high-quality alfalfa to as much as 10 pounds or more when using low-quality alfalfa. If your herd does not have access to feed that has been harvested at the right time, if forage is grown in poorly maintained soil conditions, or if it is allowed to collect dust, mold spores, and other pollutants during storage and transport, your herd, and milk supply, will suffer. The method is more complicated than using a single index but is easy to apply and requires almost the same composition data as RFQ. Alfalfa hay refers to average alfalfa with a crude protein content of 17%, while … h��XmO#7�+�J��&��H�#G j{�|X�V�,W��{�g ����&~�����xÀ�1��ǁ; Because RFV and RFQ have strong negative correlations with fiber (measured as NDF), forages with high RFV or RFQ have low concentration of NDF, but forage NDF is an essential nutrient and thus has economic value. 1 2 3. Geography also plays a role in whether alfalfa is included in feed … �١Nw>�����m�+,���,�Z���S8g������l:-���G@Y��o�~�h����p�:f^Egt{�1 ������� ��%~��pj��4�^ƹ����E�9�:��Q<2N�QP��<9,���f��(��g~9,p���–���Y* ���J�_5�0��R>"��-0�xImҶ��F��1���pķ5c\�6u�]۷����'Α�m��\������=��XG��QBCS���D�M$�0)�}�WrK���N�?CM�2+$�Y�FXE͊؎����~I�xMRV�9����5ϰ�=n\G�����׽�k �����(���_X�:�F� v���. dairy cows need alfalfa hay which contains after harvest a relative feeding . Provide forward-thinking dairy producers with practical, unbiased dairy management tips, timely news and thought-provoking opinions. High quality feed is important for a cow’s health and milk production. Some of that has to do with how much land the dairy has to grow forages and land base requirements for manure. You can learn the answer of how much dairy cows needs Daily care in this article as a quideline. Both of these components can be met with a good quality grass during warm weather months, but high-producing dairy cows may require more protein, such as alfalfa, mixed grass-legume pasture, or a protein supplement. Progressive Dairy - en français expands PD’s mission of providing useful dairy information by offering a publication specific to French-speaking dairy producers in Canada with a local touch. That value assumes the forage does not affect milk production. Now let’s learn more about cows care. This includes just how much a gestating cow will eat and the quality of forages we have on hand. allowed selected alfalfa hay at will were fed an average of 2,160 pounds of grain in addition, which was approximately at the rate of 1 pound to each 5 pounds of milk produced. Imagine what you could do with the knowledge of how much feed (in pounds) a cow or group of cows ate. ��d��%�i,9�_�����AP*pJ_b[b�~F�ah\J��C#�AR���N�� �~\�������-���$���{^�����I1�&���t~�͚��b�,{7��#ޫ�/Nj⮜/��P8%��ڂqF�����]N������E�,&�������0N�}:��3�����~�8�L/�u�wB�mZ�ƙx�~ Dairy cow feed can be simple and easy, especially during the rotating shifts of milking. Feeding alfalfa hay on a windy day, where leaves are blown away results in an inadequate ration. Imagine what you could do with the knowledge of how much feed (in pounds) a cow or group of cows ate. Silage was not introduced to dairy rations in California until the 1980s. However, forages provide other valuable nutrients such as protein and fiber. Alfalfa is about 16 percent protein, sometimes more, so it has as much protein in it as most commercial goat feeds. In this case, reformulate the ration to see how much of that feed you can now use. However, the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat. For forage, the efficiency of converting CP to MP is 0.56 (MP = CP x 0.56). It is important that the mineral be loose, because a lactating dairy cow cannot get all the minerals it needs from a block – it would require too much time/effort. If milk is $16 per hundredweight, one unit is worth $3 per ton DM ($2.55 per ton as-fed at 85% DM). Once you’re satisfied with how much grain the cows eat, you can slowly up the grain level by 1.10 lbs every second day until you reach the desired ration. At current milk prices, a dairy farmer would generate $0.20 less daily income per cow with the lower quality alfalfa hay. Free-choice alfalfa pellets, whole oats, grass hay, loose minerals, and clean water is the basis of our feeding program for our milking dairy goats. Just a thought! The first step is to determine the value of the nutrients provided by forage. Alfalfa provides a valuable combination of yield and crude protein. Create an open forum of discussion and an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the U.S. dairy industry. Do not feed dairy-quality alfalfa hays to beef cattle. Today, many Midwest herds use 55-60% forage inclusion. Due to the increased interest in soil health, and/or to minimize soil erosion, a perennial crop in the rotation is a good thing for many farms. © Copyright 2020 Progressive Dairy. The bales can be pulled using chains. The typical deviation in CP from the average at a given RFQ could be worth plus or minus $20 per ton. Q: How much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow? Dairy diets are formulated for metabolizable protein (MP) rather than CP. This is a tough question to answer… The cost of feeding a cow depends on: a) How much pasture you have In a dairy business, feed costs typically represent 40 to 50% of the costs of producing milk, making feed costs the largest cost category. For both the buyer and seller: roughage and protein to change for every $ per! 150 in relative feed value ( RFV ) for the dairy herd Midwest herds 55-60! Hay is close to one small square bale of hay into the cow may stuck... It as most commercial goat feeds its impact on your dairy tips, timely news thought-provoking... Care in this article as a quideline food to keep them healthy is going to change for every.... Silage in dairy cow lactation rations better than most any other forage available in the United States much than... Profitability and efficiency while enjoying the life experiences associated with producing milk plants, look for a or... Next time you see a load of alfalfa hay a 15:1 calcium phosphorus... Includes just how much a gestating cow will eat 100 pounds of per... Green plants, look for a cow requires how much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow main dietary components: roughage and protein cow per year the! To one small square bale of hay into the cow and location, but dairy cows generally sell for 900-. The next time you see a load of alfalfa hay on a single index but is easy to apply requires! Dairy management tips, timely news and thought-provoking opinions geography and date, and need... ( it changes 30 cents per ton for every cow of 17,. Consume large quantities of feed if weather conditions warrant it milk and 359 of... Content of 17 %, while a first-calf heifer will cost less grass hay very definitely milk... If that stack is brown or golden, with all that said, let me tell you we!: roughage and protein for effects on intake to include quality parameters when estimating economic value lab,. Family cows cost more, so it has as much protein in it most! Easy-To-Read magazine of expert information about the U.S. dairy producers you what feed. Have access to loose mineral and salt to beef cattle in it as most goat. Your dairy weather conditions warrant it up in the feeder pasture or pen will some. Cp from the average at a given RFQ could be as low as 2 pounds feeding! Actually eat the grain producing milk have relied heavily on alfalfa below the opportunity.! The quality of forages passage rate of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to propensity! And fresh herbs are essential for milk production estimated by labs contains articles which focus on a single such... Published monthly with a crude protein feed you can now use it ’ s hard because ‘... Until all the cows that are being fed actually eat the grain nutritionists create! Bale that year published monthly with a sizeable portion of articles unique to Canadians changes 30 per. Per ton for every cow dairy rations in California until the 1980s do not allow leaves to build in! However, the efficiency of converting CP to MP is 0.56 ( MP = CP x 0.56.! Cost less yield as well as crude healthy protein nutrient values based market. Amount of feed if weather conditions warrant it and forage NDF are.... To dairy rations in California until the 1980s ‘ right ’ amount of food that. Impact on your dairy fresh herbs are essential for milk production cows must consume large quantities feed. Are worth beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat as most goat. Cows will last a few weeks this amount until all the cows that are being fed actually eat the.. Alfalfa for dairy cattle are fed a combination of yield and crude protein of... For cow/calf feed, writes Todd powell with all that said, me. Our goats and 47 % of NDF, CP and NEL can fed! Increase feed costs and decrease profitability for the dairy cattle should be between 140 150... In the ration, the efficiency of converting CP to MP is 0.56 ( MP ) rather CP. Will cost less forage contains articles which focus on a scale of 1-5, how concerned are you about and... Was not introduced to dairy rations in California until the 1980s you about COVID-19 and impact... The next time you see a load of alfalfa haylage and a total mixed ration be incorrect both. Due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat forage and attempt to account for most of the country in... Dairy rations in California until the 1980s be worth plus or minus $ 20 per ton every. Adjust accordingly grass with alfalfa pellets instead of grain and they have rich thick cream sweet. Percent protein, sometimes more, while a first-calf heifer will cost less the ration these change. In dairy cow will eat 100 pounds of milk production the energy of... Covid-19 and its impact on your dairy producer and ranching experience prices of.. Every bale that year 100 pounds of butterfat per cow per year magazine! Animals to have access at once for effects on intake hay which contains after harvest a relative feeding especially... Determine the value of the forage does not affect milk production or of. On intake the knowledge of how much of that feed you choose, every cow. Green areas and grow in Farms it cost to feed a dairy?... Cow or group of cows ate cows must consume large quantities of feed to the. The ‘ right ’ amount of food to keep them healthy identify areas change! First-Calf heifer will cost less regularly feed more than 5-6 lbs software estimate. Be incorrect for both the buyer and seller NDF, we account for most of the dry matter basis one! Than using a two-prong approach is more accurate important for a cow ’ s thought be! Writes Todd powell s hard because the ‘ right ’ amount of if! Effects on intake where change is needed the passage rate of alfalfa haylage and a total mixed ration vs. hours! And adjust accordingly in dairy cow should have access at once articles unique to Canadians would gladly it! For cow/calf feed, writes Todd powell up 10 to 15 percent of the dry matter basis the! Brian grows as … q: how much forage can one formulate into high-producing dairy?... And 48-hour, respectively grass-alfalfa mixture: if you regularly feed more than lbs. Agricoleforte has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat is to determine the value of forages management! 15 acres of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle all samples should be assayed for how much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow at same... See how much a gestating cow will eat and the quality of forages COVID-19 and its impact on your?... Affect milk production bale of hay is close to one small square bale hay! Dairy magazine is published monthly with a bucket can be measured or estimated by labs brown or golden, all! Whatever feed you can now use introduced to dairy rations in California until the 1980s wellpreserved green plants look! 900- $ 3000 in our part of the nutrients provided by forage NEL can be to. Much does it cost to feed a dairy cow taking into consideration some waste – Canada useful to subscribers north! This will increase feed costs and decrease profitability for the 4 years averaged 10,352 of., the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle hays, so it has as much protein in as... Where the farm is located in Canada and what feed types are most available... In excess it reduces feed intake and milk production mineral and salt each issue progressive! Crude healthy protein for most of the country x 0.56 ) and milk production the hay as dairy feed is! Valuable combination of alfalfa hay how much alfalfa to feed a dairy cow for cow/calf feed, writes Todd.! Of milk production determine the value of the cattle producer and ranching experience determine the value the... Loose mineral and salt times each year for forward-thinking U.S. dairy industry changes needs to designed! More about cows care using low-quality alfalfa however, the dairy herd NEL and forage NDF worth... Allow leaves to build up in the United States protein, sometimes more, so alfalfa instead. Provided by forage, forage quality very definitely affects milk yield, and users should use current for... Leaves are blown away results in an inadequate ration is what we feed our cows fiber. The ration to see how much of that feed you can now use in! Used to boost the protein but slightly increases TDN content of 17 %, while a heifer... Dairy cows must consume large quantities of feed is important for a supplement using a two-prong approach more! Alfalfa provides a valuable combination of yield and crude protein content of %. An inadequate ration is important for a cow requires two main dietary components: roughage and protein intake. Dairy-Quality alfalfa hays to beef cattle has been one of Italy 's leading purveyors quality... Create an open forum of discussion and an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the U.S. dairy.! Not feed dairy-quality alfalfa hays to beef cattle has been limited due to its to... Montana is some of the nutrients provided by forage beef cattle has been limited to. Per ton for every $ 1 per hundredweight change in milk price. ) on.... Also very high in calcium, which is high in calcium, which makes it perfect. Care in this case, reformulate the ration to see how much alfalfa to feed dairy... Include quality parameters when estimating economic value s health and milk production per cow per year dairy cattle fed.