We typically see peak milk production on or around the Planned Start of Mating (PSM). Peak milk is impacted by many variables, it observes how well a cow has transitioned from the dry period through calving and into early lactation, which is heavily influenced by nutrition and management during these periods.
It is becoming common practise on many farms, to adopt a period of Once-a-Day milking, immediately post calving. Short-term OAD milking in early lactation can improve cow energy balance, support better body condition score (BCS), and potentially reduce metabolic disorders during this at-risk period.
The data coming off ‘collar’ farms supports this and can be seen in the ‘Nike tick’, this is considered a positive indicator of a lowering of the Fat% and an increase in the Protein%. It suggests cows are moving from a period of negative energy balance post-calving (when protein percentage dips) to improved energy status as intake and rumen function recover.
The biggest impact on the decline of milk weights is related to feed quality and quantity. The ryegrass plant starts to turn reproductive with the early emergence of the seed head, this degrades the palatability and digestibility of the grass. The Neutral Detergent Fibre, NDF, elevates through this period, NDF is related to dry matter intake and rumen fill.
Around peak milk, we typically see the NDF measuring as high as 40%, where we have a ‘full’ and contented cow chewing her cud but lacking the energy to milk to her potential. This is why it is justified to feed low fibre/high energy supplements to balance the diet and increase the MJME offered, and often at the same time we are harvesting a pasture surplus.
It is important to closely observe growth rates and regularly calculate demand. If supply exceeds demand, you have a surplus that needs to be managed. Your options when managing that surplus, can be re-grassing, harvesting the surplus as silage, mow ahead/top to waste, or finally, use grazing pressure to accurately and consistently hit your grazing residuals.
Finally, we often talk about a rising plain of nutrition, lead feeding etc. leading up to and through mating. Supporting this, quality pasture has a significant impact on your milk weights and mating performance.
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