From calving to peak lactation

• Milk yield at peak of lactation cycle will set up potential milk production for the year.

• 1 extra kg per day at peak can produce an extra 200kg/cow over the entire lactation cycle.

• There are a number of things to consider when feeding the herd early in lactation cycle to maximise the peak.

• One of the important thing to look out for is voluntary food ntake.

• At calving, appetite is only about 50 - 70% of max peak intake.

• This is because during dry period, the growing calf takes up space, reducing rumen volume and density of rumen papillae is reduced.

• After calving, it takes time for rumen to stretch and papillae to regrow.

• It is not until week 10 - 12 where appetite reaches full potential.

Peak lactation to peak intake

• During this period, cows' appetite will slowly increase until they can consume all the nutrients required for production, provided the diet is high of quality.