Animal groups

Dairy cow nutrition

A lactation cycle stage by stage: the dry period, the transition around calving, peak, mid and late lactation. What changes in the ration and what to watch in each stage.

Ration targets by stage

Overview

Nutrient needs change a lot during the year. Grouping cows by stage and feeding each group its own ration is the basis of good dairy nutrition. The ranges below are typical starting points for Holstein cows; the right values for your farm depend on yield, forages and intake.

Key points

Feed a separate ration at least for far-off dry, close-up and lactating cows.
Check dry matter intake, body condition and manure regularly; they show whether the ration works.
Analyse forages at least every time a new silo or batch is opened.

Typical ration ranges (% of DM; NEL in Mcal/kg DM)

Stage	CP	NDF	Starch	NEL
Far-off dry	12–13	40–50	12–16	1.30–1.40
Close-up	13–15	35–42	16–20	1.45–1.55
Fresh (0–21 DIM)	17–18	30–34	22–25	1.65–1.70
Peak / early	16–17.5	28–32	24–28	1.70–1.75
Mid lactation	15–16	30–35	22–26	1.60–1.70
Late lactation	14–15	33–38	18–24	1.50–1.60

Target

Each group fed a ration that matches its stage and yield.

Far-off dry period

Dry: 60–21 days before calving

The dry period lets the udder regenerate before the next lactation. The aim is to keep the cow in the right condition, not to fatten or slim her.

Key points

Controlled-energy ration: plenty of forage, often with straw, so cows eat to appetite without over-consuming energy.
Dry-off at body condition about 3.25–3.5; correct condition in late lactation, not in the dry period.
Balanced minerals and vitamins (especially vitamin E and selenium) through the dry period.
Good cow comfort: clean, dry bedding and enough space.

Target

Stable body condition through the dry period, with no gain or loss.

Close-up period

Last 21 days

The last three weeks prepare the cow for calving and lactation. Intake drops naturally before calving, so the ration must be denser while keeping blood calcium under control.

Key points

For milk fever prevention, a negative DCAD ration (about −10 to −15 mEq/100 g DM) with urine pH monitoring is widely used.
Introduce the lactation ration’s main ingredients in small amounts.
Avoid group changes in the last 10 days and overcrowding at the feed bunk.
Body condition at calving about 3.25–3.5, not above 3.75.

Target

Clinical milk fever below 1–2% and a smooth start to lactation.

Fresh cows

0–21 DIM

Milk yield rises faster than intake after calving, so every cow enters negative energy balance. Most metabolic problems (ketosis, displaced abomasum, retained placenta) happen in these weeks.

Key points

Keep fibre adequate (about 30–34% NDF) while raising energy step by step to protect the rumen.
Fresh feed, always available; push up feed often.
Check fresh cows daily: appetite, rumination, temperature, manure and ketones.
Body condition loss in early lactation should stay below about 0.5–0.75 points.

Target

Rising dry matter intake every day and subclinical ketosis below about 15–20%.

Peak and early lactation

~3–100 DIM

Peak milk usually comes 50–70 days after calving, while peak intake comes a few weeks later. Every extra kilogram of peak milk adds roughly 200 kg over the lactation.

Key points

Energy-dense ration with highly digestible forages; enough rumen-degradable starch without causing acidosis.
Balance metabolisable protein and amino acids (lysine, methionine) rather than just raising crude protein.
Check particle size with the Penn State separator and watch for signs of SARA.
Resume cycling and breeding: energy balance and trace minerals affect fertility.

Target

A high, well-sustained peak and pregnancy by about 100–120 days in milk.

Mid lactation

~100–200 DIM

Intake has reached its maximum and the cow is now in positive energy balance. The goal is persistence: a slow, steady decline in yield.

Key points

Adjust energy and protein to actual yield; avoid overfeeding low-yielding cows in mixed groups.
Start rebuilding lost body condition gradually.
This is often the most profitable stage: income over feed cost is a good check of the ration.

Target

Monthly decline in milk of no more than about 6–8% (less in first-lactation cows).

Late lactation

~200 DIM – dry-off

Yield is falling and the cow is pregnant. This is the right time to correct body condition before dry-off.

Key points

Lower energy and protein density to match yield; more forage, less concentrate.
Bring cows to about 3.25–3.5 body condition by dry-off; do not let them get fat.
Plan dry-off: reduce yield in the last days and use the udder health protocol agreed with your veterinarian.

Target

Cows dry off at the target condition, with low somatic cell counts.

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Educational content with general guidance; targets vary by breed and farm. Diagnosis and treatment of sick animals are your veterinarian’s job.

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