Protecting milk solids and cow condition

Recent rainfall, warm soils and the release of stored nitrogen have driven a strong recovery in grass growth. This should help extend the grazing season and has eased pressure on silage stocks, allowing many farmers to close pits for winter. In some areas, further cuts are also being taken to strengthen reserves.

Maintaining production remains a priority. Many herds are still producing around 2kg of milk solids per cow and, with milk price improving, every effort should be made to hold output. Anticipate grass shortages or weather-related challenges and introduce appropriate supplementation before performance declines. Milk lost at this stage of lactation is unlikely to be recovered.

Body condition score must also be central to management decisions. In approximately 10 weeks, most cows should be at BCS 3.25. The thurl region should appear U-shaped (see below), which indicates a body condition score of 3, or greater, rather than V-shaped. A high proportion of V-shaped cows may indicate they are approximately 0.5 BCS units behind target. For a 600kg cow, this equates to around 24kg of body weight.

Restoring this condition over 10 weeks will require more than 125kg of additional feed dry matter, or close to 2kg per cow per day, specifically for condition gain. Action is required now. The benefit of concentrate or other supplementation is not measured in milk solids alone; feed also supports body condition. Complete a feed budget now to identify any winter shortfall. Removing unproductive or empty cows will reduce demand and direct feed towards animals that can provide a return. Test silage for nutritional and mineral content, particularly silage intended for dry cows. Reliable analysis will support balanced diets and an appropriate mineral programme for the season ahead.