Monitoring of the feed base and provision of dairy cattle with adequate feeding

Abstract

At the current stage of dairy cattle breeding, one of the most pressing problems is monitoring of the feed base, which includes the procurement of high quality feed. Solution of this problem also requires a focus on ration formulation, since unbalanced feeding can cause metabolic disorders, which ultimately affects realization of the genetic potential of dairy breeds. In this regard, to increase the production of cows, it is necessary to constantly improve and optimize their feeding rates, since feeding is the most important factor to advance dairy cattle breeding. Appropriate feeding ensures cow production amounting to 6,000-8,000 kg of milk and more, with a milk fat content of 3.7-4.2%. The paper provides data on monitoring of the state of the feed base on the studied farm to ensure adequate feeding of cows. Within the stated problem, the study also focuses on the analysis and assessment of the rations of cow feeding with regard to the physiological state of the animal, which was confirmed through the use of the targeted ration. The basis of the practice-oriented study was the decision to use the information and analytical system RATIONS to calculate balanced feed rations for adequate feeding of dairy cows. In the future, the farm needs to pay special attention to introduction of adapted feeding norms for black-motley cows to satisfy their need for nutrients.