Amazing progress has been made in the nutrition and management of dairy cattle during the last 20 years.

With input costs on a continual rise, the words feed efficiency are the latest buzzwords. Feed efficiency has long been a cornerstone for the livestock industry, and dairy producers should help feed managers realize the value of the calculation to ensure each pound of feed is utilized properly by every cow. Here are some tips to accurately measure feed efficiency in your herd.

As a holistic veterinarian, I am gratified that many of the trends affecting the dairy industry today appear to be moving the industry toward a more holistic approach to animal husbandry and away from some of the “factory farm” concepts that have gained popularity in the past few decades; high feed and energy costs are pushing the industry toward holistic. And, at the same time, consumer preferences with regard to animal welfare and food safety are pulling it in the same direction. I am under no illusion that these trends will force everyone to become organic certified.

Corn grain usually makes up 30 to 35 percent of the total ration dry matter (DM) of a typical Midwest lactating cow diet. Changes in its price, therefore, can have significant impact on total feed costs.

One of the most important challenges that any animal faces is ensuring its daily food supply.

Heat stress can cost dairy producers big bucks, especially during the summer months.

One of the most significant environmental challenges dairy farmers face each year is dealing with the summer heat and humidity and its affect on cows and milk production.

Dairy cows perform much like world-class athletes, exerting high levels of energy for daily maintenance and to maintain high levels of production, says Dr. Joe West, University of Georgia dairy scientist.

Balancing amino acids in dairy rations to enhance protein efficiency is similar to the ideal protein concept used by poultry and swine nutritionists for many years.

Providing adequate energy is a fine balancing act in an ever-changing rumen environment. Low levels may not provide the necessary energy to support high production while excessive energy can result in serious health conditions like rumen acidosis, lameness and liver abscesses.