Carbohydrates are the major component of every lactating cow diet, making up approximately 70% of the total ration, with around 30% of these carbohydrates taking the form of starch. When formulating and feeding lactating diets, we rely on starch to support the energy demands for milk production.

There is a certain appeal in feeding long dry hay to dairy cows, especially because the cows seem to gravitate to this type of forage, but is this the best way to feed dairy cows?

Having cows in good body condition at calving is essential to a successful breeding season. However, nutrition, animal management and specific nutrient supplementation during the early portion of the breeding season can alter pregnancy rates.