Reaching high peak milk production is key to a successful lactation. Each 1-pound increase in peak milk translates into 213 to 304 pounds more milk throughout the entire lactation. Unfortunately, a cow’s inability to increase dry matter intake during the first weeks after calving can prevent the cow from reaching high peak milk production. The challenge is even greater when rations contain high levels of forage that is not easy to digest.

How important is it to know your forage quality? Forage quality directly affects milk production and, therefore, your bottom line. The higher the quality of your forage, the more forage you can feed, supporting higher milk production and eliminating the need to purchase supplemental fiber.