Here is some general information on dairy cow feeding, which helps for increasing milk yield, reducing costs, creating a ration plan, or feeding at different lactation stages.

Basic Principles of Dairy Cow Feeding

1. Balanced Ration (TMR – Total Mixed Ration):
A mix of forages (hay, silage), concentrates (grains, protein meals), minerals, and vitamins.
Ration should be tailored to stage of lactation, body weight, and milk production level.

2. Dry Matter Intake (DMI):
Target: 3–4% of body weight.
A 600 kg cow = ~18–24 kg dry matter/day.

3. Energy:
Measured as Net Energy for Lactation (NEL).
High-producing cows need high-energy rations.

4. Protein:
Requirements vary: ~16–18% crude protein for high-producing cows.

5. Forage to Concentrate Ratio:
Early lactation: ~50:50 or even 40:60.
Mid/late lactation: 60:40 or more forage heavy.

6. Water:
Most overlooked! Cows drink 3–5 liters of water per liter of milk produced.
Feeding by Lactation Stage

Dry period (60 days before calving):
Focus on maintaining body condition, not milk.
Avoid high-energy diets to prevent metabolic issues.

Transition period (3 weeks before and after calving):
Introduce lactation diet gradually.
Prevent milk fever, ketosis.

Early lactation (first 70 days):
High-energy diet needed to support milk peak.

Mid-lactation:
Maintain milk production, balance body condition.

Late lactation:
Prepare cow for dry period.