For a high FCE, treat the rumen like a factory
To achieve these, we must provide each cow with the correct nutrients in a manner in which they can best utilise them.
A cow’s rumen is like a factory, with millions of microbes acting as the workforce (in a sense, we are feeding this workforce).
Like any factory, if the working environment isn’t ideal, productivity and efficiency will suffer.
In the case of the rumen, we must ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible to get the maximum feed conversion efficiency (FCE).
Several key factors affect FCE. Firstly, the rumen should have a stable pH of 6.0 to 6.5, which will ensure good microbial activity and reproduction.
This is achieved by having excellent TMR (total mixed ration) structure, incorporating chopped straw to stimulate cud chewing and saliva production. The sodium bicarbonate content of the saliva buffers acid in the rumen.
A good rumen environment will have a large microbial population, which in turn leads to good digestion of all feeds especially fibre, which is essential for butterfat production.
The TMR must be balanced for energy and protein. Imbalances between energy and protein will lead to reduced FCE.
High quality ingredients should be used, such as cereal grains, beet pulp, soya, distillers and rapeseed. These feeds will always represent the best value for money.
Forage quality has a major effect on FCE, with fibrous silages being more difficult to digest.
In this scenario, feeding a secondary forage such as maize, brewers grains, fodder or sugar beet should be considered.
Good dry matter intakes of a well-balanced ration are desirable, with cows eating at least 3.5% of their bodyweight. However, high dry matter intakes alone won’t guarantee performance. Increasing intakes leads to a greater passage from the rumen. Less of a better-balanced ration may give better results.
By ensuring that the cow gets the nutrients she needs and is able to utilise them, we will achieve the above mentioned goals. At this stage, it is worth re-emphasising the importance of dry cow care in conditioning the rumen to be efficient.
Feed Conversion Efficiency: What a cow does with consumed feed directly affects the bottom line. FCE represents the quantity of milk produced from every kilogram of dry matter consumed.
For example, a cow consuming 20kg of dry matter at an FCE of 1.3 will produce 26 litres of milk.
By improving her feed conversion efficiency slightly to 1.4, she will produce 28 litres of milk. This could be achieved with minor adjustments in the ration or by improved ration structure, and essentially represents two litres of “free milk.”
Monitoring Early Lactation cows: Condition loss should be minimal. Excess condition loss indicates energy deficiency, and this must be addressed immediately.
Milk solid levels: low milk solids indicate energy deficiency and poor ration structure.
Manure: should be of medium consistency, too loose showing a lack of effective fibre or excess protein.
Cud chewing: 60% of the herd should be lying and cudding.
Ration performance monitoring: gives an accurate indication of litres produced per kg of dry matter consumed.
Herd health: cows should be bulling well, have healthy shining coats and be good on their feet.
For further information, contact Brian Reidy at Richard Keenan & Co Ltd., Borris, Co. Carlow on (059) 9771200 or visit the www.keenansystem.com website
