Analysis of milk traits in relation to feeding level and organization in a herd of high-yielding cows

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine factors influencing the balance of energy and protein in high-yielding cows. Daily milk yield, lactation number and month of lactation were analysed. The study was carried out in a herd with yield of 11,000 kg milk/year, on 517 lactating cows. The cows were divided into four feeding groups. They were fed TMR calculated for levels of milk production, as follows: group 1 – for 45 kg, group 2 – for 35 kg, group 3 – for 26 kg and group 4 – for 20 kg. The actual mean milk yield for these groups was 49.1 kg, 38.1 kg, 26.3 kg and 17.5 kg per day. Each group consisted of cows in their first to sixth lactation and in their first to tenth month of lactation. No significant differences were noted in daily milk yield between lactation numbers or months of lactation. As milk yield increased in the groups, the content of fat and protein decreased. The estimated balance of energy, based on the protein percentage in the milk, was negative for nearly the entire lactation in group 1, for the first four months of lactation in group 2, for the first two months in group 3, and in the second month of lactation for group 4. Group 1 was divided into three subgroups according to yield: up to 45 kg, 45-50 kg and 50 kg or more. Energy was estimated to be wellbalanced only in the first subgroup. The balance of energy in the cows was strongly determined by daily milk yield, and to a lesser degree by the month of lactation. Protein, based on the concentration of urea in the milk, was well-balanced in groups 1 and 2. In groups 3 and 4, the recommended level of protein in the rations was exceeded by 10-20%.