The feeding management of adult dairy cows can be divided into the following three stages:
Perinatal period: The perinatal period refers to the period from 15 days before giving birth to 15 days after giving birth to dairy cows. Cow physiology and metabolism change dramatically during this period and require special attention. The focus of feeding management is to provide quality feed and drinking water, maintain environmental hygiene, prevent disease, avoid stress, and timely improve perinatal diseases.
Lactation: Lactation refers to the period between 15 days postpartum and before the dry milk period. Cows during this period need a lot of nutrients to maintain their milk production and reproduction. The focus of feed management is to provide high-quality roughage, concentrate and silage, maintain environmental hygiene, prevent disease, and adjust feed and feeding programs in a timely manner according to the cow's milk production and health.
Dry milk period: The dry milk period is the period when cows stop producing milk until they produce milk again. Cows during this period need certain nutrients to maintain their physical health and fertility. The focus of feeding management is to provide high-quality roughage and concentrate, maintain environmental hygiene, prevent disease, and avoid excessive obesity of dairy cows.