Feeding Records | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Effective dairy herd management relies heavily on accurate feeding practices, and failure to provide cows with appropriate nutrition can lead to significant financial losses. Keeping detailed feeding records is crucial for optimizing the profitability of a dairy farm.

Benefits of Feeding Records

• Individualized Nutrition: Maintaining daily production records allows for precise feeding tailored to each cow's specific needs.
• Profitability Analysis: Tracking feed consumption helps determine overall herd profitability, identifying cows contributing to profits and those causing losses.
• Identification of High Performers: Feeding records assist in recognizing top-performing cows, enabling focused care and breeding efforts.
• Elimination of Inefficient Yielders: Identifying and culling unproductive cows helps improve overall herd efficiency.
• Net Profit Calculation: Ensuring that high milk yield is economically viable by calculating net profit (milk sold minus feed costs) for each cow.

Creating Feeding Records

• Record Format: Utilize feed record blanks, available from dairy equipment suppliers, or create custom sheets to track each cow's daily feed intake.
• Feeding Chart: Weigh concentrates for accuracy, necessitating a feeding chart located conveniently near the weighing balances.
• Grain Mixture Details: Document grain mixture specifics, including brand and cost per ton for ready-mix feeds or proportions for home-mixed feeds.
• Cost Calculation: Calculate monthly feed costs for each cow, including straw or bedding material expenses.
• Yearly Summary: Summarize monthly records, totaling feed costs for each cow and creating a comprehensive yearly summary sheet.

Customization for Specific Circumstances

• Consider herd size, animal types (milch cows, dry cows, pregnant cows, young stock, breeding bulls), and farm infrastructure.
• Modify records for dry animals when a uniform ration is given, but emphasize individual records for milch cows and other specific categories.
• Ensure precise feeding for each animal, balancing nutritional needs with cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Maintaining detailed feeding records is essential for achieving optimal herd health, productivity, and profitability in a dairy farming operation. The systematic recording of feed intake and costs enables informed decision-making and ensures that each cow receives the nutrition required for efficient and economical milk production.