Manage Feed Refusals to Improve Dairy Cow Intake

By Blake Jackson

Providing dairy cows with constant access to quality feed is commonly viewed as a key driver of higher intake and milk yield according to Penn state. To ensure cows can eat whenever they choose, producers typically deliver slightly more feed than the herd will consume. Because intake naturally varies from day to day among individual cows, some feed must remain at the bunk to guarantee access for all animals.

However, excessive feed refusals quickly become costly. Each additional percentage point of refused dry matter can add several cents per cow per day, which can translate into significant annual losses for medium and large herds. Beyond ration cost alone, large refusals can create nutritional and health challenges.

When total mixed rations contain high levels of dry or long forage, cows often sort the feed, selectively consuming smaller, energy-dense particles. This behavior can disrupt rumen function, increase acid production, reduce chewing activity, and lower rumen pH, raising the risk of digestive disorders.

Simply restricting feed to eliminate refusals is not an effective solution. Empty bunks can lead to irregular eating patterns, sudden overeating when feed is reintroduced, and increased susceptibility to ruminal acidosis. General guidelines suggest keeping refusals modest: roughly 2 to 4% for fresh cows, 1 to 3% for high-producing groups, and less than 3% for late-lactation cows.

More refusals may be needed if leftover feed differs noticeably in texture or particle size from what was originally offered. Frequent feed push-ups throughout the day can also help improve access and reduce waste.

Managing refusals requires careful decision-making. Remixing refusals into fresh rations is discouraged due to sorting, nutrient imbalance, and potential spoilage. A better option may be feeding refusals to older heifers or beef animals, while avoiding use for transition cows. In some cases, discarding and composting spoiled or risky feed is the safest choice.

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