By Blake Jackson
Monitoring milk components is essential for evaluating the health and nutritional status of lactating cows. Milk cooperatives provide component testing at every pick-up, allowing managers to identify issues early. While component percentages can indicate problems, tracking pounds of components is more critical economically.
In Pennsylvania, many herds struggle to reach 5.50 pounds of components per cow, with the ideal target being over 6.0 pounds. Hot summer temperatures and high humidity can reduce milk production and components, directly affecting milk income.
For Holsteins, typical milkfat and protein are above 3.7% and 3.0%, respectively, while Jerseys generally have milkfat above 4.9% and protein above 3.8%. Milkfat reductions of 0.3% below breed average may indicate subclinical acidosis, which can lead to laminitis and reduced long-term production. Milk protein is less sensitive to external factors, but summer protein levels of 2.7-2.9% can signal insufficient energy intake.
Energy intake drives milk volume and components, and energy-corrected milk (ECM) should be calculated using: (12.82 × fat lbs.) + (7.13 × protein lbs.) + (0.323 × milk lbs.).
Dry matter intake for cows producing 75-85 pounds of milk should range from 45-55 pounds, with feed efficiency ideally between 1.45-1.70. Adequate forage and fiber (40-45% of total dry matter) are critical for rumen function.
Proper feeding management including feed availability 21+ hours/day, multiple feedings, daily push-ups, and adequate bunk and water space prevents health issues and supports milk components.
Addressing these strategies during summer heat stress can protect milk volume and components, improving herd performance and profitability even with Class III milk prices around $24/cwt.
Photo Credit: digital-visionphotodisc-photo
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Dairy Cattle