The concentrate mixture fed to lactating cows generally consists of grains, milk feeds, protein supplements and minerals. When developing the mix ration used by the dairy it is necessary to consider the availability and cost of ingredients. The Cal Poly Dairy houses two breeds of cows, the Jersey and the Holstein , because of the different make-up of each cow, and difference in average body weight, each breed is fed a different mix ration. The mix rations for the Jersey cow and the Holstein cow are found below. The numbers designate the number of pounds that make up one serving of feed ration. Feeding of the cows happens twice a day, so the total per day is double the total pounds for one feeding. Therefore, on average the Jersey cow eats about 87 pounds of food and the Holstein cow eats about 110 pounds of food each day.

Picture Courtesy of Roots Web

Jersey

Picture Courtesy of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Holstein

A milking-cow is fed a different type of food to ensure adequate nutrition and adaptation during pregnancy. When there is left over feed from the milking cows, the feed is combined with other mixtures and given to the non-milking cows for food. However, the dairy worker is always conscience not to give non-milking cows excess of this type of food for fear that the cow will gain unnecessary weight. Therefore, no feed on the dairy goes unused, and when there is an overproduction of “special food” it is mixed and given to the rest of the herd.

• Feed for Milking Cows
• Feed for Non-Milking Cows
• Feed for Hospital Pen
• Feed for Calves
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Information Courtesy of Joseph Dilsaver, Cal Poly Dairy Assistant