By Moser, E. A., Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1987
Description
First-lactation cows that were improperly fed a grain ration developed chronic, nonsuppurative laminitis, resulting in profound lameness in all 4 limbs, thin body condition, and poor milk production. Results of ration analysis indicated that the cows were receiving 10% to 40% more energy than that recommended by the National Research Council. The following management changes were instituted for first-lactation cows: the absolute amount of concentrate offered was decreased by 10% to 25% (depending on each cow's milk production), the rate of increase in concentrate fed was lessened to achieve maximal intake in 21 days, feed was made available more frequently and in smaller amounts during the day, sequence feeding was implemented, forage was provided before grain when possible, and sodium bicarbonate (1%, on a dry-weight basis) and fat (5%, on a dry-weight basis) were added to the grain mix. These management changes normalized rumen fermentation, and the clinical problems did not develop in the 20 subsequently fresh heifers. Therefore, the ration should be analyzed when first-lactation cows begin developing lameness and poor milk production
First-lactation cows that were improperly fed a grain ration developed chronic, nonsuppurative laminitis, resulting in profound lameness in all 4 limbs, thin body condition, and poor milk production. Results of ration analysis indicated that the cows were receiving 10% to 40% more energy than that recommended by the National Research Council. The following management changes were instituted for first-lactation cows: the absolute amount of concentrate offered was decreased by 10% to 25% (depending on each cow's milk production), the rate of increase in concentrate fed was lessened to achieve maximal intake in 21 days, feed was made available more frequently and in smaller amounts during the day, sequence feeding was implemented, forage was provided before grain when possible, and sodium bicarbonate (1%, on a dry-weight basis) and fat (5%, on a dry-weight basis) were added to the grain mix. These management changes normalized rumen fermentation, and the clinical problems did not develop in the 20 subsequently fresh heifers. Therefore, the ration should be analyzed when first-lactation cows begin developing lameness and poor milk production
We welcome and encourage discussion of our linked research papers. Registered users can post their comments here. New users' comments are moderated, so please allow a while for them to be published.