Dairy farmers are facing greater challenges managing partial mixed rations (PMR) for optimum milk response as feed quality in the paddock declines during the season. With the possibility of grazing more mature pastures for longer it is important for this feed to be properly supplemented to maintain cow performance and subsequent milk income. For example if cows are grazing ryegrass swards after seed development the energy density of this feed will have declined from 12mjME to 10-11 mjME/kg dry matter (DM) and can continue to decline as the plant matures and goes to seed. Many dairy farmers will take advantage of this extra paddock feed in a number of ways.

The response is often to drop out supplementary feeding on the feed pad in favour of more questionable quality grazed pasture along with higher levels of slug feeding concentrates in the dairy bale. Maintaining grazing intakes greater than 14kgs DM cannot be consistently achieved. However, dairy cows on a pasture and concentrate program present a challenge for cows, nutritionists and farmers alike, due to ever fluctuating pasture quality, availability and an unpredictable milk yield response.

Milk production and milk components are often lower on a pasture and concentrate system due to an inconsistency in total dry matter intake (DMI) and a seriously compromised rumen, for functionality and rumen health to convert all feed consumed efficiently. Feed conversion efficiency has fallen by as much as 20% this season to date where a balance PMR ration approach to managing herd performance has not been followed. This is leading to significant knock on effects on milk yield and dairy business cashflows around the country

Where a targeted approach has been taken on farm to graze pastures at an ideal 2600-2800kgs dry matter (DM) per hectare pre grazing cover, and this diet balanced with a quality Mech-fiberTM PMR, herd performance has been maintained along with making full utilization of this valuable grazing resource on the dairy milking block. Any pre grazing cover higher than this (2800kgs DM/Ha) should be immediately harvested as a quality milking pasture silage for use later in the season while also having these paddocks returning quickly to the grazing cycle on the farm.

A quality Mech-fiberTM PMR provides the advantage of a more uniform ration throughout the grazing season producing a predictable milk response from a uniform and healthy rumen. This will minimize rumen digestive problems coming from associated slug feeding of concentrates or unbalanced dietary pasture, therefore providing a higher milk production, milk fat and protein yield. Mech-fiberTM PMR.s have also been shown to maintain better cow condition, better reproductive response and an improved health status for your herd.