Many factors affect the yield of dairy cows, but none more visibly than the quality of feeds. The type, amount, and quality of feeds and water given to the dairy cows has a correlation with how much milk they produce. Many smallholder dairy farmers fail to reach their potential production because of a poor feeding regimen. How can they overcome this?

1. Providing high-quality feeds

One way to bypass a poor feeding regimen is to provide high-quality feeds for dairy animals. A good feed offers a balanced mix of nutrition. Endless Africa (EAL) has invested in the production of high-quality feeds with the aim of increasing nutrition, reducing the cost of production, and creating feed security for its operations. EAL engages fodder producers to grow specific products and applies their expertise to create scientifically derived Total Mixed Rations (TMRs) with the goal of increasing productivity. 

2. Ensure sufficient quantity

It is one thing to provide good quality feed to the animals, but if they are not fed sufficient amounts, their production remains low. It is important to ensure that dairy cows are fed sufficiently based on their feed requirements. The feed requirements for the animals is another scientific process that is derived from a few tenets and the targeted production of the animal. 

For some farmers, milk production dips during dry months, when fodder is not easily available. To maintain a constant, quality feeding regimen throughout the year, they should consider homegrown production of the feeds and creating feed banks to which come in very handy in seasons of lack. 

3. Provide adequate water

A good feeding regimen doesn’t just include feeds but also includes water. Dairy cows, particularly, need plenty of water because aside from maintaining internal body processes, it is also necessary for milk production. According to the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART), the average cow needs approximately thirty liters of water daily, and an additional three liters for each liter of milk it yields. If possible, farmers should create a permanent water supply for their dairy cows. If this is not viable, they should ensure that the cows are watered at least thrice daily and can drink as much as they want on each occasion.

4. Consider individual animal needs

While general nutrition guidelines can help determine the feeding regimen for cattle, needs may vary from animal to animal. Therefore, it is important to customize the feeding program per cow or for specific homogeneous groups of cows. To know if each cow is feeding properly, the farmer can evaluate its milk production. Is it yielding as much as expected? The farmer should also examine the condition of each animal's body and hair coat. A smooth and shiny hair coat and healthy body is an indication of proper nutrition. Observing the animal's behavior, i.e whether it eats and ruminates regularly will also help to ensure all the cows in a dairy farm are properly nourished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper nourishment is necessary for good dairy production. To overcome a poor feeding regimen, farmers should provide their dairy cattle with good quality and quantity of feed. They should also provide sufficient water and consider each cow's needs. This way, they will be able to increase productivity and run a sustainable agribusiness venture.