UNLOCKING DAIRY HERD POTENTIAL: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF MINERALS IN MILK PRODUCTION AND COW HEALTH

Tom Thorn
1 day ago
4 min read

By Tom Thorn, Managing Director & Lead Ruminant Productivity Consultant

Achieving high milk yields, such as 8,500 litres per cow, requires meticulous attention to nutrition, especially regarding mineral and protein reserves. The primary focus for these high-producing cows is to build and maintain tissue and muscle reserves. These reserves serve as a “bank” during critical periods, such as calving and peak lactation, enabling cows to reach their production potential and get back in calf promptly.

The Challenge of Peak and Post-Peak Management

Compared to the industry average of 5,600 litres and 420 kg of milk solids per cow, the average TRAC herd produces over 8,500 litres with more than 620 kg of milk solids—approximately 40% above average. This ambitious target introduces specific management challenges.

In essence, cows calve and peak within the first 45 days of their lactation cycle. Expecting them to become pregnant again within the first quarter of the season is a significant hurdle, akin to asking athletes to compete in a grand final on the season’s first day without proper preparation. To optimise performance, focus must be placed on strategic “pre-season” training periods designed to prepare the cow’s body for peak production.

Pre-Season Management: Building Reserves

The pre-season period encompasses the last 60 days of lactation, the dry period, and lead feeding. Each phase plays a vital role in preparing cows for the next lactation cycle:

Last 60 Days of Lactation:

Cows need to regain body condition score to around 5.5 BCS (15% more efficient than during the dry period). Additionally, this period offers an opportunity to replenish calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and other nutrient stores in bones and tissues, which is crucial for supporting calving and early lactation.

Dry Period (60 Days):

The goal is to maintain body weight and provide a diet containing approximately 14% crude protein (CP) to support tissue protein absorption, while ensuring the rumen stays healthy and vitamin and mineral reserves are preserved.

Lead Feeding (21 Days Pre-Calving):

During this critical window, calcium is mobilised from bones into the bloodstream, enabling proper calving and milk production. Maintaining a balanced intake of calcium and magnesium, along with controlling the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), prevents metabolic issues. Consistent mineral supplementation helps preserve reserves and reduces stress on the immune system.

Post-Calving Recovery and Peak Performance

Calving significantly impacts a cow’s body reserves, akin to a human starting a marathon on day one. The immune system and mineral reserves are mobilised rapidly to support calf development and milk production. During this period, cows produce 10 times the calcium the calf needs, demanding efficient mineral management.

Rumen capacity is not at its maximum immediately after calving; it takes about 60 days to develop fully. Consequently, body fat is utilised to meet energy demands for milk yield and vital functions. Proper management during this phase ensures cows recover efficiently, get pregnant again, and contribute to farm profitability.

The Role of Minerals

Minerals serve two primary functions:

Building Reserves & Supporting Immunity:

Most of the mineral intake is stored in body tissues for future lactation needs, representing a long-term investment.

Daily Maintenance & Performance:

A small portion is utilised daily for metabolic functions. Rumen modifiers, buffers, and additives such as bentonite, Epsom salts, and salt help manage soluble proteins, gut health, and overall feed efficiency.

Effective mineral management involves balancing intake for reserve building, immune support, and optimal absorption, considering factors such as soil and feed analysis, environmental stresses, and future production goals.

Balancing Minerals for Optimal Results

Key principles include:

Ensuring mineral requirements match what is harvested in the farm’s crops and soil.
Conducting feed and soil analysis to tailor mineral blends.
Considering environmental stressors like heat, wind chill, and infrastructure.
Planning for future production targets.

Understanding mineral interactions—like calcium to magnesium ratios—ensures absorption and utilisation are maximised, leading to healthier, more productive cows.

Market Options & Industry Insights

While many mineral products are available, our focus is on research-backed, customised blends crafted from bulk imports, allowing us to provide high-quality, cost-effective solutions—often 25% cheaper than other providers.

Our approach emphasises consulting rather than simply supplying minerals. We prioritise effective mineral relationships over mere composition—ensuring that nutrients are appropriately utilised within the cow’s body, rather than excreted unused.

Conclusion

Achieving 8,500-litre milk production is a complex process that depends heavily on comprehensive mineral and nutritional management. By strategically building reserves during pre-season periods, supporting the cow’s immune system, and optimising feed and mineral supplementation, farmers can unlock their herd’s full potential. A well-balanced approach ensures healthier cows, improved reproductive performance, and greater farm profitability.

Take the next step toward maximised ruminant productivity with TRAC Performance Minerals, powered by TRAC. Our expert team specialises in customised mineral solutions that align with your farm’s unique needs. Contact us today to optimise your herd’s performance, reduce costs, and achieve your production goals.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk with one of our TRAC Ruminant Experts on 08 8733 1888 or email us at info@totalresult.com.au.