Energy Gap – cows calved since mid-January will reach peak milk yield towards the end of March, however dry matter intakes won’t peak for 3-4 weeks after this.  Body condition is being mobilised to meet this large energy deficit.  Large body condition losses will impair milk yield, milk solids and may affect reproductive performance.  It is vital to minimise body condition loss by maximising intakes of forage, grass and supplementing with adequate levels of high energy concentrates.

Correct Supplementation - intakes of grass DM are often over estimated at this stage of the year with poor grazing conditions and variable grass quality. The tables below outline concentrate requirements of cows at various milk yields and out by night/full time.