The dry matter intake widget is a very important widget for a farmer. Insights in the DMI is crucial for calculating feed efficiency and ultimately will help improve farm cost-effectiveness. But what to do when the feed intake deviates too much from the set ration?  

The set ration is the ration that is filled into Horizon. It is what you want your animals to eat. However, actual intake may differ. The DMI report shows what was really eaten. Be aware that the set ration is just an indication helping with the reporting. With the Vector system, it is impossible to “tell the system how much an animal should eat” because the system will feed based on needs.   

Not reaching the set ration can have multiple reasons. Either the cows are not eating the amount of feed you expect them to because, maybe, the feed quality is not optimal, and it is not tasty. Heat stress could also be the reason. Or a bad mixing due to the wrong loading order. It could also be that something is wrong with the feed grabber, resulting in bad loading accuracy. In this case, the cows are not receiving what they should receive. Always look at the production of the animals and the feed efficiency.   

1. The set ration exceeds the DMI, and you are satisfied with the production levels. In this case, the set ration may be reduced. But always check the feed quality and never make changes without consulting your nutritionist. A lower DMI than set could indicate that the cows’ potential is not being fully achieved.  

2. The set ration exceeds the DMI, and you are unsatisfied with the production levels. Causes may include poor feed quality, unrealistic goals, or the fact that the dry matter percentage entered in Horizon is inaccurate. 

3. The set ration is lower than the DMI, and you are satisfied with the production levels. It is essential to consult with your farm nutritionist as adjustments to the overall ration may be needed. Additionally, a lower DMI might enhance feed efficiency. 

4. The set ration is below the DMI, and you are unsatisfied with the production levels. In this situation, the animals are consuming more than anticipated. Consult your feed advisor. This increased intake means that the cows will consume more of everything, including minerals, which is more expensive for the farmer and can potentially be harmful to the animals.   

Is your set ration the same as your consumed ration? Share your thoughts in the comments below.