Feed Costs per Liter: Shorter vs. Longer Lactations

Extending lactation can impact feed costs per liter in several ways. Here's a breakdown:

Shorter Lactations (e.g., 305 days):

• Milk Yield: ~10,000 liters

• Feed Intake: ~6,000 kg

• Feed Cost per Liter: €1.00 MDPI+5Your Article Library+5ABC of Agri+5Kingshay+3Western Canadian Dairy Seminar+3standarddairyconsultants.com+3

Longer Lactations (e.g., 400 days):

• Milk Yield: ~12,000 liters

• Feed Intake: ~7,200 kg

• Feed Cost per Liter: €0.83showme.comAlltech, Inc.+3Engormix+3ABC of Agri+3

While feed intake increases with longer lactations, the feed cost per liter decreases due to higher total milk production. However, it's essential to consider factors like declining milk yield in late lactation and increased maintenance costs. Maintaining cow health and optimizing nutrition are crucial for maximizing profitability.

Feed Costs per Liter: Shorter vs. Longer Lactations

Extending lactation can impact feed costs per liter in several ways. Here's a breakdown:

Shorter Lactations (e.g., 305 days):

• Milk Yield: ~10,000 liters

• Feed Intake: ~6,000 kg

• Feed Cost per Liter: €1.00 MDPI+5Your Article Library+5ABC of Agri+5Kingshay+3Western Canadian Dairy Seminar+3standarddairyconsultants.com+3

Longer Lactations (e.g., 400 days):

• Milk Yield: ~12,000 liters

• Feed Intake: ~7,200 kg

• Feed Cost per Liter: €0.83showme.comAlltech, Inc.+3Engormix+3ABC of Agri+3

While feed intake increases with longer lactations, the feed cost per liter decreases due to higher total milk production. However, it's essential to consider factors like declining milk yield in late lactation and increased maintenance costs. Maintaining cow health and optimizing nutrition are crucial for maximizing profitability.