Vitamin needs for the dairy cow - Part II
Last week Dr. Paul Chandler began a DairyLine Radio segment dedicated to re-evaluating the vitamin needs of our cows. Today`s radio segement, which can be heard by clicking the play button below, talks about fat-soluble vitamins…
Significant requirements of vitamins A, D & E are needed in a dairy cow`s ration. However, bigger doesn`t always equal better. Often times the levels of A & D are much higher than what is needed, while E is below the recommended amounts. Work closely with a professional nutritionist to arrive at the right levels for your herd. Other tidbits of vitamin information Dr. Chandler shares are:
1. Consistent feeding of vitamin E & selenium has shown to improve herd health and reproduction.
2. Niacin can have a large positive impact on early lactation cows but not as great of an impact later in lactation.
3. Choline is key in mobilizing fat.
Keeping these things in mind, providing group rations for cows at a certain point in their lactation or at a certain level of body condition would be ideal.
