Late Lactation 200 - 305 days

Late Lactation

Milk production and dry matter intake decline. Nutrient intake meets or exceeds the needs of the cow. She continues to replenish her body stores. The cow stores body tissue with greater efficiency during lactation than during the dry period. Therefore, this is the ideal time to replace body tissue. At the same time, overconditioning should be avoided. The cow should be pregnant at this time.

Lactation is declining. The cow is replenishing body stores and gaining weight.

The feed is less nutrient dense and contains more fiber.

Milk production is declining.

Protection from rain, wind and heat is important.

Ag-Bags produce high quality silage and provide flexibility to move silo location.

  • 96.00 Total (as fed)

Feed management is important. Feedstuffs can be changed, depending on cost and availability, to meet nutrient requirements of the cow at lower cost. Feed intake is declining.

  • 100.00 Total DM (%)

Forage in the diet should still be maintained. Expensive ingredients that provide specific forms of nutrients needed earlier in lactation, such as RUP or rumen bypass fat, are no longer needed and can be removed. Porcine blood meal and Energy booster 100 are two examples of ingredients that are no longer needed.

The crude protein concentration is decreased slightly from earlier stages of lactation. As a percentage of total protein, the requirement for RUP decreases and for RDP increases. Ether extract is slightly lower because no supplemental fat is added to the feed.