A feed ration can be perfectly balanced on paper and still fail to deliver satisfactory results in the barn. That may sound contradictory, but it happens more often than many dairy farmers realize. During mixing, feeding, and consumption by the cow, small deviations occur that, over time, can have major consequences for milk production, rumen health, and feed efficiency.
That is precisely why a feed intake check is not just a snapshot, but a practical tool for monitoring what your cows are actually consuming.
Why a calculated ration is not always the same as the actual ration fed
A ration calculation is based on fixed initial values. In practice, however, things are constantly changing.
Consider:
- varying dry matter contents of forage;
- variation between pits;
- inaccuracies during mixing;
- selection of food at the feeding rack;
- Changes in the TMR throughout the day.
As a result, the ration the cow eats can differ significantly from the ration that was originally formulated. Often, this only becomes apparent when performance declines.
Signs that a ration check is worthwhile
Are you unsure whether the feed ration is still working optimally? If so, these signs may indicate that a check is needed:
- a decrease in milk production with no apparent cause;
- fluctuations in milk fat or milk protein;
- reduced rumination;
- varying manure composition;
- selective feeding behavior at the feed fence;
- rising feed costs without improved performance;
- differences among groups of cows.
A ration check objectively identifies where the discrepancies occur.
What does a ration check examine?
A feed ration check does not just examine the calculated composition, but rather the mixed ration as it is actually fed to the cow. The sample is analyzed for various parameters that together provide a complete picture of the feed quality.
Among other things, the following are specified:
| Dry matter | Soluble crude protein (%RE) |
| pH | Crude fat (hydr) |
| Acetic acid | Crude fiber |
| Lactic acid | Sugar |
| Crude ash | Starch |
| VCOS (%OS) | Neutral Detergent Fibre |
| NH3 fraction (%RE) | NDF digestibility (%NDF) |
| Nitrate | Acid Detergent Fibre |
| Crude protein | Acid Detergent Lignin |
| Total crude protein |
This combination of analyses shows just how stable, digestible, and balanced the diet actually is.
Why measure at the feed fence?
A laboratory analysis of individual raw materials provides a lot of information, but does not always reveal what the cow ultimately eats. Analyzing a sample of the mixed TMR at the feed rail reveals:
- whether the feed has been mixed uniformly;
- or select cows;
- whether the calculated nutritional value corresponds to actual results;
- where any losses or discrepancies may occur.
It is precisely this real-world measurement that makes a ration check so valuable.
From Analysis to Practical Advice
An analysis is only useful if the results lead to concrete improvements. That is why Jodoco discusses each feed ration review in person. Depending on the results, adjustments can be made to the following areas, among others:
- composition of the diet;
- mixing order;
- dry-matter adjustments;
- structural facility;
- protein and energy utilization;
- preservation of forage;
- feed management.
The goal is not to make as many changes as possible, but rather to get more out of the same feed through targeted optimizations.
When is a ration check a good idea?
A ration check is useful for several reasons, including:
- after opening a new silo;
- in the event of changes in milk production;
- during feed changes;
- when feed costs rise;
- for digestive health issues;
- as part of a periodic business audit.
By taking measurements early on, minor deviations can often be resolved before they have major consequences.
A good feed ration starts with a good calculation, but it doesn’t end there.
In the end, it’s the real-world situation that determines what the cow actually consumes. A feed ration check provides insight into that difference and helps you make informed decisions based on measurement data rather than assumptions.
Would you like to know if your current feed ration still matches the calculated composition? The specialists at Jodoco would be happy to perform a feed ration check and translate the results into practical advice you can put into action right away.
The Netherlands
Mark van den Ende
Email: mark.vandenende@jodoco.com
Phone: +31 (0)646 60 36 36
Belgium
Olivier Geerts
Email: olivier.geerts@jodoco.com
Phone: +32 (0)476 44 50 83
