Dairy feeds

[McDaid36]

I am preparing for when our first heifer has her calf next month. I'm trying to figure out what feed would be best for her, in addition to the free choice hay/alfalfa. I'd love to hear what brands you use. I have access to Purina feeds, but there are so many choices on their website, I don't know where to start or what would be the best choice. How does one decide on a feed or brand?

[francismilker]

If you're going to be feeding for production and body condition I'd recommend feeding Purina's version of show steer feed (If Purina is your brand of choice). It's a balanced ration with plenty of fat and protein. As well, if I remember from a few years ago when my DD used it for a 4-H project steer it had some cottonseed hulls mixed in with it. It's pricy but good.

Otherwise, if you're anywhere near dairy country you ought to talk to your local feed co-op and find out what local dairyman are feeding. Your grass/pasture/hay situation is I"m sure totally different from mine so feed types and nutritional needs are going to be different based upon geographic location.

[sammyd]

I try to stay away from "brands" for feeds.
I talk with the nutritionist at the feed mill and have something mixed up. Or I may buy something the mill mixes for sale in 80 pounds sacks...I like their 16% feed and their 18% starter.
Pound for pound it will be cheaper and just as good as anything with the checkerboard on it.

[G. Seddon]

McDaid, were you able to find minerals?

Someone once told me that Purina feed ingredients change, depending upon what's available...the percentages add up to what's printed on the label, but the ingredients themselves change. I don't know if it's true, just what I heard (and that pertained to horse feed -- don't know about cattle feed).

When our cows calve, we feed a 16% dairy pellet to mix with 12% textured grain (both unmedicated); they get this until the calves are weaned at about 6 months. They're on pasture, have loose minerals, and have round bales of mixed grass/orchard grass (as weather dictates).

[springvalley]

We do not need maximum production from our dairy cows because we sell raw milk and just don`t need the max production. We graze our cows on pasture all summer and feed some grain in the barn at milking time. The grain is usually a small grain and corn mix, we also free choice organic mineral with kelp and salt. In the winter we feed round bales of grass and grass/clover mix hay. We do not supplement extra protien as our milk customers prefer us not feed soy. Our cows are very healthy, and we have very little problems with mastitis, during the summer our ssc count runs around 75,000. So alot depends on what you want for production from your cow. > Thanks Marc

[McDaid36]

I will not be feeding for high production either. This would only be a feed supplement that the cow will get at milking time. She will be grass fed otherwise. I am happily amazed that I was able to find an organic grain company that makes a dairy feed. This dairy feed is a mix of whole grains (oats, corn, soybeans) and has minerals and kelp already mixed in, and it's only a few dollars more than the purina. I do have to drive an hour for it, but if I stock up on it enough I should have to make more than a trip every couple of months or so. I am thrilled with having found a source for good feed!

[springvalley]

The organic feed companies are getting to be around more. And yes they are a bit more pricey, but they have to be. > Marc