FEEDING MANAGEMENT

VOLUME 2

2

Feeding Management volume 2 is the fifthof a series of management manualspublished by Veepro Holland. In FeedingManagement volume 1 the compositionand the use of commonly used feeds foranimal nutrition were described.Through these manuals Veepro Hollandaims at providing you with useful manage-ment information. Dairy cattle worldwideneed to be managed well to utilise theirpotential to full extent.

No single booklet can cover every subjectas diverse and complex as dairying.Nor can everyone associated with dairyingagree on all points covered in one publica-tion. But we of Veepro Holland believe thecombination of this manual and otherpublications on the subject may broadenyour knowledge on dairy cattle feeding andsubsequently contribute to a healthy and

FOREWORD

highly productive herd.

Veepro Holland is indebted to those whocontributed to this manual, particularly, irBob Subnel of the Research Station forCattle, Sheep and Horse Husbandry atLelystad, and ir Wilfried van Straalen ofthe CLO institute for Animal Nutrition‘De Schothorst’ at Lelystad for their con-structive criticism.

We would like to thank IPC-D/ DairyTraining Centre ’Friesland’ at Oenkerk fortheir valuable assistance in thepreparation of this manual.

Many thanks also to those associationsand publishers who permitted us to usevarious data and illustrations.

Veepro Holland

Publisher / Editor : VEEPRO HOLLAND information center for dutch cattle P.O.Box 454 / 6800 AL ARNHEM HOLLANDPhone: **31 26 3898740 / Fax: **31 26 3898744 / E-mail: info@veepro.nl / internet: http://www.Veepro.nl

Design & Realization : D vision

Copyright © VEEPRO HOLLAND. Publication from this manual is permitted only after approval ofVEEPRO HOLLAND and on condition of statement of the source.

3

The milk yields per cow continue to in-crease as a result of improved cattlenutrition and genetic selection, better herdhealth control and improved managementtechniques. So it is worthwhile to add to ourunderstanding of dairy cattle nutrition.The profitability of dairying is greatlyinfluenced by animal nutrition. The objec-tives of compiling well-balanced rations areto provide cows with diets that encourageeconomical and optimal milk production ofgood composition whilst maintaining goodanimal health.

INTRODUCTION

A well-balanced ration should meet theenergy and protein requirements in regardto maintenance, milk production andcomposition, growth and reproduction.The diet should be nutritionally complete,with adequate amounts of minerals andvitamins. In this volume of FeedingManagement the effect of lactation onnutrient requirements and a simplifiedmethod of formulating rations for milkingcows are described.

Volume 1 of Feeding Management shouldbe consulted for the average nutrientcomposition of commonly-used quality

feeds. It is essential to have laboratoryanalyses of feeds for compiling an optimalration, because there may be a wide varia-tion in the nutrient composition of feeds.The ration should contain enough rough-age of sufficient crude fibre for optimalrumen digestion and good milk compo-nents. The amount of fibrous feedstuffs(structural value) in the ration should be atleast one-third of the total daily dry matterintake to prevent digestive disorders.

Therefor, roughages like different kindsof hay, grass and maize silage should formthe basis of a good ration.

Furthermore, the ration should be palat-able and appealing to the dairy cow.Some ration variety is desirable, but palat-ability and nutrient value of dietary compo-nents are more important than the numberof ingredients. The ration should bebeneficial to the health of the dairy cow andcontribute to the production for milk ofgood composition. Most cases of meta-bolic disorders occur during parturition andwithin 6 – 8 weeks after calving. This is just

Well-balanced rations encourage high andeconomical milk production.

4

the period when the dairy cow is under ahigh level of stress. The level of nutritionand the composition of the diet before andafter calving are of utmost importance formaintaining good health. The rationitself should not affect the milk flavour,because fresh milk should be free from anyobjectionable odours or flavours.

The feeding costs should be kept low toachieve a high net return. Therefor, max-imize (wherever possible) the use of high-quality farm-grown roughages and in somecases cereals. Additional concentratemixtures with adequate amounts of miner-als and vitamins should be purchased tobalance for optimal milk production atthe lowest possible cost per unit of pro-tein or energy. The same applies withrespect to on-farm blended concen-trate mixtures.

THE EFFECT OF LACTATION ONNUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS

The nutrient requirements and levels offeed intake vary considerably during thecows’ lactation. The DM intake and the milkproduction requirements are not always in

balance and from a nutritional point of viewthe cows’ lactation should be divided intofour stages. Figure 1 shows an example ofthe various curves for milk production,body-weight and DM intake for a lactatingcow of about 700 kg body-weight and amilk yield of about 9,000 kg of milk with4.50% fat in 305 days.

Stage oneUsually cows in milk peak between 30 and40 days after calving, while DM intake hasit’s peak at about 60 to 80 days. During theperiod from calving until this peak, a high-yielding cow is in her most difficult period tosatisfy her nutritive needs, in particular forenergy and protein. The retarded DMintake behind milk production will result in anegative energy balance and causeloss of body-weight during this first period.Often, after 90 days (period 2), the DMintake is sufficient to meet the energyrequirements. Among cows there is a widevariation in DM intake and, usually, thehigher the milk production, the longer it willtake to reach a positive energy balance.

Sufficient fibre material in the rationhelps to prevent metabolic disorders, such

5

The high-yielding dairy cow requires the utmost tomeet her nutritive needs.

as rumen acidosis. The crude fibre (CF)content of the ration should never be below16% of the total DM intake and is depend-ent on the kind of crude fibre.

During period 1 the high-yielding cowsshould be fed roughages of excellentquality (structural value) with a high energyvalue, together with concentrates of a highlevel of slowly degraded starch. Such ahigh energy ration will help to reduce theloss of body-weight. Starch can have apositive effect on milk and protein produc-tion, but it will lower the milk fat percentage.Starch from potatoes and cereals (easilydegraded) is known for lowering milk fatand for the fact that high amounts of theseproducts will cause rumen acidosis.This is a condition that often affects cowsin early lactation when changes are madein rations that contain higher amounts ofcereal than are fed during the dry period.On top of this it may cause a displacedabomasum.The daily mixing of all ingredients to obtaina homogeneous ration has advantagesover feeding ingredients individually. If highamounts of concentrates are used in a totalmixed ration (TMR) then it contributespositively to a better butterfat percentage.There are no advantages for milk yield,butterfat and protein percentages with TMRwhen only large amounts of roughages are

fed. The major advantage of TMR feeding isthat it reduces the risk of acidosis whencompelling the cow to eat roughages andother products (concentrates or cereals) atthe same time.

It is recommended to supplement therations with sufficient amounts of mineralsand vitamins to avoid deficiencies duringthis stage.

Stage twoBetween 90 and 200 days (period 2),the DM intake is sufficient to meet theenergy requirements for milk productionand growth. The dairy cow regained someof her body reserves lost during the firstperiod. The feeding of rich-carbohydraterations will now have less effect on milkproduction than in the first period.One should now be more careful with thesupply of slowly degraded starch (maize)and sugars, because of the risk of over-conditioning of cows towards the end ofthe lactation.

Stage threeFrom the 200th day onwards (period 3) themilk yield declines further and the DMintake remains high, resulting in energyintake above requirements and conse-quently growth. During this period, cows in

6

milk should be fed lower energy ration toprevent them from becoming over-condi-tioned (fat cow syndrome). Then it is ad-visable to completely omit the feeding ofhigh-energy feeds, such as maize, maizesilage, etc. It is recommended to feedrations with a high amount of roughagesand a low content of easily degradedcarbohydrates. High-energy feeds shouldbe limited to the high-yielding cows inperiods 1 & 2 to contribute towards a moreefficient milk production.

Cows at the end of lactation should be fed lower-energy rations

Stage fourPeriod 4 constitutes the dry period andfeeding a low energy ration with sufficientamounts of minerals and vitamins, whichreduces the risk of over-conditioning.Such rations prevent calving difficultiesand subsequently metabolic disorders,such as milk fever, ketosis and fat cowsyndrome. During the first month of the dryperiod, cows should be fed according tofeeding standards for maintenance and amilk production of 2-4 kg. During the 2nd

month of the dry period cows should begiven rations to meet the requirements ofa milk yielding cow of 5-7 kg milk.These requirements can be adapted to thecow’s condition score. Bulky and fibrousfeeds are essential for proper functioning ofthe rumen. It is advisable to supply fibrousroughages with a low energy content.

A good ration consists of 4 kg DM fromgrass silage of reasonable quality togetherwith 6 kg DM from straw during the firstmonth and 6.5 kg DM from grass silagetogether with ad libitum straw in the secondmonth. The feed intake should be furtherlimited when roughages with a high energyvalue are supplied. Just before calving(10 days), prepare the cow for milk produc-tion by increasing the level of feeding.The roughages in the ration should not bechanged to other roughages fed aftercalving. Gradually increase the amount ofconcentrates to about 2 kg per day.After parturition increase the amount ofconcentrates further in accordance withthe expected milk yield.

PRODUCTION GROUPS

From a management point of view it isadvisable to divide large milking herds intomilk production groups. This system allowsfor feeding the high-quality roughages tothe highest milk producers. Today, it ispossible to feed concentrates to each cowindividually with an automated feeder boxsystem with computer recognition if thecows by transponders or earring chips.This system allows for concentrates intakeaccording to milk production over a24-hour period.

Computer-controlled feeder boxes providing cowswith concentrates

7

Table 2 Daily nutrient requirements per kg of milk production of different milk fat percentages(Source: NRC tables, 6th revised edition, update 1989)

Milkfat%

Crudeprotein

g

MineraliCa Pg g

3.504.004.505.005.50

300325345365385

0.700.750.800.850.90

859095

100110

3.003.203.453.703.95

1.852.002.152.302.45

EnergyTDN NELg Mcal

Table 1 Daily nutrient requirements for maintenance of mature cows

Liveweight

kg

DMIntake

kg

EnergyTDN NELg Mcal

Crudeprotein

g

MineralsCa Pg g

550600650700750

> 15> 17> 18> 19> 20

4,0004,2504,5004,7505,000

9.109.70

10.3010.9011.50

385405430450470

2224262830

1617192021

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OFTHE DAIRY COW

Nutrient requirements are expressed interms of energy, protein, crude fibre.minerals and vitamins, and are found inyour local guide for recommendationsof nutrient requirements of dairy cattle.This information is essential and if there isno local guide available, it is recommendedto use the tables from the National Re-search Council (USA) and/or the Agricul-tural Research Council (UK) or composi-tion data from any other reliable source.They represent a very good practical guide,but allow for personal opinion as well, inwich case it is easy to substitute a pre-ferred value, i.e. to make adjustments forhigh-yielding dairy cows, compensation forweight losses, energy needs in cold andwarm climates, etc. Ample feeding to about10% edible leftovers of feeds is recom-mended.

The energy requirements for lactatingcows are expressed in various terms.In this manual the TDN (total digestiblenutrients) and the NEL (net energy for lac-tation) values are used, because they aremost widely applied in the internationalliterature. Consult tables 3 & 4 of Volume1 of Feeding Management for the nutrientcomposition of the various feedstuffs.

RATION FORMULATION

Before the formulation of a ration isstarted, the allowances for maintainanceand milk production for cows of variousbody-weights must be known (see tables1and 2).

The milk production determines the cow’s nutrientrequirements to a large extent.

(Source: NRC tables, 6th revised edition, 1989)

8

Table 3 Calculation example of a dairy cow's nutrient requirement

DMintake

kg

EnergyTDN NEL g Mcal

Crudeprotein

g

MineralsCa P g g

Maintenance35 kg milk with 4.00% fat

Requirements

>19

>19

4,75011,400

16,150

10.9026.25

37.15

4503,150

3,600

28112

140

20 (step 1)70 (step 1)

90 (step 1)> 16

Crudefibre %

Table 4 Calculation of roughage intake

DMintake

kg

EnergyTDN NEL g Mcal

Crudeprotein

g

MineralsCa P g g

Grass silageMaize silageSugarbeet pulp

Totals

Shortage

11.253.002.25

16.50

2.50

7,0001,8001,750

10,550

5,600

15.003.503.90

22.40

14.75

1,870200230

2,300

1,300

628

14

84

56

25 (step 2) 7 (step 2) 2 (step 2)

34 (step 2)

56 (step 2)

2,500750400

3,650

> 16%

Crudefibre

g

asfedKg

2510

2.5

BALANCING DAIRY CATTLE RATIONS

Calculation of nutritional requirements(step 1)The first step in balancing rations fordairy cows is always to calculate thenutrient requirements for maintenance andmilk production with the aid of tables 1 and2. Let us for instance, take a cow as des-cribed in figure 1. Her nutrient require-ments at the beginning of her 2nd lactationwith a daily production of 35 kg of milk with4.00% milk fat and a body-weight of 700 kg,are calculated in table 3.The dry matter intake for high-yieldingcows can vary from 3 – 4% of the cows’body weight, depending on milk production,stage of lactation, environmental conditions(such as temperature), roughages quality,and individual appetite. This information isalso available form the tables for nutrientrequirements of dairy cattle.

Determining roughages consumption(step 2)The second step is to determine theroughage intake (table 4). Let us assumethat a dairy cow consumes 25 kg grasssilage (45% DM), 10 kg maize silage (30%DM) and 2.5 kg sugarbeet pulp (90% DM).The roughage intake can be calculated byweighing the amount of silage or hay andother feeds, while subtracting the weight ofthe left-overs. Because this is often not

convenient in practical dairy farming; theroughage intake has to be estimated.This estimation cannot be done veryaccurately and may cause errors in calcu-lating the needs for additional concentratesin the ration. Ideally, feeding should bedone, with an amount of about 10% re-maining edible feedstuffs to ensure suffi-cient DM intake. Consider that highroughage-to-concentrate ratios have apositive effect on milk components andensure that the roughage component in theration is above 50%. Besides this, also con-sider that there is a wide variation amongmilking cows for voluntary feed intake.

A proper estimation of the roughage consumption isessential for composing high-quality rations.

9

Table 5 The available ingredients

Hominy feedWheatbranSorghumCottonseed cake

Actual CP

100155115410

Desired CP

160160160160

Diff.

- 60 - 5- 45+ 250

Mult.

x 5x 4x 4x 2

15

Balance

(step 4 & 5)(step 4 & 5)(step 4 & 5)(step 4 & 5)

Balancing the ration for DM intake,energy and protein (step 3)In this step the nutrients provided by theroughages are subtracted from the totalrequirements for maintenance and milkproduction. The minimum amount of DM isnot yet supplied and the nutritive require-ments for the desired milk production are inshort supply (table 4). So it is evident thatthe desired amount of nutrients have tocome from a concentrate mixture to ensurethe requirements for the amount of milk tobe produced.

Calculation of the amount of concen-trates (step 4)Let us assume a concentrate mixture ofabout 725 g TDN on an as-fed basis.To balance the ration for TDN, an amountof about 8 kg (5,600 g TDN shortagedivided by 725 g TDN per kg) of energyfeed is needed; for crude protein it will be1,300 g divided by equals about 160grammes CP per kg product on an as-fedbasis.

Selecting the feeds to balance the ration(step 5)To balance the ration one can purchase aconcentrate mixture with a nutrient compo-sition of about 725 g TDN and 160 g CP perkg product. If sufficient farm-grown feedsare available then it is worthwhile toconsider on-farm mixing. First of allconsider prices of the various ingredientson a DM basis and compare unit prices ofTDN and CP with commercially availablemixtures.

Let us work out an example for on-farmmixing and assume that the followingingredients are available; hominy feed,wheatbran, sorghum and cottonseed cake(CSC). Use tables 3 and 4 of Volume 1 ofFeeding Management for the nutrientcomposition of feeds. First calculate the

differences between the actual CP contentand the desired CP content of each ingredi-ent (table 5). With this equation the differ-ences are combined in such a waythat they add up to zero. The multiplicationfactors indicate which part of each feedcontributes to the desired mixture. For thisequation it consists of 5/15 parts of hominyfeed, 4/15 parts of wheatbran, 4/15 partsof sorghum and 2/15 parts of cottonseedcake (CSC).

Calculating the nutrient composition ofthe concentrate mixture (step 6)As described in Volume 1, most of thefeeds have specific characteristics, whichshould be observed in animal nutrition.The limitations in the mixture for hominyfeed, wheat bran, sorghum and cottonseedcake are 50%, 25%, 25%, and 15%, re-spectively, of the total amount within theconcentrate mixture. In this example (table6, see page 10) the percentage of ingre-dients are within these limits for hominyfeed and cottonseed cake. The wheatbranand sorghum are a bit higher, but oneshould not worry about this.

The result of well-balanced feeding will certainly benoticeable in the milking partour.

- 300- 20- 180+ 500

0

10

Table 6 Nutrient composition per kg of concentrate mixture

Hominy feedWheat branSorghumCSC

Per kg mixture

% in parts TDN Total NEL Total CP Total mix g g TDN Mcal Mcal g g CP

33272713

5/154/154/152/15

840630670680

28017018090

720 gTDN

2.001.401.201.60

0.660.370.320.21

1.60Mcal

100155115410

33.3041.3030.7054.70

160 g CP

(step 6)(step 6)(step 6)(step 6)

(step 6)

Table 7 Calculation of total nutrients supplied

RoughagesConcentrates

Totals

asfedKg

DMIntake

kg

Crudefibre

g

EnergyTDN NEL g Mcal

Crudeprotein g

MineralsCa P g g

37.58.0

45.5

16.57.2

23.7

3,650540

4,190

10,5505,760

16,310

22.4012.80

35.20

2,3001,280

3,580

847

91

3456

90

(step 2)(step 6)

(step 7)

Table 8 Calculation of remaining shortage

CFfibre

g

EnergyTDN NEL g Mcal

Crudeprotein

g

MineralsCa P g g

(step 7)(step 1)

(step 8)

(step 8)(step 8)

DMintake

kg

Total suppliedRequired

In short supply

1 kg CSC, delinted0.25kg minerals/vitamins

23.7> 19

+

0.900.25

4,190> 16%

+

195-

16,31016,150

+ 160

870 -

35.2037.15

- 1.95

2.00 -

3,580 3,600

- 20

215 -

91140

- 49

1 50

9090

-

7 -

By multiplying each part with the nutrientcomposition for TDN, NEL and CP of eachingredient, and adding up the componentswe get the nutrient composition of themixture.

Calculating the total amount of nutri-ents supplied (step 7)By adding up the nutritive values (table 7)for the roughages and the concentrates weget the total amount of nutrients suppliedso far.

Balancing ration for energy, protein,minerals and vitamins (step 8)The total feed values for roughages andthe concentrate mixture are now comparedwith the amount required for maintenanceand milk production (table 8). We noticethat the ration is still lacking a little in re-quirements for NEL and Calcium.The amount supplied for crude protein isabout in order. Practical dairy farming wequite often see that high-yielding cows are

lacking energy for milk production and infewer cases for protein.From table 4 in Volume 1 of Feeding Man-agement we see that delinted cottonseedcake is the most suitable feed to make upfor the shortage of NEL. We need about

The High-yielding dairy cow is quite often lackingenergy and sometimes protein for milk production.

11

DMIntake

kg

Table 9 Total feeds supplied with ration

CFFibre

%

EnergyTDN NEL g Mcal

Crudeprotein

g

MineralsCa P g g

(step 9)(step 1)

Total suppliedRequired

24.85> 19

17.6%>16%

17,18016,150

37.2037.15

3,7953,600

142140

9790

1 kg of delinted cottonseed cake to com-pensate for the lack of these ingredients.The oversupply of TDN and crude proteinwill positively support the energy balance.

Furthermore, it is advised to include amineral/vitamin supplement (2.5 kg per tonof mixed concentrates), which providesabout 7500 IU of vitamin A, 1000 IU ofvitamin D, and about 25 IU of vitamin E perkilogramme of mixture. It is recommendedto have also saltlick for dairy cattle avail-able ad libitum, which contains sufficientmacro and micro elements. However, inthis example the mineral requirements, es-pecially for Ca, are insufficiently provided.In this example about 0.25 kg limestone(200 g Ca per kg) is sufficient for balancingthe mineral requirements.

Add all ingredients supplied (step 9)In step 9 we add all nutrients supplied(table 9) to compare them with the nutrientrequirements for maintenance and milkproduction as stated in table 3.

Evaluating the complete ration for totalrequirements for production (step 10)We notice that the nutrients supplied meetthe feeding requirements for this particularcow. For DM intake an amount of 25 kggrass silage, 10 kg maize silage and 2.5 kgbeet pulp are provided, which is above therequired one-third of the total DM intakefrom fibrous feedstuffs for avoiding diges-tive disorders. In this ration 4,385 g crudefibre (CF) is provided, which figures out at17.6% crude fibre, by dividing 4,385/24,850 x 100%, and resulting in over 16%crude fibre as required. Furthermore wenotice that the supply of TFN is now aboverequirements, which helps the dairy cow toreduce her loss of weight.

As stated before, ample feeding of about10% edible leftovers during the beginningof the lactation is recommended, whichamount may be added to the ration.

With ad libitum feeding of the variousingredients, roughages as well as otherfeeds, one should consider that a certainamount of roughages can be displaced byconcentrates. This displacement is de-pendent on the level of milk production, thesupply and quality of roughages, theavailability of concentrates and the indi-vidual appetite of the cow. It can be as highas 5 kg DM from roughages displaced byconcentrates.

The above is a simplified method of calcu-lating the nutritional requirements for acertain milk production. It should be real-ized that many other ingredients can beused in rations.

SOFTWARE PACKAGES

Nowadays there are optimisation softwarepackages available for composing low costrations for dairy cows.Furthermore there are feeding systems forconcentrates available who allow fullyautomatic and individual feeding of eachcow. The feeding of concentrates is at pre-set amounts, for each dairy cow individuallyon the basis of ‘little and often’, resulting ina remarkable saving on feed costs.

Software packages are increasingly used foroptimizing rations of dairy cattle.

12

The dairy farmer should know the basicprinciples of dairy cattle nutrition tooptimize the production of the herd andmaintain good health of the cows.Therefore, supplementation of the rationby the right amount of concentrates isessential. Furthermore, the concentratesshould have the right composition in orderto fulfill the nutrient requirements of thedairy cows.

The general guidelines for the formulationof rations are:

1. analysing feeds for their nutritionalcomposition;

2. using quality feeds and omitting mouldyroughages under all circumstances;

3. weighing or estimating the amount

SUMMARY

of each feed included in the total ration;4. keeping rations constant, especially

during the first half of the lactation;5. observing the roughages/concentrate

ratio with emphasis on at least one-thirdof fibrous roughages of the total DMintake to avoid digestive disorders;

6. supplementing concentrate mixtureswith the right amount of minerals andvitamins;

7. providing rations that are palatable andappealing to the dairy cow;

8. using feedstuffs that do not affect themilk flavour and are beneficial to health;

9. considering the availability and priceper kg DM of feedstuffs;

10.optimizing economical rations forprofitable dairy farming.

13

- Cattle Feeding, Lecture notes Dairy Training Centre ‘Friesland’.- Feeds and Feeding & Feed Supplies, Lecture notes FAO Dairy Training School, Kenya.- Relationship between Energy Values of Feedstuffs predicted with thirteen feed evaluation

Systems for dairy Cows, van der Honing and Steg, IVVO-DLO, report 160 (1984).- Feeds and Nutrition Digest, Ensminger, Oldfield and Heineman, 2nd edition (1990).- Feeding Dairy Cattle, Dairy Handbook, NADF of Zimbabwe (1987).- Feeding Dairy Cows by Marshall E. McCullough, Hoard’s Dairyman (1986).- Total Mixed Rations & Supercows by Marshall E. McCullough, Hoard’s Dairyman (1991).- Roughage for Dairy Cattle by Marshall E. McCullough, Hoard’s Dairyman (1989).- Fresh Cow Problems, How to control them by hoard’s Dairyman (1993).

REFERENCES FOR FURTHER READING

Earlier publications:

-Reproduction Management-Foot Care Management

-Young Stock Management-Feeding Management, Volume 1

Dairy Training Centre Friesland (DTC-Friesland) is established by various Dutch farmers’organisations and controlled by the Minister of Agriculture. The Centre conducts a varietyof international training-programmes and courses. We also provide consultancy andmanagement services.

All courses have a strong practice-oriented character based on the training concept oflearning by doing. The practical training is very intensive; one instructor deals withgroups of six students and for subjects like milking even with three students only.DTC-Friesland offers training in the following subjects:

- Dairy Husbandry

* machine- and handmilking, milking machines, milk hygiene* feeding, ration-calculation, feedplans, quality of feedstuffs* fertility management, heat detection* breeding, use of A.I., culling, body conformation* housing, tying/cubicle systems, hygiene* health, mastitis control, hoofcare* calfrearing* farm economics* farm administration

- Forage production

* pasture management* foddercrops* silage making* farm machinery

- Milk processing

* manufacture of cheese, butter, yogurt,ice-cream etc.

* milk collection and payment systems* marketing* management of a dairy unit

- Sheep-husbandry- Dairy goat husbandry- Intensive Beef-production- Horse-keeping and animal traction- Teaching-methodology

Visits to farmers organizations, A.I.-stations, Health and Extension service etc. areintegrated in the courses to provide a good picture of the dairy sector in the Netherlands.

14

Dairy Training Centre Friesland

Feeding of dairy cattle has a large influence onthe profitability of the dairy farm.

AD HOC COURSES

Our major activity is the organization of ad hoc courses on request, preferably for groupsof a multiple of six participants. These training programmes are tailor-made and com-pletely designed according to the requirements of the client. The courses deal with one ormore of the earlier mentioned subjects. Duration of the courses caries from 1 week toseveral months.The courses are conducted in English. For some special subjects training can be providedin French, Spanish or German as well.If facilities are available locally, our staff is prepared to conduct courses abroad as well.

SIX-WEEKS COURSE: MODERN DAIRY FARM MANAGEMENT

This course is especially designed for persons in charge of a large-scale dairy enterprise,and includes all aspects involved in managing a dairy herd. The course offers a goodopportunity to refresh one’s knowledge and learn about recent developments in dairy-farm management. The course is conducted annually in September/October.However, for groups of at least six persons it can be organized at any time during the year.

TRAINING FACILITIES AND STAFFThe center has four farms, eachwith a different managementsystem. One farm is especiallyequipped for international courses.The total stock at the four farmsincludes 250 dairy cows, 50fattening-bulls, 45 dairy-goats, 85sheep and 12 Friesian horses.Additionally, the center maintainsclose relations with twentyneighbouring farms which areused for practical training.Our staff consists of fifty dedi-cated and well-qualified trainers.All have up-to-date knowledge ofmodern dairy-farm management,and over 70 man-yearsexperience is present in variousdairy development projectsthroughout the world.

ACCOMODATIONA newly constructed hostel provides full board and lodging in single or double bedrooms.The hostel provides an international kitchen, and many recreational facilities.Social excursions are organised during the weekends to enable the students to getacquainted with the Dutch culture.

For more detailed information on our activities, please contact:

IPC-Livestock / DTC-FrieslandP.O.Box 85 Telephone : +31 5825615629062 ZJ Oenkerk Telefax : +31 582561628The Netherlands E-mail : info@oenkerk.ipcagro.nl

15

Composing rations as part of the training