How to Feed Cows at Milking Time

Most farmers use milking parlors.

Cows lactate, or produce milk, up to almost a year after having a calf. Cows by nature are curious and content creatures, and their disposition doesn't change while being milked. During this period of time, which occurs two or three times a day, cows will continue to eat or chew their cud. You can feed cows during milking time, and how you do so will depend on the setup of your barn or milking parlor.

Instructions

1. Feed the cows exactly as you would during any other time of the day in a stanchion barn. In a stanchion barn, cows each have their own space called a stanchion where they feed, drink and are milked. Feeding the cows during milking time in a stanchion barn is often a convenient option because the cows are in the barn, whereas they may be in the pasture during other parts of the day.

2. Encourage the cows to come in the feeding lot in a freestall dairy operation by feeding them during milking time. Ideally, the feeding facilities are located right next to the milking parlor. By scheduling the cows' feeding during milking time, they will enter the feeding location on their own free will. From there, they can be easily herded into the milking parlor in small groups or individually.

3. Individualize the amount of grain each cow eats by feeding her grain directly in the milking parlor while she milks. Cows need different amounts of grain depending on which phase of lactation they are in. If they overeat grain, they will gain weight resulting in an inefficient usage of resources. Cows can then eat the other materials they need, such as dry hay, corn and silage, in their feeding area.

Tips & Warnings

• Cows easily adapt to daily routines and are not disturbed by feeding machinery. Once you establish a feeding schedule, you'll find the cows eagerly anticipate your feeding and will come to you if you let them.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension; Nutrition and Feeding of the Cow-Calf Herd; Baker, et al; May 1, 2001
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; Individually Feeding Dairy Cows in the Milking Parlor; Jodie A. Pennington
• Dairy 2007; Facility Characteristics and Cow Comfort on U.S. Dairy Operations, 2007; United States Department of Agriculture; 2007