The average lifetime daily production of dairy cows can be increased significantly

LifeStart average lifetime daily milk production

Our early LifeStart research has demonstrated that using a LifeStart feeding schedule can significantly reduce the age of heifers at first calving and substantially increase the milk production in the first lactation.

Increasing the lifetime average daily milk production in cows can be achieved by managing the following parameters:

  • Reducing the age at first calving
  • Increasing the milk production per lactation
  • Increasing the number of lactations per cow
LifeStart research carried out more recently shows that:
  • Culling rates during the first and second lactation are reduced significantly in heifers reared according to LifeStart principles
  • Milk production in the second lactation is also higher in animals fed according to a LifeStart feeding schedule

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Trouw Nutrition is dedicated to optimize calf rearing principles by developing science based solutions that will enable dairy farmers to produce in a more sustainable way. Together with our global network of scientific institutes, we share solutions to deal with common challenges of the dairy industry.

In 2014 Trouw Nutrition initiated the Kempenshof LifeStart trial in which calves are monitored from birth until the end of their productive life. This trial still continues today.

Our team will share their latest findings and results as well as other important information related to calf rearing from around the world.

 

 

 

LifeStart studies on lifetime production

  • A LifeStart calf feeding schedule reduces culling and increases milk yield in first and second lactation

    A LifeStart calf feeding schedule increased pre-weaning ADG by 155 g/day, reduced culling rate and increased milk production in first and second lactation.

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  • Increased pre-weaning growth has a positive effect on lifetime production

    Pre-weaning growth as a result of intensive liquid feeding has a positive impact on lifetime production.

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  • A LifeStart feeding schedule improves lifetime performance

    A LifeStart feeding schedule resulted in a higher average daily gain, a lower culling rate and a higher production during the second lactation.

    Read more

LifeStart Themes

Most LifeStart science articles on this site relate to a particular stage of the life of a calf or dairy cow. However, some general themes are not related to a particular stage of life. For a full understanding of LifeStart science, please review the information related to the 4 themes above: