Milk Loss estimated factor
per hour less than the preferred lying down activity (12 hs)
Mouse move the icons below, in order to learn more about how each activity may affect milk production and your herd performance.
Eating
Dry matter intake (DMI) is directly related to level of production. Feedbunk management practices such as frequent push ups and 3-5% weighbacks will optimize DMI if other charted areas allow. Cows will eat 6-15 meals per day of 4-9 lbs DMI each, lasting 20-30 minutes each
Lying (% Free-Stall Usage):
Stall Use Index: the percent of animals that are NOT eating, drinking, sleeping, or grooming that are lying in stall measured 1-4 hours after milking. Additionally, less than 5% incidence of cows half in/half out cows is acceptable
Social
Normal social activity includes grooming, exercise, licking, interaction with other animals and expression of heat. Expression of social activity is impacted by cow health, environment, grouping and time allowed by other activities
Milking
Total Milking time or "turn times" should be less than 3 hours per day regardless of how many times you milk per day. Longer times increase time away from the feedbunk and increase time on concrete
Drinking
High producing cows will consume up to 40 gallons per day or approximately 3 lbs of water for every 1 pound of milk produced. Waters should be cleaned daily allow 3 inches linear per cow in at least 2 sites per 100 animals. Alternatively, \hole\ water types should provide one space per 10 animals in 2 or more sites
Lockups
Time per day spent locked or retained for management purposes MUST not exceed 1.5 hours per day.Extended times decrease DMI and increase time on concrete daily.Remember that even if feed is available for average cows, high producing cows may run short of feed and also do not eat normal meals over such extended periods
5.0
3.0
1.5
Lying
12
0.5
Extra Standing
0.3
total
24
Cow Comfort: Activity Charting
Cow Comfort: Activity Charting
Cow Comfort: Activity Charting
Cow Comfort: Activity Charting