Nutrition Glossary
9 essential nutrition terms explained — from Body Condition Score to practical dairy farming knowledge.
Understanding Nutrition in Dairy Farming
Nutrition is the largest variable cost on any dairy — feed represents 50–60% of total production costs. But nutrition is also the primary lever for boosting milk production and profitability. The goal is not to minimize feed cost, but to maximize Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC). A well-formulated TMR based on forage quality, production stage, and body condition can improve IOFC by $2–4/cow/day.
Key Principles
Forage Quality First
Better forage (RFV 150 vs 120) increases DMI by 3–5 lbs/day and milk by 4–7 lbs/day. Test forage monthly — quality varies 20–30% between cuttings.
RFV >150 targetDMI Drives Everything
Lactating cows at peak consume 3.0–3.5% of BW as DMI. A 10% increase in DMI at peak translates to 2–3 kg more milk/cow/day. Heat stress reduces DMI 10–35%.
3.0–3.5% BWBalance the TMR
Effective fiber ≥28% NDF from forage prevents acidosis. Limit concentrate to 0.5% BW per feeding. Feed TMR to prevent sorting.
≥28% NDFPrecision Feeding by Stage
Feed different rations by lactation stage. Peak cows (20–60 DIM) need maximum energy density. Late lactation cows (150+ DIM) need less energy to avoid over-conditioning.
NEL 0.78–0.85A
Acidosis
nutritionA metabolic condition caused by excessive rumen acid production (low pH). Subacute (SARA) is common in high-producing dairy cows fed high-concentrate rations. Reduces fiber digestion and milk fat.
B
A 1–9 visual scoring system assessing fat cover over the spine, ribs, and tail head of cattle. BCS 5 is ideal for most beef cows.
Protein that escapes rumen degradation and is absorbed in the small intestine. Essential for high-producing cows. Sources: heat-treated soybean meal, fish meal, distillers grains.
C
Concentrate
nutritionEnergy-dense, low-fiber feeds (grains, byproducts) added to forage-based rations to boost energy and protein. Typically 30–60% of the dairy ration.
D
The amount of feed consumed excluding water content. Expressed as a percentage of body weight: lactating cows 3.0–3.5%, dry cows 1.8–2.0%.
F
The ratio of feed consumed to weight gained. Lower is better. Feedlot cattle: 6–8 lbs feed per lb of gain. Dairy: 0.7–0.9 lbs DMI per lb of milk.
Forage
nutritionPlant material (grass, legumes, crop residues) used as feed. The foundation of ruminant nutrition. Provides fiber for rumen function and energy for production.
R
The process of regurgitating, re-chewing, re-salivating, and re-swallowing feed. Cows ruminate 6–8 hours per day, producing 100–150 liters of saliva daily.
T
A blend of forages, concentrates, minerals, and vitamins mixed into a single uniform ration. Ensures every bite is nutritionally balanced.
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