Great genetics only reach their potential with the right feed. This is the forage-first, protein-balanced approach behind our highest-producing cows.
People often assume our top cows milk 45–50 litres because of some secret feed. There is no secret — just a disciplined, forage-first ration balanced for energy, protein, and minerals, fed consistently. Here is how the feeding programme is built.
Forage is the foundation
High-quality forage should make up the bulk of the diet. Well-managed Napier grass harvested young, good silage, and legumes like desmodium or lucerne give the fibre a rumen needs and a large share of the energy and protein. Cheap, mature, stemmy forage is a false economy — cows eat less of it and milk less.
- Harvest Napier young (about 1–1.5 m) for higher protein and digestibility.
- Make silage to carry good feed through the dry season.
- Include legumes to lift the protein content of the forage.
Balance energy and protein
A cow milking 40+ litres has huge energy and protein demands that forage alone rarely meets at peak lactation. Top up with a good dairy meal balanced for protein, feeding roughly in proportion to production. Energy sources such as maize germ and protein sources such as cotton or sunflower seed cake help close the gap — but they support forage, they don't replace it.
Never skip minerals and water
Offer a good dairy mineral supplement free-choice or mixed into the ration — minerals drive milk, fertility, and health, and deficiencies quietly cap yield. And remember water is the biggest single ingredient in milk: a high-yielding cow needs 100–150 litres of clean water a day, always available.
Feed for the stage of lactation
A cow's needs change through her cycle. In early lactation, push energy and protein to support the milk peak and protect body condition. In mid-to-late lactation, adjust the ration down as yield falls. Feed the dry cow well but not to fatness, so she calves in the right condition and starts strong.
Consistency beats cleverness
The rumen dislikes sudden change. Feed at the same times, change rations gradually over a week or more, and keep forage in front of the cow at all times. A steady, well-balanced ration fed consistently will out-produce a richer ration fed erratically.
Forage first, protein to match production, minerals and water never skipped, fed the same way every day — that's the whole programme.
We share our full daily rations, forage plan, and supplementation programme with farmers who buy our genetics, and coach you to run it on your own farm. Reach out if you'd like a hand.
