Ration formulation models are an important tool in the process of feeding dairy cows. There is a wide breadth of activity and effort that comes before the ration formulation step and then a similar set of important tasks to get the ration in front of the cows. Let’s consider the process from start to finish, the people involved, and a few ideas for improvement.
Many moving parts
Consider a multi-member team of farm personnel planning and then actually planting, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, and finally processing or storing crops intended for dairy feed. Likewise, consider the number of phone calls, emails, risk management decisions, and simple logistics that bring the primary grains, supplements, and various by-products to a dairy. Included in that group would be farm personnel, office managers, feed ingredient salespeople, feed companies, truck drivers, and the list goes on!
Once all of these ingredients are secured and arranged for feeding, the sacred task of actually building the diet is completed. This step is not more important than the ones that come before or after, but it is a little different. What is the main difference? This craft of ration formulation is usually accomplished by one person. The solace of one person sitting thoughtfully behind a computer studying the details of these ingredients and how to combine them together to feed the herd is in contrast to the number of individuals needed in prior steps. To be sure, once the diet is set, the teamwork begins again to implement it on farm.
Who takes ownership?
Ration formulation can also have multiple people involved, but it is likely that even in an organization where teamwork is the norm, each ration is still “owned” by and is the responsibility of one person. I am always thinking of ways to make this step better. Broader teamwork on the whole process from seed to the bunk will best help the formulator make good decisions. Building rations with haste or in other stressful environments will usually not result in the best formulation.
Know your feed team
Once the diet is set and communicated to the farm, a whole new process begins. Between the folks who bring up silage every morning, make sure the bays are rotated, maintain the mixers and the scales, watch for wearing knives and kickers, check daily dry matters, make sure the pen counts are up to date, aggressively push up feed, and so on, there are many important people involved in feeding. When I step into a feeding area and wave at the feeder to make sure they see me, I remember how important that job is to the success of the diet I formulated. Yes, we have some methods to keep an eye on the accuracy of this step, but that is not the real way to win. Having buy-in from the feeding team that excellence is the goal is the best way to feed cows.
I also think about things I suggest in the diet that, at times, make the feeder’s job more difficult. I remember the time I forgot to make a change in a mineral to include an important additive and the feeders had to get up and down from the loader to grab some bags several times a day for a few weeks. These feeders got a gift card from me to show appreciation for their effort. That is teamwork and cooperation along the process. I wish my Spanish was at least good enough for basic conversations with these important people. I appreciate feeders and the key role they play in delivering my formulation to the bunk.
Room for improvement
These are all good ideas, but what would be beneficial is if we could think about ways we can make the process better from start to finish. How can we grow and buy feed better, build better diets with the most up-to-date formulation models, and lastly, how can we set up a system where feeders can excel and implement the plan with precision?
On the front end, perhaps we look for ways to simplify ingredients. I love to find ways to save on feed cost for my clients, but at times, these cost saving ideas come with more complications. Are they always worth it? Nutritionists know the impact that various additives and ingredients have on successful production and cow health. When considering these, think about challenges feeders may encounter, like going up and down from the loader many times per day to accomplish it. Even though it might add some cost, consider putting those specialty ingredients in a mix that can actually be added with the loader bucket. The other significant risk for bag-type ingredients in routine use is the occasional error in what bag was added to a particular mix. This could be a small issue or a big one, depending on the incorrect ingredient added.
Streamline the process
Based on the size of the dairy and the number of loads of total mixed ration (TMR) made each day, multiple rations may or may not be a complication for the process. On a large dairy, I like to have multiple rations to better address the unique needs of cows in various stages of lactation. In general, if we can do this and not add loads or send out several partial loads each day, it should be a nonissue for the feeders. We also don’t want a delivery truck or wagon crisscrossing the dairy to feed different pens. There is a balance here. Consider creative ways to keep mixers and delivery boxes full and add a specialty load as a “top-off” that adds those nutrients that are key to a particular group of cows. This is a common practice for feeding fresh pens a combination of a fresh cow ration for a portion of the day’s intake followed by a high-cow ration to fill the dry matter needs of that pen. Timing these drops to be fresh and pushed up when fresh pens return from the parlor is key to making this plan successful.
Maybe I am biased to the part of this process that I focus on, but in reality, every step is crucial. And though there are computers, models, science, steel, tires, diesel, feed ingredients, and cows involved, the people are the true keys to success. I find spending time with feeders helps both of us see the scope of our jobs. Valuing each role is how to win. It is helpful for me to have good working relationships with the farming and feed procurement individuals to be sure we are growing and buying what is going to be the best fit for the cows and ultimately the profitability of the farm. Finding and developing talent to complete this process with a high degree of success should be the goal. It is a great example of a team from start to finish, and teams work best when they work together.
