Nutrition Strategies for Improving Milk Production and Fertility

Dairy cow nutrition is the result of a complex balance between ration formulation, rumen health, milk production, and fertility. Recent scientific research highlights how even small changes in diet composition can significantly impact animal performance and reproductive efficiency.

This article, presented in Kansas City during a major international scientific meeting, summarizes the findings of several peer-reviewed studies focused on key topics such as dietary starch levels, DCAD, water quality, and ration composition. The data provide valuable insights for improving feeding strategies and supporting more efficient and sustainable dairy farm management.

Download the full article in PDF to explore the complete research data and scientific analyses.

Below, you will find a concise summary of the main results and take-home messages, designed for a quick and practical reading.

Summary

The article summarizes several scientific studies presented in Kansas City during a major dairy nutrition conference, highlighting how ration formulation strongly affects milk production, rumen health, and fertility.

Dietary starch levels

A meta-analysis of 56 studies shows that reducing starch in the diet (replaced by nonfiber carbohydrates, forage, or sugars) leads to:

• Lower dry matter intake
• Reduced milk yield
• Decreased milk fat and protein
• Lower rumen volatile fatty acid production, especially propionate

Key takeaway: when starch levels are reduced due to high feed costs, fermentable carbohydrates must be carefully balanced. Excessive starch, however, increases the risk of rumen acidosis.

DCAD and performance

A review of 44 studies indicates that increasing DCAD:

• Improves dry matter intake and milk yield
• Increases milk fat concentration and yield
• Enhances fiber digestibility

Key takeaway: DCAD is a powerful nutritional tool, particularly under heat stress conditions.

Ration composition and fertility

Data from 49 freestall herds show that:

• Milk production level is not directly related to fertility
• Higher dry matter intake and higher dietary energy (NFC, starch, net energy) negatively affect conception rates
• Higher NDF levels are positively associated with fertility

Key takeaway: excessive dietary energy can impair reproductive performance, while adequate fiber supports fertility.

Water quality

An in vitro study demonstrates that:

• Water quality affects rumen fermentation rate
• Water treatment had minimal effects on digestibility
• Poor water quality can reduce water intake, dry matter intake, and milk production

Additional findings

• Fecal starch analysis is a useful tool to evaluate starch utilization
• Certain fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid) can depress milk fat synthesis
• Grazing-type corn silage hybrids can reduce heifer feeding costs without affecting growth

Conclusion: dairy cow nutrition is highly complex and must be carefully balanced to optimize production, rumen function, and reproductive performance.