Average milk protein is currently 3.53%, but can drop over 0.2% during summer months due to sub-optimal grassland management. Farmers are advised to maintain grass allocations and quality to prevent energy deficits, which can lead to reduced milk protein, body condition, and fertility issues. Decisions on surplus grass for bales may be necessary.
The article discusses the importance of effective grassland management to maintain milk protein levels, which can significantly drop during the summer months. Average milk protein has been around 3.53% since mid-May, but farmers often see a decline of 0.2% or more in June and July due to issues like cows entering paddocks with pre-grazing covers exceeding 1,500kg of dry matter (DM)/ha, especially when average growth rates are high (over 90kg DM/ha). This sub-optimal management can lead to reduced milk protein and financial losses. Maintaining livestock covers at 180-200kg DM/Livestock Unit (LU) is recommended for summer. Poor energy intake due to insufficient grass allocation can result in reduced milk protein, lower body condition, ketosis, and fertility problems. For instance, a cow producing 27kg of milk requires approximately 18 UFL (Units Forage Laitière), and grass quality, influenced by graze-out, pre-grazing cover, and nutrients, is crucial for meeting this requirement. Grass quality deteriorates rapidly after the three-leaf stage. When covers exceed 1,500kg DM/ha, farmers may need to consider taking paddocks for surplus bales to allow for proper rotation. Currently, about 70% of farms using PastureBase are entering paddocks with covers above this threshold, indicating a widespread need to manage surplus grass.
Maintaining milk protein levels is crucial for dairy farmers' profitability, as drops directly impact milk cheque earnings. Effective grassland management is key to preventing these declines and ensuring herd health and fertility, especially during the summer grazing season.