DairyCo

Ration Formulation

Successful rationing involves achieving the best possible balance between a number of key nutritional, practical and financial factors.

The most important priorities in rationing are:

• To deliver an adequate supply of the nutrients required to meet the cows' needs
• To achieve a balance of ingredients that will optimise rumen function and nutrient utilisation
• To ensure the ration can provide the required nutrition within the cows' intake capacity
• To make the most of the lowest cost (often home grown) feeds for the greatest economy
• To provide rations which can be fed effectively with the equipment and facilities available.

Chapter 7 of feeding+ covers aspects of assessing cow requirements, potential intakes, methods of formulation plus monitoring.